My whole body went numb. It felt like I was stuck in a horror movie and someone had hit pause. Not only was I unable to move, but my mind was blank. I couldn’t believe what just came out of her mouth. Not today, not yet. It couldn’t have happened yet. My mother wrapped me in a hug as she told me that my cousin passed away from leukemia.

As you grow up you have people who shape who you are. In a very short period of time I lost my cousin, but my great grandmother as well. Each played a large role in shaping the person I am today. Having to deal with losing them made me reevaluate my outlook on life.

Recently the Leadership class  has placed Happy Meal boxes in classrooms, for a program known as “Pennies for Patients,” in hopes of raising money for families with leukemia that can’t afford treatment. I want to encourage you to donate, even if you just donate a quarter or a couple of pennies you found in the bottom of your bag. The money that is being raised goes to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society where it then is distributed towards research to finding a cure for all blood cancers and helping families afford medical treatment.

               Most people think that a quarter can’t really make that much of an impact. And a few years ago I thought the same way.  I would go to the grocery store and see multiple stands outside asking for money for different charities. On top of thinking that it wasn’t really going to change anything, I would wonder if that charity was even real.                
               But the quarter is really going to make a difference.
    According to the Pennies for Patients website, millions of dollars have been raised by elementary, middle and high school students across the country since the organization was created in 1994.  

I’d do anything to be able to have my cousin back for one more day. To be able to see his smile and to hear his laugh. And most of all to be able to hug him once more.

               And that’s exactly what you’re giving when you donate that quarter. You’re giving that patient’s family a chance to spend one more day together. One more day filled with memories and laughs. One more day they have to say their goodbyes, an opportunity I wish I could have had.