When I was 14 years old, I found out that my best friend since preschool, Zeena Alzanoon, was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Zeena was my other half; she was always by my side and could always make me laugh with her endless jokes and stories. While it was difficult to see such an important person in my life have to go through such a difficult time, I am beyond proud to say that Zeena is now cancer-free. Her endless courageousness and strength got her through the toughest times. Thanks to advancements and cures, largely funded by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS), Zeena has been cancer free for over two years! She has gotten stronger by each passing day and continues to capture the hearts of everyone around her. It is survivors such as Zeena that inspired me to join the fight against cancer. 

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I first became involved with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society when I joined the 2019 Junior Board. While serving as a Junior Board member, I attended various LLS events such as Light the Night and helped nominate Students of the Year. After my Junior Board term, I joined the 2020 Students of the Year (SOY) campaign as a team member of TEAM ZEENA (led by Olivia Kurani and Saiyra Qureshi). TEAM ZEENA raised over $25,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, even during the pandemic! One of my most memorable moments was knocking on my neighbor's doors to tell them about our goals and our fight against cancer. 

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A couple months after the SOY Campaign, I wanted to take my journey a bit further. I always had a passion for baking. Whether it was cookies, brownies, muffins, or cupcakes, I was always in the kitchen. As many bakers might know, macarons are extremely difficult to make correctly. When I was 12 years old, I decided I wouldn't just make them correctly, I would master them. And thus, the journey began. 

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I launched ADELYN'S MACARONS in August of 2020. My hope was to use my talent and love for baking to contribute to the fight against blood cancers. I wanted to be able to advocate not only for the cure to cancer but also for patient support and therapies. While I hope to be able to see the cure for blood cancers in my lifetime, I also think it is also important that we find the means to effectively support patients and their families emotionally. 

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Because of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, there are more survivors than ever before! However, there is yet to find a cure. And today, that is why I am here. Together, let's beat cancer... one cookie at a time.