My name is Kyeisha Laurence. I was born and raised in St. Martin/St. Maarten and recently moved to the U.S. I attended CIA for middle school from 2011 to 2013. I graduated as Valedictorian in 8th grade. My three younger brothers, Akeem, Keven, and Kayden Laurence also attended CIA.
I am now a senior at Aberdeen High School in Maryland. This year, I am participating in a unique opportunity for high school students to help those with blood cancers. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) has nominated me as a candidate in their “Students of the Year” fundraising campaign. My team, Team Banking on a Cure, is proud to honor and support LLS and all those who battle blood cancers, especially because leukemia is the #1 disease killer of children under the age of 20.
I am reaching out to you because St. Maarten shaped me into the person that I am today and I would greatly appreciate the support from my island. As a young St. Maartener making a difference in the world, I want to encourage more young students to do the same and to find a cause that they are passionate about. CIA gave me an education and foundation that has made me a top student and I am working hard to help those in need.
I have personally been affected by Leukemia in my family. In 2012, my little cousin Dimitri Lloyd was diagnosed at only 7 years old. He left St. Maarten to go to Holland for treatment where he was a strong and inspirational fighter. Unfortunately, he passed away after returning home at 9 years old. I know the pain that a loss to cancer gives to family and friends. No child deserves to pass away from cancer. With your help, we can support ground-breaking research and treatments.
I am accepting donations for Team Banking on a Cure until March 24th 2017. My website link that will accept credit cards is http://events.lls.org/pages/md/MDSOY2017/klaurence. If you are unable to donate, another way to help is by spreading my message to others in the community such as teachers, students, and friends. My goal is to give everyone the opportunity to support this important mission.
I hope to be back in St. Maarten this summer before I leave for college, I would love to visit the campus to reminisce on the amazing memories that CIA has given me.
Thank you so much for any help you can give to Team Banking on a Cure! If you have any questions at kyeishalaurence@gmail.com. For more information about LLS and Student of the Year, please visit www.lls.org/md/soy.
Sincerely,
Kyeisha Laurence
