Kaufman Rossin in the Community: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

Natalie Sands and Sandi Jarrett talk about their involvement in the community.

Natalie Sands (left), her husband, Mike, who is a cancer survivor, and Sandi Jarrett (right) participate in a New Orleans race with Team in Training.

Which organization are you involved in and what is its objective?

We’re passionate about the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) and its fundraising arm, Team In Training (TNT).  The mission of LLS is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

What is your role with the organization?

TNT trains volunteer participants for endurance events such as marathons, century bike rides and triathlons, and the volunteer participants fundraise for LLS.  We’ve completed in numerous half marathons throughout the country and have raised thousands of dollars for LLS, in the hopes that more blood cancer patients can be cured.

Why did you decide to get involved in this organization?

NATALIE: Sandi’s dad, Marty, and my husband, Mike, are both survivors of blood cancer.  In fiscal year 2011, LLS invested more than $76 million in blood cancer research.  LLS-funded researchers developed two of the chemotherapy drugs that saved Mike’s life.

How has Kaufman, Rossin contributed to your success with this organization?

Jeans day fundraisers at Kaufman Rossin have helped us go above and beyond our fundraising goals.

What is your advice for others who are thinking about getting involved in the community?

Our involvement with LLS and TNT – as participants, fundraising mentors and committee leaders – is our way of giving back to LLS. We have made lifelong friends with people we’ve met through LLS and TNT over the years. Our ultimate goal is not to cross the finish line but to see our fundraising dollars find a cure for blood cancers.