Students from the Mental Health Club visited us Friday.  They are a club at the High School that aims to promote a positive atmosphere at the school, and reduce the stigma around mental health.  Their advice to parents and grandparents if they notice a child or grandchild struggling is to let them know they are available to talk, but don't force it.

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) Update

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) expressed their gratitude for the support of their Visionaries of the Year campaign through the Chili Open. This initiative recently launched with an impressive 33 high schools and 611 team members participating—the highest number of team members in the country. The goal this year is to surpass last year’s fundraising total of $1.053 million, and after just one week, the campaign has already reached 20-30% of its goal.

A highlight of the presentation was the inspiring story of Mick McKenna, a young cancer survivor. Mick was diagnosed with B-cell lymphoblastic leukemia at just 13 years old. His treatment journey was long and challenging, requiring 239 days in the hospital in 2020, followed by additional hospital stays in 2023 and 2024. In March 2022, he suffered a stroke caused by chemotherapy complications, which led to 30 days in the ICU, including 21 days on a ventilator and 8 days in a medically induced coma. His recovery required extensive physical, occupational, and speech therapy as he relearned basic functions like standing, walking, and talking. Despite these challenges, Mick persevered and resumed chemotherapy once he was strong enough. On August 24, 2023, he completed his cancer treatment, marking a significant milestone in his journey.

Throughout Mick’s battle, LLS played a crucial role in providing financial assistance and patient resources. The organization supports patients and families by covering expenses such as travel, nutrition, and medical costs. Additionally, 79 cents of every dollar raised goes toward research and patient services, ensuring that families like the McKennas receive the support they need. LLS also offers newly diagnosed patients a dedicated 800-number where they can speak with trained professionals and receive immediate financial aid.

The McKenna family remains deeply committed to giving back. Mick’s story continues to inspire student fundraisers, many of whom do not have a personal connection to blood cancer but are eager to develop leadership skills and make a difference. Recently, Mick was honored at a Cleveland Monsters hockey game, where he had the opportunity to drop the puck before the match.

Awareness and early detection are key factors in improving cancer outcomes. While fundraising supports critical research and patient services, it also ensures that individuals from all backgrounds have access to life-saving resources. Although funds raised through LLS campaigns go to the national office, they are distributed based on local patient needs, with approximately $5 million provided in patient assistance last year alone.

The McKenna family expressed deep appreciation for the community’s support and emphasized their commitment to helping others facing similar battles. Their story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that fundraising efforts can have—not just in advancing cancer research, but in directly supporting families during their most difficult times.