Signing up to save lives, Bellarmine leaders Cori Joyce, Anna Rosati, and Avery Potyondy have decided to bring together 11 students to fundraise in Blood Cancer United’s Student Visionaries of the Year Campaign. The 7-week campaign was initiated on Jan. 22 and comes to a close on March 13.
Newly named “Blood Cancer United,” from the previous name, “Leukemia and Lymphoma Society,” this organization reaches families and patients that undergo more than 100+ different kinds of Blood Cancer. Furthermore, through generous donors, the organization funds life-saving research, supports patients financially and emotionally, and lastly advocates for policies that benefit the patients most. Joyce, Potyondy, and Rosati decided to bring together a team of students “Team CAAre for a Cure” to support Blood Cancer United’s efforts for a cancer-free future.
Like many people may relate to, Joyce, Potyondy, and Rosati have all been personally affected by cancer through grandparents Potyondy says, “I’m doing the fundraiser in honor of my grandma, Catherine Potyondy, who we lost to pancreatic cancer, and my grandma Debbie McLean, who bravely fought breast cancer. I’m raising money to support research and families because no one should have to face cancer alone.” With their efforts and motivation, the students have chosen to support Blood Cancer United research pillar in their campaign to support research, and to develop life saving treatments for all patients.
Blood Cancer United has invested more than $1.6 billion dollars into life-saving research over the last 70+ years. This research has not only helped blood cancers; blood cancer research has also led to treatment advances for other cancers and diseases as well such as bone cancer, breast cancer, and brain cancer to name a few.
As fundraising has already commenced, the students have notably used their efforts towards food sales. Senior Andrew Dobler has fundraisers at his local church and Bellarmine sports games to spread awareness and share baked goods with the community. And upcoming, the team will be taking orders for an Enchilada Sale selling packaged meals for the whole family to share. For those who are interested, learn more on Instagram @caare.4.a.cure.
In the end, these students have decided to use their voice to bring to light the to support a cancer-free tomorrow.
If one wishes to support the efforts of these students, please consider learning more to donating here: https://pages.lls.org/svoy/wa/svoyseattle26/CAAreforaCure
