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Sussex Academy students raising funds to fight blood cancer

Teens participate in Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Students of the Year Program
February 28, 2021

Two Sussex Academy students are determined to make a difference for people with blood cancer.

Sophomores Anshu Sharda and Leena Maharaj have created a student campaign called Team Care to Cure as part of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Students of the Year Program to raise funds for research, and guarantee supportive services to patients and their families.

After serving on another person’s campaign last year, they were inspired to create their own drive.

Leena said her 10-year-old friend Nirvana Jagnanan was diagnosed with leukemia at age 9.

“Seeing her go through struggles made me want to support it,” Leena said.

Anshu said she wants to raise as much money as possible.

“Blood cancer cuts so many lives short,” she said.

Students set a high $100,000 goal for their fundraising efforts, but acknowledge COVID-19 has prevented them from holding as many events as they want. “Our goal is to do the best we can,” Anshu said.

The team’s online donation link, events.lls.org/de/DelawareSOY21/ccurek, will be active from Wednesday, Jan. 20 through Thursday, March 11. 

Donors can also take place in three upcoming dine-to-donate opportunities.

All day, Thursday, Jan. 21, Sweet Frog in Rehoboth will donate 20 percent of profits to Team Care to Cure; just mention the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Fundraiser at checkout.

From 3 to 10 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 31, IHOP in Rehoboth will donate 20 percent of profits to Team Care to Cure; diners must say they are there for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Fundraiser. Diners can also RSVP at groupraise.com/events/173606-the-leukemia-lymphoma-society-at-ihop

From 4 to 9 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 9, Bethany Blues in Lewes will donate 15 percent of profits to Team Care to Cure. Diners must present a printed coupon to their server; coupons will be available at the team’s online donation link, and Leena and Anshu will have a small table in the lobby where people can pick up coupons before being seated.

Email teamcaretocure@gmail.com for more details. 

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