Two cousins. One diagnosis. Two very different outcomes.
What’s a family to do other than to stand up and fight?
When Alyssa Lewandowski was just four years old, she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. The family had a tough battle ahead of them. Lewandowski’s job was to fight. So, her mother collected a group to support her along the way. It was called “Alyssa’s Family and Friends Team” and together they walked in the annual Leukemia and Lymphoma Society fundraising walk. Over the years, the group has raised more than $230,000 to support cancer research through its involvement with the Light the Night walk.
Today, Lewandowski is a healthy teenager starting out her senior year at Guerin Catholic High School.
Seven years after Lewandowski’s diagnosis, in February of 2010, Alyssa’s cousin faced the same news from doctors. She also had Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. Amanda Au was just 13 years old. She fought hard. However, Au lost her battle on October 14, 2010.
The girls’ families continue to fight through their pain by putting the cause first.
They gain strength and inspiration by fundraising for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and other cancer fighting non-profit organizations.
On September 22nd, they’re hosting the “Circle AroundLLS”, an event they launched back in 2014.
Anthem has partnered with Salesforce and several other downtown Indianapolis companies to put on event that will offer live and silent auctions, music, food, drinks and a drone hovering around to keep things upbeat.
“The genesis of the idea was to use the power of the downtown community to not only raise money for a great cause that is near and dear to my family’s heart, but to also give us a chance to know our neighbors that we work with every day”, said Cindy Heston, the girls' aunt. “We have over 10 volunteers on our team alone—it’s inspirational.”
All the money raised at “Circle Around LLS” will be donated to this year’s Light The Night Walk, the same cause Lewandowski’s family found comfort in 13 years ago.
Together they’re making a difference and they want to extend the invitation to you too.
“Circle Around LLS” will be held at the Conrad Hotel on Thursday September 22nd from 5-9 p.m.
You can register for the eventHERE.
