Livingston — A small group of students at Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School is making a big impact in the world of blood cancers. During the month of November, a group of girls will take the initiative and fund raise for local blood cancer patients through the Pennies for Patients program by recruiting their peers to participate in various fundraising events. Led by Kushner sophomore Rachel Kaplan, the girls held a fundraising planning meeting with Leukemia and Lymphoma Society staff member Michelle Lupo, as well as a “Lunch and Learn” session that was open to all students who wanted to learn more about the organization’s mission and how they can help.
“We feel amazing that we are raising money for such a great cause that allows others to get involved as well,” one student stated. Under the tutelage of Rabbi Richard Kirsch, the students at RKYHS are always encouraged to participate in philanthropic activities. The group of high school sophomores collaborating on this project are Kaplan, Shelli Liebov, Sylvie Culang, Pnina Lerman, Dalia Adams, Gabrielle Buch, Genah Grossman and Rebecca Sherman.
Fundraising events will include “Make Leukemia Disappear,” which involves posting the word “Leukemia” in a central area of the school, then erasing one letter of the word for every $25 raised. Additionally, the girls will offer a free Zumba period for individuals who make a donation, as well as a day when teachers will partake in fun-spirited activities for every fundraising benchmark reached by their respective classes.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society ® (LLS) is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world, provides free information and support services, and is the voice for all blood cancer patients seeking access to quality, affordable, coordinated care.
Founded in 1949 and headquartered in Rye Brook, New York, LLS has chapters throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more, visit www.LLS.org. Patients should contact the Information Resource Center at 800-955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET.
