Our Douglas charter school is teaming up with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for a three-week long penny drive. This year from Monday, September 14, through Friday, October 2, 2015, students at Liberty Traditional will be participating in Pennies for Patients, which helps fund research for blood cancers that has helped dramatically increase the survival rates for some blood cancer patients.

Blood Cancers

Myeloma, leukemia, and lymphoma are cancers that affect bone marrow, blood cells, lymph nodes, and other parts of the lymphatic systems. Leukemia is the most common cancer in children, adolescents, and young adults under 20, and causes more deaths than any other cancer among that age group. LLS exists to find cures and ensure access to treatments for blood cancer patients. Fundraising efforts like Pennies for Patients have helped finance research for new treatments, breakthroughs, and medications to fight these diseases.

Small Change Makes a Big Difference

Since 1994, this fundraiser for a social cause has demonstrated to kids that even small efforts can make an impact on the world. More than 100 million students of all grade levels have raised millions for cancer research by searching under couch cushions, emptying cup holders, scavenging under car seats, and emptying their parent’s overflowing change dishes and their piggybanks. The LLS has developed a great way to save families from drowning in loose changes while helping to save lives.

These types of fundraisers are a great chance to teach children the good that comes from giving and how amazing it can feel to reach into your own pocket to give something to those in need.

The LLS

Every penny, 100% of all funds raised by Pennies for Patients, is used in either program services (78.1%) or invested into support services (21.9%), which includes the money needed to lead fundraising efforts like Pennies for Patients. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is the largest voluntary health organization whose mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. It is also the largest group funding research on those diseases and providing education and patient services for those diagnosed and their families.

So, encourage your child to participate in the penny drive. You can find more information on the LLS’ website: www.lls.org. And, remember, if we go the distance, we can make a difference.