Blood Cancer United (formerly Leukemia and Lymphoma Society) is a global organization that has fought since 1949 to raise money for everyone affected by blood cancer. The organization has invested more than $2 billion in blood cancer research, which by 2040 will have helped blood cancer patients gain more than a million years of life worldwide. It also provides free information and support to blood cancer patients and their families.
Lakewood High School has been participating in Blood Cancer United for a few years to raise money for blood cancer research. The school’s team is called Rangers for a Cure. Blood Cancer United is also supported by other high schools in Northeast Ohio, such as Rocky River High School, Bay Village High School, and Avon Lake High School. These schools, along with many others, compete to see who can raise the most money for blood cancer research. It’s a fun way to encourage students to work hard and stay committed to raising funds.
Rangers for a Cure is a student-run organization at Lakewood High School, with Alison Gliozzi, one of the school’s special education teachers, serving as the team’s advisor. “I think a lot of kids realize just by simple acts around the community, Lakewood High School, Lakewood, Cleveland area, that they can impact people’s lives through research and support,” Gliozzi said. The team includes members, team leaders, a mentor, visionaries, and a manager. This year, Rangers for a Cure raised its fundraising goal from $60,000 last year to $70,000.
Rangers for a Cure members raise money in various ways. Every member is required to go door-to-door for at least six hours total, asking for donations and informing people about the organization. This helps reach people who might not hear about the organization through other sources. Additionally, every team member is required to send out 50 emails to people requesting donations, which significantly boosts the amount raised each year.
“Last year, we did a bunch of raffle baskets. We did dine-in. This year, we’re having a magic show,” said Lillian Boland, one of the team leaders. The team also plans several large fundraisers throughout the year, including the classic Applebee’s breakfast fundraiser. For this event, Rangers for a Cure sells $10 tickets for a complete Applebee’s breakfast. Another popular fundraiser is the basketball raffle ticket fundraiser, where Rangers for a Cure reaches out to local businesses for gift baskets and gift cards to include in a raffle at both a boys’ and girls’ basketball game in the winter. This year, a new event will be held in the Lakewood High School Civic Auditorium featuring Rick Smith Jr., a well-known magician. Tickets will be sold, and all proceeds will go to Blood Cancer United.
At the end of the year, all team members get dressed up and attend the Rangers for a Cure Gala at Windows on the River in Cleveland, where they announce the total amount of money raised. “Going to all the events and just being with those people all of the time, you start to appreciate the organization a lot more and actually understand the reason for it, and it becomes something that your heart is truly a part of,” said Emma Gjergji, a member of Rangers for a Cure. This event is a special moment for all team members, as they celebrate their hard work over the past six months and how much money they have raised to help people with blood cancer.
Rangers for a Cure is one of the most important organizations at Lakewood High School because of its contributions to life-saving cancer research. “Blood cancer is the biggest variety of cancers out there, and it is the least supported as far as research goes,” said Gliozzi. Many students have shown interest in joining the team to make a difference for patients with blood cancer and their families. Word about Rangers for a Cure needs to be spread so that the organization can continue for future generations at Lakewood High School.
