The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society - Wisconsin

🚴‍ Scenic Shore Recruitment Action Day is HERE! 🚴‍

Today, we’re rallying our incredible community to recruit 100 new riders for the 2025 Scenic Shore Bike Tour — and we need YOUR help to make it happen!

💬 Thinking about joining? Been meaning to register?
This is your sign to take action.

We’ve got a powerful message from our Honored Hero, Jess, to kick off the day — her story is a moving reminder of why we ride:
🎥 https://msg.lls.org/HHVideo

Here’s how you can take action today:

✅ Register to ride at scenicshore150.org
✅ Invite friends to register
✅ Post your "why I ride" story on social media
✅ Text or email someone you think would love this ride

🎁 Incentives — today only!

$25 fundraising credit when you register

$25 for each friend you recruit (up to $125!)

Brewers tickets for teams that bring in 5+ new riders

🛑 Incentive funds are limited — first come, first served!
$5,000 total will be distributed across all eligible riders and referrals until funds run out.

Whether it’s your first Scenic Shore or your 33rd, now is the time to ride for a world without blood cancer. Let’s make this our biggest and boldest year yet!

We’re turning up the volume on gratitude this ! 🔊📣 Today, we celebrate our Madison Candidates, whose dedication in Madison is making a real impact on the blood cancer community! ⭐ Thank you for showing up, stepping up, and lifting up those who need it most. ❤️

Help us recognize the volunteers at the heart of our work, and see how you can get involved 🫶 👉 https://www.lls.org/volunteer

We’re turning up the volume on gratitude this ! 🔊📣 Today, we celebrate our Eastern Wisconsin Candidates, whose dedication in Eastern Wisconsin is making a real impact on the blood cancer community! ⭐ Thank you for showing up, stepping up, and lifting up those who need it most. ❤️

Help us recognize the volunteers at the heart of our work, and see how you can get involved 🫶 👉 https://www.lls.org/volunteer

👋 Day 2 of our Executive Committee countdown is here! We’re so proud of the community leaders stepping up for the mission this year. Get to know Tina Gordon today!
🗓 Don’t forget to RSVP for our May 7th Leadership Launch 👉 https://www.llsform.org/0440FS01/pscvve4tnu/index

Tina Gordon – Interior Designer, Dimension IV

We’re so excited to welcome Tina to this year’s Executive Committee! As a leader in the design and architecture space, she brings a creative eye and a big heart to the cause. We can’t wait to see the impact she’ll make with us this season.

🎉 We’re kicking things off! Each day leading up to our Leadership Launch on May 7th, we’ll be introducing one of the incredible leaders behind this year’s Executive Committee. First up: Doug Belt!
📅 Haven’t RSVP’d yet? Make sure you do 👉 https://www.llsform.org/0440FS01/pscvve4tnu/index

Doug Belt – Owner, Atlas Wealth Advisers

Doug is one of the newest additions to our Executive Committee this year, and we’re so excited to have him on board. He brings fresh energy, sharp insight, and a clear passion for giving back. Welcome to the team, Doug!

There are only a few hours left of Visionaries of the Year Action Day! Our Visionaries of the Year candidates have been working hard alongside all candidates across the country today to inspire impact. We are unstoppable as we work together to help to make the vision of a cancer-free future a reality. Learn more about our candidates here: https://www.llsvisionaries.org/mwoy-candidates/3746 https://www.llsvisionaries.org/mwoy-candidates/4146

Let’s celebrate our outstanding Alumni All Star Challengers today as they are bringing back the competition for one day on Visionaries of the Year Action Day! These amazing individuals across the region are re-uniting in their commitment in the fight against blood cancer to see who can raise the most in 24 hours! A huge congratulations and thank you to all of our Alumni All Star Challengers!

Today is Visionaries of the Year Action Day, a nationwide initiative uniting all supporters of Visionaries of the Year! It’s about embracing individual and collective action to propel the mission of LLS forward! Our candidates and team members are taking action today in the fight to end blood cancers. Support them here to help to make the vision of a cancer-free future a reality. https://www.llsvisionaries.org/mwoy-candidates/3746 https://www.llsvisionaries.org/mwoy-candidates/4146

We are proud to announce that Charlie Dunham, Graham Tosh, and Kate Bradford are our 2025 Student Visionaries of the Year! This team raised over $200,000 in this year's campaign, and we could not be prouder. Congrats, Charlie Graham & Kate!!!

Incredible! We are so proud to announce that our Eastern Wisconsin Student Visionaries of the Year candidate teams collectively raised $1,269,130!

Thank you to our candidates, team members, parents, guardians, and supporters. Your efforts are bringing us closer to a world without blood cancer!​

Visionaries of the Year Action Day is almost here! On Tuesday, April 15th Visionaries across the country are uniting to make a difference in the fight against blood cancer. And we have one very special group who is joining us AGAIN! Introducing our 1st Visionaries of the Year Alumni All Star Challenge! These 13 amazing individuals are re-uniting in their commitment in the fight against blood cancer to see who can raise the most in 24 hours and have the opportunity to earn ultimate bragging rights as the inaugural Upper Plains All Star Action Day Winner! Their fundraising goes live on Tuesday, April 15th! Please join me in thanking and congratulating them as they gear up to make an impact AGAIN!

Congratulations to our Eastern WI Student Visionaries Top 10 Fundraising Team Members in Week 6! Give them some love ❤️ as they head into their FINAL week of the campaign!

🌟 We’re thrilled to announce our 2025 Madison Corporate Walk Chair for LLS Light The Night – Sam Blahnik, VP of Business Development at 1848 Construction!

Sam knows what it takes to build something lasting—whether it's strengthening the foundation of a structure or a movement. As a leader in construction, he brings people together, lays out a plan, and helps bring big visions to life. Now, he’s using those same skills to help build something even more powerful: a future without blood cancer.

Sam’s dedication to our mission is deeply personal—his son Jacob is a blood cancer survivor. His passion for raising awareness and inspiring action in our community is unwavering. With his leadership, we’re constructing something extraordinary—hope, connection, and meaningful change.

✨ Join us and get involved in the fight to end blood cancer. Together, we bring light to the darkness of cancer and hope to families across our community.

Meet our Madison Visionaries of the Year Honored Hero, Noah!

Noah was a "regular" high school junior who played several sports when he was given the diagnosis of blood cancer. Noah's 12-year-old sister was a perfect match to be his bone marrow donor and 3-1/2 months after starting chemotherapy, he received a bone marrow transplant. He is now finishing his first year of college where he plays on the college golf team. He encourages people to donate blood and join the bone marrow donor registry. Your donation of blood or bone marrow could save a life!

Noah's family shares, "When Noah was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) during his junior year of high school, we received such an amazing amount of support from family, friends, church and school. Being an honored hero is a way that Noah can pass it along to others by helping The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) raise awareness and money to help support families with blood cancer. We also feel strongly about LLS's support of research. There has been a lot of research done on pediatric AML and patients diagnosed with it generally have a good prognosis. It's not a fun treatment, but it saved Noah's life. We need research to continue so that other patients with blood cancer have better treatment options available to them."



The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
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Congratulations to our Eastern WI Student Visionaries Top 10 Fundraising Team Members in Week 5! Give them some love ❤️ as they head into their sixth week of the campaign!

A huge CONGRATS to our Madison Patient & Education Support mission pillar award winner, Kallo Wahmhoff!!!

A huge CONGRATS to our Madison Policy & Advocacy mission pillar award winner, Raegan Terry!!!!

A huge CONGRATS to our Research mission pillar award winner, Lexi Weyenberg!!!!

What would you tell someone who feels alone in their blood cancer diagnosis?

Dr. Stephen Oh from Washington University in St. Louis is unlocking new possibilities for treating chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML). 🔓

CMML is a rare and complex blood disorder with limited treatment options, making it difficult for patients to find relief. He’s diving deep into what drives CMML’s development and progression, aiming to uncover new pathways for treatment that could lead to better options and brighter futures for patients.

Get the details 👉 https://bit.ly/4h69sNL

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a new treatment option that may improve outcomes in some patients living with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). It’s a hopeful moment for patients and their families. ❤️

“New drugs and treatment approaches are vital for people facing mantle cell lymphoma because it is an aggressive type of blood cancer that often goes into only short remissions,” says Lore Gruenbaum, Ph.D., LLS Chief Scientific Officer. “LLS is supporting multiple approaches to find even more ways to treat this insidious disease.”

Find out more 👉 https://bit.ly/42loRFi

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. showed us that change happens when we take action. ❤️ This , let’s honor his legacy by advocating for health equity and standing up for blood cancer patients. Sign up today to make your voice heard 👉 https://bit.ly/4gVrpOX

"In 2019, I was diagnosed with stage 4 mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), a life-altering moment that set me on a challenging path. I endured rigorous chemotherapy treatments, followed by a life-saving transplant in 2020. Afterward, I underwent 18 additional rounds of maintenance therapy. Today, I am proud to say I've been in remission for nearly five years.

My journey with cancer has completely transformed my life. Like many others who have faced chemotherapy, I experienced numerous struggles, but I never wavered in my commitment to maintaining a positive outlook. Even during the most difficult times, when staying optimistic felt nearly impossible, I fought through it, determined to overcome this disease.

As a physical therapist, I’ve been familiar with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) for many years, so when I was diagnosed with cancer, it was one of the first places I turned to for reliable information. It helped me gain clarity about my disease.

Cancer led me to discover a new passion: writing. I became an author, self-publishing a book that shares my cancer experiences. I have spoken at an LLS event, sharing my story to inspire others. I’m continuing to grow as a speaker and reach out to others affected by cancer. My wife, family, and friends have been vital in my battle, along with my doctor, who also speaks at LLS events. One of the most important takeaways from my cancer experience is not to wait—get tested early and take action right away.

Having a strong support system is crucial. I’ve worked with many cancer patients, regardless of their diagnosis, reminding them that they’re not alone in their fight and encouraging them to maintain a positive outlook.

The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is to never put things off for tomorrow, as tomorrow is never guaranteed. Every day, I wake up with a deep sense of gratitude for having beaten cancer and the opportunity to continue living and improving my life."

Carlos, a healthcare professional, knows what it’s like to face —both as a provider and a patient. Writing helped him heal and connect with others. ❤️✍️ Sharing your experience could do the same 👉 https://bit.ly/3WgrSTB

Artificial intelligence in healthcare: a powerful tool or a cause for concern? Explore how artificial intelligence is shaping the future of patient care—and what it means for you. 🤔💡👉

LLS | How Patients Really Feel About Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Artificial intelligence will soon play an even bigger role in healthcare. Here's what patients are worried about and how to alleviate some of the fear.

Important progress! 🙌 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a new treatment for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). This is a huge step forward, giving children another option while helping to ease the impact of ongoing drug shortages.

“One of the most important things we do is make sure our patients and their families are heard,” shares Dr. Gwen Nichols, LLS Chief Medical Officer. “We’ll keep working with leaders, drug companies, and advocates to make sure patients get the medications they need.”

Get all the details 👉 https://bit.ly/3DNh8pe

"I was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) in 2022 after two years of being sick. I underwent 12 rounds of chemotherapy for six months. It was a difficult journey, but I had an amazing oncology team who let me be actively involved in my treatment.

I was born disabled and have had a lot of experiences in hospitals. So, I thought I would be prepared for this journey. I was wrong. I was only 24 years old when I got diagnosed and felt like I had my whole life ahead of me.

I began to focus on learning everything I could about lymphoma. In my research, I found how common it was among young girls my age. This is what inspired me to start sharing my story.

As an AYA (adolescent and young adult) with cancer, I was often the youngest person in my infusion center. It made it difficult because the one place you thought you would have something in common with everyone still made you feel different.

I became aware of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) as I was looking for grants to cover costs during treatment. I was really fortunate to get a one-time stipend to cover costs. This was incredibly helpful in ensuring I always had a way to get to my treatments. It was one less thing I had to worry about.

Since being in remission, I have continued to share my story of survivorship. There is a common misconception that cancer is only when you are in active treatment and that your life goes back to normal when you are done. I found survivorship harder than treatment in many ways. Through sharing my story on social media, I have been able to connect with other lymphoma patients who have helped me feel less alone in this journey.

Going into 2025, I am so excited for the opportunities I have ahead of me and reaching two years of remission. I’m achieving milestones that seemed impossible during treatment like making Forbes 30 under 30. Moments like this remind me that although survivorship is a journey it does get better."

Daphne knows how unique the AYA cancer experience can be—and we are here for young adults like her. ❤️ From resources to caring specialists, support is just a click away 👉 https://bit.ly/4hanwFq

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a new treatment, bringing hope to children and families facing acute GvHD that doesn’t respond to steroids. This marks a major step forward in ensuring kids not only survive but thrive after blood cancer treatment. ❤️

“Every new treatment for children with blood cancer, like this one for acute GvHD, is an important step forward in our mission,” says Dr. Gwen Nichols, LLS Chief Medical Officer. “But improving outcomes also relies on making sure families have access to the best care and the information they need to make the best treatment choices for their children.”

Learn more 👉 https://bit.ly/4a8ejLz

"I’ve lived a mostly normal 27 years on this earth. However, my life changed drastically on February 28, 2023.

I was woken up by a call from an unknown number. I let it ring. Then they called again.

When I answered, I was met with the voice of a concerned lab tech who explained to me that the blood test I had taken the day before yielded a high white blood cell count. She said I needed to come into the nearest emergency room as soon as possible.

I’ll never forget that moment when the doctor came in to relay my diagnosis. With tears in her eyes, she said, 'We believe you have cancer. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), which is a very aggressive blood cancer. I am so sorry.'

It’s funny when you’re diagnosed with something like cancer, the first thing you think about is not death but your life. In the words of Confucius, 'We have two lives, and the second begins when we realize we only have one.' At this moment, I saw my second life, and I was determined to live it.

From that day on, my journey began. I completed rounds of chemotherapy with a 40-day hospital stay following the first round.

So, where do things stand for me today? I am now about 17 months post-transplant, and proud to say I am still cancer-free.

Finding peace in new beginnings is how we are able to finally move on from trauma. I mean, how many times are you able to just start over, let alone with all new fresh perspectives on life? It’s a beautiful thing really.

To anyone out there facing a similar situation, my advice to you is to hang in there. Be kind to yourself through this process. Open your heart to others, and let them help you.

This is likely the biggest fight of your life, but in the end, you gain wisdom and peace within yourself that you would have likely missed in another life. But to have the chance to fight another day, today, that’s something that really is a gift."

The new year offers a fresh start, much like Matt’s experience of embracing life after unexpected challenges. As we welcome 2025, may we focus on the moments that matter and the beauty of starting anew. Who's with us? ✨

If you could share one word to guide your year ahead, what would it be?

New Year and a renewed focus on making every moment count. ❤️​

Which resolution(s) speaks to you? 🫶​

Give the gift of time for patients and their families as we head into the new year 👉 https://bit.ly/4hfy4U3

More progress! 💥 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a new CAR T-cell therapy for relapsed/refractory acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL).

“With CAR T, we have harnessed the incredible potential of the human immune system to treat blood cancer, offering hope and even potential cures for some patients whose cancer would otherwise be fatal,” says Lee Greenberger, Ph.D., LLS Chief Scientific Officer.

Discover how LLS is fueling the next generation of immune-based therapies 👉 https://bit.ly/4a2kaSO

“In her early 20s, Siri Lindley decided she wanted to become the world's #1 triathlete even though she didn't know how to swim and finished dead last in the competitions she entered. After staying focused and resilient through the MANY ups and downs, she was crowned the Triathlon World Champion eight years later! She retired as the world's #1 triathlete.

In 2023, she was inducted into the World Triathlon Hall of Fame. She coached multiple Ironman world champions and Olympic medal winners. She is currently listed as one of the top 12 triathlon coaches in the world by Triathlete Magazine. She has always faced each day with love for all things and determination to help others with her heart full of love and gratitude.

But her biggest challenge was yet to come. In 2019, when she went in for routine bloodwork for a hip replacement surgery, they found she had acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with a genetic mutation that gave her a 10% chance to live. She and her wife, a fellow champion athlete, were completely shocked and devastated.

But as the news sunk in, she decided right then and there that she was not a statistic and would live. She was treated by renowned doctors at UC Health in Colorado. She was incredibly grateful to be accepted into their clinical trials to treat AML.

There were times during treatment when she was so sick she couldn't move, and many of her friends came to say their final goodbyes. But she KNEW she would survive and thrive. She focused on what she wanted to do when she was cured ― run to the top of her favorite trail with her beloved wife. This is what she did! She has repeated this over and over the past four years of being cancer-free!

She recently went to Washington, D.C. and met many people from The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) as they lobbied for a bill that would allow more access to the general public for clinical trials. She believes this is so important."

Our goal is to give patients and survivors like Siri more time. More time to hit milestones. To make memories. To realize dreams. You can help us do just that - donate today 👉 https://bit.ly/4gVgxAk

“My mother and I being diagnosed with stage II Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) only six weeks apart from each other was not what I anticipated receiving for my 16th birthday. I spent my 16th year in pediatric oncology, receiving treatment at the same time my mom was receiving care in adult oncology.

In 2012, resources for teen patients in the community were nothing like they are today. My mom had significantly more resources available to her because of her age.

Once in remission, I felt motivated to do something for other youth who were experiencing similar isolation. I began a school club called Escape with the goal of collecting donations for age-appropriate art supplies, movies, games, and books for adolescent and young adult cancer patients at my pediatric cancer center. Following high school, I went on to a four-year college, and at this point, I still hadn't connected with anyone my age who had been through cancer. At this time, I was also coming into my identity as q***r and non-binary.

In my freshman year of college, I attended a national conference for adolescents and young adults experiencing cancer. Connecting with peers my age, learning about the resources at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) for the first time, and being introduced to other support organizations for teens and young adults genuinely changed my life. I realized I wasn't alone.

I stayed involved with this conference, and facilitated a peer support space for those of us who identify as LGBTQIA+ and adolescent and young adults (AYAs). Following the session, participants asked if there was a way we could connect outside of the conference. This is when Escape reemerged but with an entirely new purpose.

While I would not characterize my diagnosis as a blessing, I am thankful for the ways I was supported after cancer and for the tools, resources, and love that have given me the capacity to create a space for this vibrant, incredibly special community of LGBTQIA+ AYAs.”

Blood cancer reminds us that time is a gift. Help us give more of it for all those affected, like Hailey. ❤️ Donate today 👉 https://bit.ly/40a6e5E

“Having your child diagnosed with blood cancer is such an adverse situation. Words that helped us from Sofia's medical team: ‘today is a day of treatment you will never have to do again.’ Those really helped us get through very difficult days.

Learning the best ways to advocate for your child can make a huge impact on how you are treated and/or viewed as a patient. This experience is also what you make of it. While this is an experience none of us would ever ask for, it is still a challenge we have been presented with.

We are fortunate to have people supporting our child, and I am grateful for the support from LLS. No one I have ever known has had a child with cancer, but LLS understands this.

It is nice to simply speak with people on the phone that you don't have to feel uncomfortable talking about such a sensitive subject with or worrying that you are going to trigger someone into tears. They make you feel normal and supported but also special at significant at the same time. This is something only an organization like LLS, whose sole purpose is to support my child with blood cancer, can do.

Sofia is bubbly, silly, creative and intelligent. She has a huge heart and is the sweetest child. She is so loved and loves the people in her life with the biggest heart. We are expected to be in active treatment until the end of 2025.”

As Sofia and her family face another year navigating the challenges of , they remind us of the urgency to act. Your support today can bring hope, care, and more time to families like hers. 🫶 Make a difference now 👉 https://bit.ly/3VUuVR8