This year, I am proudly participating in the Jim Abernethy Challenge for the third time to raise funds for the blood cancer community. The reason behind my commitment to this cause is deeply personal. I lost my dear friend and colleague Jim to Lymphoma in 2019, just three short months after his diagnosis. He was an avid cyclist, loved physical activity and had a competitive spirit, in 2021 Marsh Canada stepped up to support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada in his honour with the Jim Abernethy Physical Activity Challenge.
Over the past two years, Marsh has achieved remarkable success by raising $1M in Canada. This year, our company has set an ambition target of $1.5M. If we reach this milestone, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada will name a blood cancer research grant in Jim's honour. I want to reach this achievement to celebrate Jim's enduring legacy.
Thanks to the incredibly generous support from my community, I have raised $42,143 since 2021! This year, my goal is to raise $30,000. So, from now until October 21st I am challenging myself to raise as much money as possible for Light The Night. If I hit my goal this year, my lifetime impact will be equivalent to funding 1 Blood Cancer Quality of Life Grant for a full year!
Did you know that chemotherapy was first used to treat blood cancer? Blood cancer research has historically been at the forefront of pioneering treatments for all types of cancers. Since 2000, 40% of new FDA-approved cancer treatments were first approved for blood cancer, and later many of these treatments have proven effective in treating a variety of other cancers! An investment in blood cancer research is a step towards more effective treatments for all cancers.
Please consider contributing to this important cause in honor of Jim Abernethy and countless others affected by blood cancers. Your donation will bring hope, healing, and strength to those in need. Together, we can continue funding innovative research projects and move one step closer to a world without blood cancers.
