Dear Family and Friends old and new,

I am incredibly excited and honored to be a candidate in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) 2025 Visionary of the Year fundraising campaign. This is a unique opportunity to unite family, friends, and philanthropic companies in the fight to find cures for blood cancers and support patients and their families as they battle these diseases.

From March 6 to May 17, my team, Row the Benway’s Boat, aims to raise $330,001 - $1 higher than the Minnesota region record. (We Benway’s are competitive, so why not go big!)

I’m doing this because less than a year ago, in April 2025, I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Follicular Lymphoma. My journey to diagnosis was difficult, as many of my symptoms mimicked those of common conditions experienced by women my age (Life Level 4). This led to eight months of frustration, exhaustion, gastrointestinal issues, bloating, weight fluctuations, and, ultimately, the resignation that this was just what 40 felt like—slightly awful all the time. At the encouragement of my mother and uncle, during our family spring break trip, I finally sought care at an emergency room in Savannah, Georgia—despite not living in Georgia. I feared I’d be sent home with a generic recommendation to take some Imodium, but instead, my world changed when the ER doctor walked in and said, “You have cancer. And a lot of it.”

Fast forward to today. This journey has been scary, surreal, and, in many ways, a blessing, as I have been embraced by family and friends in a way I never could have imagined. God truly has a plan, and we are living it every day.

LLS is making a real impact with the dollars it raises, and I’m proud to be part of this mission. LLS’s blood cancer research is leading to breakthroughs in other cancers and diseases, including bone, brain, prostate, ovarian, and breast cancers, as well as melanoma, diabetes, and multiple sclerosis.

Running for Visionary of the Year is not about me, it’s about a shared vision: a world free from cancer, from emergency room visits filled with uncertainty, and from the resigned hopelessness that living in constant discomfort is just the way it is. I envision a future where patients are heard, medical services evolve to meet the needs of all, and doctors, nurses, and caregivers have the tools to diagnose and treat people quickly and effectively.

While my journey is ongoing, I hope you will consider joining my team to help raise awareness and funds for this incredible organization. You have already impacted my life with your love and support—now, I want to spread that love even further. We are all in the same boat, and we must keep our eyes above the water, focused on a world without blood cancer.

Here’s how you can help:

          • Donate: Any tax-deductible donation, big or small, is greatly appreciated—every dollar counts! You can donate through my team’s fundraising page at this link https://pages.lls.org/voy/mn/MN25/cbenway or by mailing a check to the address listed on the left. Please make checks payable to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and include my name in the memo line.

          • Spread the word: Reach out to friends, family, and colleagues who may want to contribute. Many of us have a personal connection to cancer and want to make a difference.

          • Employer matching gifts: Does your company have a matching gifts program? I’d be happy to help you check and double your impact!

          • Corporate sponsorships: We’re looking for business sponsors! Could your company support our campaign with a donation? There are sponsorship opportunities at every level Micah and I would love to share more with you about this!

          • Matching grants: Pledge a donation amount, and we’ll promote it as a matching grant opportunity—an excellent way to double the impact of your generosity!

          • Auction items: We are collecting items for the Visionary of the Year Gala’s live and silent auctions. Donations could include event tickets, trips, gift cards, products or services, unique experiences, or anything else that would make an exciting auction item.

I deeply appreciate your support for this critical cause. I’ll keep you updated on the campaign’s progress, and I am endlessly grateful for your friendship and encouragement.

Together, we row the boat toward a future without cancer!

With gratitude,

Claire Benway

Warrior

2025 Visionary of the Year Candidate

Visionaries look to the future--and see infinite possibility.

They challenge the status quo--and make the impossible possible.

They boldly imagine a better world--and lead the charge to create it.

I am a visionary; I have a vision for a world without cancer, but I need your help! The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society was built on this same vision--of a better world--one without blood cancers. 

This year, I am proud to be participating in The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Visionaries of the Year campaign as a team member, working to make the largest impact possible for LLS's mission. 

As a global leader in the fight against blood cancer, LLS:

• Funds cutting-edge research leading to breakthroughs in immunotherapy, genomics, and personalized medicine that are improving and saving the lives of patients.
• Provides free education and support for blood cancer patients and families, including personalized, one-on-one support, assistance with identifying and enrolling in clinical trials, and more.
• Mobilizes thousands of advocates to drive policy changes that accelerate the development of new cancer treatments and break down barriers to care. 

Please consider supporting this organization by making a contribution to my campaign, and by sharing the link to my page with your network. All donations are greatly appreciated and tax-deductible. For more information on LLS, please visit www.LLS.org 

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