Anuj in the Hospital

Running for River: 

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Dare to Dream Campaign, a $175 million initiative within the LLS Children’s  Initiative, is dedicated to transforming the lives of children with blood cancers.

Current treatments, even for the most common form, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), are often harsh, leading to long-term health complications. For children with high-risk leukemias like acute myeloid leukemia (AML), survival rates are alarmingly low.

LLS is working to change this by funding cutting-edge pediatric research, including the pioneering LLS PedAL Master Clinical Trial, and providing crucial support services. Their goal is to develop safer, more targeted treatments and cures, ensuring that more children not only survive but thrive.

This year, I've chosen to "Run for River," an incredible child I've had the pleasure of getting to know over the past year. River's older brother, Townes, and my oldest son, Akhil, met and connected at Hogg Middle School, and that's when I learned about River's illness. River is also the same age as my youngest son, Keval, and they should be in 6th grade together this year. But something got in the way.

In August 2023, River was diagnosed with Acute T-cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma and is now in the midst of a demanding 2 ½-year treatment plan. There were striking similarities between River's case and Anuj's – both were diagnosed unexpectedly in August with essentially the same disease (Anuj's being a form of leukemia).

Upon hearing River's news, I asked our mutual friend to connect us. I couldn't imagine my child going through what Anuj endured – the countless tests, hospital visits, fear, uncertainty, pain, and frustration. Anuj was a 47-year-old man when diagnosed, and I knew how difficult it was for him. The thought of a 12-year-old facing that was unbearable, and I wanted to do everything I could to help his family.

His mom, Sara, and I connected, and a quick friendship formed – a bond forged by our shared experiences as mothers of boys (both with 6th and 8th graders) and our unwanted membership in the "cancer club."

The Brennan family is truly remarkable. Sara is a force, a dedicated warrior for River. Townes is one of the most effortlessly cool kids I know, and I love that he considers my kitchen his personal ramen spot, any time of day or night. And Shawn? He's just inherently cool, too – a music festival organizer and co-owner of Dan Electro's. How awesome is that?

Join me in my 'Run for River' campaign, and together, let's raise $50,000 to fund a

a research grant in his name.

You might recall, last year I participated in The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Visionaries of the Year campaign as a team member, helping my team raise $165,000. This year, I was nominated and selected to lead my own team with a goal of winning the title “Visionaries of the Year” and raising over $350,000 between March 20th and May 30th, 2025. Every dollar we raise brings us closer to a world without blood cancers.

This cause is deeply personal to me. In 2022, my husband Anuj was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). After months of intense treatment, including a bone marrow transplant, I'm overjoyed to share that he remains in remission! We were so fortunate to connect with Anuj's incredible bone marrow donor, Arkesh, online and via Zoom. For two years, we eagerly anticipated the chance to meet him face-to-face. This October, our wish came true when Arkesh surprised Anuj for his birthday. It was an unforgettable night, filled with emotion and gratitude.

Now, it's my turn to fight back. With your help, we can fund groundbreaking research, provide critical patient support, and advocate for policies that accelerate cures AND we can WIN the Visionaries of the Year campaign in honor of Anuj and Arkesh! 

Our fundraising efforts culminate in a Grand Finale Gala. Mark your calendars for our campaign kickoff on March 20th!

LLS is making incredible strides in the fight against blood cancer, and I'm proud to partner with them. With your support, we can rewrite the story of blood cancers and give hope to those facing this challenging disease.

Thank you for your friendship and generosity.

Warmly,

Peri Patel

2025 Visionaries of the Year Candidate