Paying it forward

On January 26 of this year, just days after I turned 40, Kelsey Snyder’s email popped into my inbox. Her message encouraged me to consider an opportunity to, “help us (The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society) with an exciting campaign coming up this spring.” I reread the email a couple of times, and talked with my boss Gary Furst about my desire to become a candidate for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Visionary of the Year. Gary was supportive, as always. As a servant leader, he’s learned that community outreach and charitable giving are some of the best ways to live into your values. I nervously agreed to a meeting with Kelsey and Mindy Hartwick to confirm my interest. In that meeting, Mindy promised me that my commitment to LLS and a Visionaries of the Year campaign would change my life. She delivered on that promise.

As many of you know, my family is no stranger to cancer. My husband and best friend received a Stage IV diagnosis in 2021. He’s been battling the disease in one form or another since 2005. I’ve been a witness to his immense suffering, resilience, undying optimism, healing, and darkest days. Serving Elijah through it all has been the greatest honor of my life. If you know him, you know he’s kind, funny, witty, hard working, energetic … he doesn’t deserve what he’s been through, and yet it hasn’t deterred him from being the first one to lend a helping hand when it’s needed.?

Our family has benefited greatly from the love and support of our family, friends, Elijah’s care teams, and colleagues throughout the years. We have always known that we can’t repay the kindness we’ve received, but I knew that we should do our level best to pay all of that love forward. This campaign has been the way we’ve been able to do just that -- show up for all of the blood cancer patients in a big, audacious way.

We built a beautiful, dedicated multi-state team of volunteers who probably didn’t have the time in their busy schedules to support us in the first place. They all made the time. Each member of our team generously gave their time and unique talents to partner with sponsors, ask for donations, increase awareness, host events, and curate silent and live auction packages. The work was as any worthwhile endeavor … hard and good. We all felt called to the work, and we willingly sacrificed rest to do our very best.?

We are all amazed at the generosity of local businesses, family foundations, and our family and friends. Everyone that has spread the word about our cause, donated, and showed up at our events has affirmed that love demands action. I’ve personally written thank you letters to each donor, and it’s been wonderful to spend hours each weekend shaking out hand cramps because of how many dollars we’ve raised for LLS.?

To my fellow candidates, I want to thank you for working so hard. Your impressive efforts have encouraged me to try harder, to be more, and to be worthy of being a part of your 2023 class. I can’t thank you enough and am looking forward to toasting your accomplishments tomorrow.

Once again, I find myself thinking that I can’t possibly repay this debt of kindness. I can’t wait for the next opportunity I’ll get to pay your awe-inspiring support forward. While I’m not sure what that opportunity might be, everyone that has supported us and LLS has my commitment that I’ll enthusiastically say yes and give it my all.?

FINAL CALL FOR SUPPORT

If you feel so moved, you can still donate today or tomorrow. Use this secure link to make your tax deductible donation: https://e.givesmart.com/events/vpP/i/_Auction/lFts/

Participate in our silent auction by bidding (and hopefully winning) one of five packages carefully curated to bring your family closer together. Text VOYNEIN23 to 76278 to register and place your bids.

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