HOUSTON – When Lindsay Yates’ son Logan was diagnosed with blood cancer in 2018, he was just four years old. For Lindsay, the diagnosis hit extra hard.
“My dad lost his life to cancer in 2008, my uncle in 2012, and then another woman, who was very much like a mother to me, also in 2012,” said Yates.
Determined to not lose yet another loved one to cancer, she kicked into high gear.
“We went on a two-year battle and every step of the way we knew we were going to beat it. We just knew it,” said Yates on a recent visit to Houston Life.
This year, Yates is running for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s “Visionary of the Year” with the goal of raising awareness and much-needed funds to help find a cure for blood cancer. It is her second time participating in the event, and she knows just how broad its impact can be. The money raised will help fund cutting-edge research that can lead to breakthroughs in treatment, provide free education and support for blood cancer patients and their families, and help drive policy change through advocacy.
“Since it was founded in 1949, LLS has invested $1.7 billion dollars in fighting blood cancer and is virtually a part of every single groundbreaking treatment that the FDA has approved,” explained Lauren Paine, a board member with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
“My hope and why this guy is here with me today is that he gets to see how powerful his story is and just how many lives he can actually change by sharing his story, not being ashamed of it, being so proud of the journey that he went on that he fought through, that he won,” said Yates, referring to her son, Logan.
These days, 10-year-old Logan is in remission and feeling healthy. He has a simple message for those who have joined the fight.
“Thank you for donating to my mom’s fundraiser cause it’s helping save kids lives just like me,” Logan said.
To learn more about Lindsay Yates’ campaign for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s ‘Visionary of the Year,’ click here.