Leukemia Survivor | LLS Student of the Year
Saunder launched a campaign as a Student of the Year candidate in January 2020. His goal was to raise $50,000 in 7 weeks so he could name a Cancer and Blood Disorder research grant after his late friend, Christian. Saunder and Christian were diagnosed with Cancer within weeks of one another. Both were treated at Children’s Hospital and met at Cancer Camp in Montana. In 2019 Christian lost his cancer battle after nearly 4 years. Two weeks after Christian’s passing Saunder received his final dose of chemotherapy to complete 3 1/2 years of treatment for Leukemia. A week later he made a commitment to raise funds for others fighting this terrible disease and to run in honor of Christian. Following are the social announcements Jason and I made when Saunder’s campaign ended.
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$69,285 raised in 7 weeks!!
Nearly 4 years ago, choking back emotion in front of a crowd of 450+ at his first Strong Run, Saunder, age 13, shared the words he wrote. "Someday, when I am healthy, I will give back the way you have all given to me and my family".
He didn't waste a moment before making good on his promise - launching a Student of the Year for LLS campaign 4 weeks after his cancer treatment ended. We are blessed that the kindness, love, and treasure you all share allow him to be a man of his word.
On September 19, 2019 Saunder will be an honored guest at the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Lifeblood Awards where he will receive the honor of linking Christian Larson's name to a research grant.
The Blood Warrior team called upon friends, family, co-workers, businesses, and the extended community and the response was incredible! In love and gratitude, Jessica
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The power of community is unstoppable! Saunder and his team ran a super successful campaign—15 team mates aka The Blood Warriors. Together they raised $69,000 for the #leukemiaandlymphomasociety of Minnesota. He met his goal to name a research grant in the name of his friend, Christian, who passed away last year from sarcoma.
His friends showed up tonight. Christian’s family was there. His doctors and nurses showed up. We rolled deep!!!! And when he took the stage our tables erupted with energy. ️️️It was totally electric. We are so thankful for his team, for the love of family and friends - we are surrounded by all this love and positivity. Thank you for being a part of his support system over the last four years. The cookies, the curiosity and questions. The tee shirts and pizza, donations, meals and well wishes. (I’m sure we owe some of you some tupperware back. ) Wherever you are in your journey lean on community. It truly makes the world go around. Much love, Jason!!