I am honored that The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) has nominated me as one of its 2014 “Man & Woman of the Year” candidates!

Eleven years ago, I lay on a hospital bed with an obliterated immune system, as stem cells from an anonymous baby girl sped through my veins. I closed my eyes and envisioned them sticking inside my hollow bones and repopulating my marrow with clean, cancer-free cells. I was 19 years old and battling my second cancer, this one affecting my blood. My fantasy became reality, and I survived myelodysplasia through a combination of hope, attitude, support and modern medicine.

I am not alone. More than a million Americans are living with blood cancers. Every four minutes, another person is diagnosed; every ten minutes, someone loses the battle. LLS has been helping people like me since its founding in 1949. In fact, the Society is the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to blood cancer.

Each year, the National Capital Area chapter of LLS selects approximately 20 candidates to reach our fundraising goal of $1.25 million. For the 10-week campaign from April 3 through June 14, my goal is to raise $10,000 for each cancer-free year – totaling $110,000! If my campaign raises $50,000 or more, then my efforts will be linked to a specific cutting-edge LLS-funded research portfolio.

My CancerSlayer fundraising team would be grateful for your support, and no amount is too small. Together we can raise money that will go directly to LLS and help find a cure, reduce adverse side effects of treatment and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

In most cases your donations are tax-deductible. Your employer may even match your charitable gift, and you can share this blog with friends and family to increase your impact. Online donations are accepted until June 14. To donate online, please visit our fundraising Web page.

For many years I’ve been providing inspiration to people with cancer through this blog and my 2010 memoir, Twice. Now is my chance to provide funding.

On behalf of blood cancer patients everywhere, I thank you for your support.