The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to curing leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and myeloma, while improving the quality of life for patients and their families.

The organization's mission is essential and has a profound impact. Since 1949, LLS has invested more than $1.8 billion in groundbreaking cancer research. It is also the leading source of free education and support for blood cancer patients and their families. With a grassroots network of over 50,000 volunteers, LLS advocates for policy changes to accelerate treatment development and improve access to care.

Everyone in the community can contribute to LLS, regardless of age or background. Three Sherwood residents—Evan Flashberg, Delilah Ludders, and Quinlan Taylor—are participating in the Student Visionaries of the Year program, a philanthropic leadership initiative for high school students. Evan, a junior at Oaks Christian, leads the Team CUREsaders, with Delilah, a sophomore at Westlake High, and Quinlan, a 7th grader at Oaks Christian. Their goal is to raise $100,000 for LLS between January 23 and March 14, 2025.

LLS has touched many lives. Since 2017, its research team has contributed to 70% of FDA-approved blood cancer treatments, with advancements often extending to other cancers, such as breast cancer.

Fundraisers and events are vital to LLS’s efforts. The Student Visionaries of the Year campaign spans seven weeks, culminating in the Grand Finale Gala on March 14 at Sherwood Country Club. On January 26, Quinlan hosted the first annual LLS Polar Plunge at Sherwood Country Club, with proceeds benefiting their team’s campaign.

For Evan, the program offers more than just leadership skills. "Everyone, including myself, has been affected by cancer. I know several people who have endured blood cancer, and I have seen the effects it has had on their families. It is a journey no one should be on, and that is why I am fundraising on behalf of LLS," he shares.

Delilah’s motivation comes from her father’s remission from Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. "I chose to support LLS because my dad had Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and has been in remission for six years, so this cause is very personal to me. I am so grateful that he could fight and win the battle. I would like to help ensure that other patients can receive the best care and treatments that research provides. With the help of LLS, blood cancer can be defeated," she explains.

For Quinlan, the fight against cancer is deeply personal. "I am choosing to participate in LLS after seeing my mom (stage three breast cancer) and many other people I know go through cancer. I am participating to help people avoid what my family had to go through. After seeing my friend fight blood cancer and seeing how the cancer affected not only my family but others, I wanted to help. The cures that LLS is working on often grow into cures for breast cancer, which is very important to me because that is the type my mom had," she shares.

If you would like to support LLS as a donor or volunteer, scan the QR code or contact Yvette Flashberg at yflashberg@gmail.com. For more information on LLS's work and mission, visit lls.org.