February 2014 Granger Elementary Pennies for Patients Pasta for Pennies

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s School and Youth Community Service Program EVERY PENNY COUNTS!

What is Pennies for Patients? The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s premiere School and Youth program allows students to raise funds and awareness of blood cancers. Our students are learning that they can make a huge difference one penny at a time, and the class raising the most money is recognized with a Olive Garden Pasta lunch party. Links and other information: Why Charlie Brown Why? Part 1 (Look for part 2 and 3 as well) Program information and Meet the Heroes: LmbU8qZ1rbS-YR91QvSS9uA&index=4 LmbU8qZ1rbS-YR91QvSS9uA&index=4

Because leukemia is the most common type of cancer in children and young adults under the age of 20. Because the equivalent of two classrooms of children are diagnosed with cancer everyday. Because every 5 minutes someone is diagnosed with a blood cancer, and, every 10 minutes someone loses their battle. At the end of the day, six people every hour,148 people every day die from blood cancer. Because you can make a difference! Because of people like you, survival rates have tripled in the past 50 years. Why should we participate?

Chemotherapy - use of anti-cancer drugs; the most common type of treatment for blood cancer patients Radiation – Often used in conjunction with chemotherapy Immunotherapy – Immune cells or antibodies are used to fight the disease and suppress it’s progression through antibody treatment, administering a vaccine, and using a patient’s own NK (natural killer) cells. Blood or Bone Marrow transplant – The use of blood or marrow stem cells from a healthy donor, often, a sibling with the same tissue type. Blood Cancer Treatments

The money goes to the best of the best researchers who work around the clock looking for a cure. Since 1949, the Society has funded more than $814 million in research grants. The money goes to finding newer and better blood cancer therapies with fewer side effects as well as development of medical technology useful beyond blood cancer treatments. The money goes far beyond cancer treatment, reaching millions of patients with chronic illnesses. Medicines developed with LLS funding are being used for rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. The money goes to assist patients who need co-pay assistance or help buying medicines, and to support groups, and educational and advocacy programs. Where does the money go?

Today, almost ONE MILLION people are heroically battling a blood cancer while they rely on research to find their cure. Many of these heroes are infants and children. Kolton, Cheyene, Mary Kate, J.C., Kaitlin, and Collin are all blood cancer patients who live in the North Texas area. They have all received treatments developed with funding provided by LLS. Because programs like PENNIES FOR PATIENTS, they received life saving medication. Thankfully, they are all in remission and living healthy, active lives thanks to people like you. They are just six examples of youngsters who have struggled with cancer as children. You can dedicate your program in honor of a local hero, and make a huge difference! Honor a Hero

Month of February at Granger Elementary Sweet Messages: In honor of Valentine's Day, student council will sell Sweet Messages. Proceeds will go to LLS. Hats Off to Heroes: Friday, February 21 st Donate $1 to wear your hat or cap for the day. Heart Print: Students receive a heart sticker for their locker when they contribute to the Penny Drive. Class Competition: Highest donating class will get an Olive Garden Pasta Party! Granger LLS Penny Drive

Collect Change: Find spare change around the house for coin boxes. Chores for Charity: Kids doing extra chores to help raise money. Online donations: Asking family or friends to donate online. Business Bucks: Encourage parents to ask co-workers to contribute or ask their company to match the class's donation. Digital Dollars: Encourage your kids to create an to friends and family about participating in Pennies for Patients or Pasta for Pennies and asking for online donations. Also, promote your page through s, social media posts, newsletters and the school website. What can you do at home?

A huge thank you to your school on behalf of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society for bringing us closer to finding a cure! Thank you to all of the staff, parents, and students for your commitment and dedication to our mission! Thank you!

* Keep a rough tally of your totals to help with the top classroom recognition. *Create a new fundraising idea in your classroom. One teacher charged $.50 for students to use the restroom! *Have fun and enjoy your recognition incentives! Steps to Success * Set a goal for your classroom. * Use the curriculum provided. Visit our website for an additional link. * Share facts and info about blood cancers and the program each day.