HELP HANNAH SELESNICK SUPPORT CANCER RESEARCH

If you know me, then you may know that cancer has unfortunately played a large role in my life. My amazing little sister Kaela was diagnosed with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia when she was 15 years old after a routine blood test brought us to the PICU. This cancer is extremely rare, occurring in less than 1 in 1 million children. In fact, UCLA had only ever seen one case in young girls before Kaela. After receiving a life-saving drug which she continues to take, I am grateful to say she has been in remission for the past several years. Kaela is now thriving while studying at UCLA and prepping for an internship with the Department of Defense.

My mother was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer back in 2020, in the midst of the pandemic. Surrounded by an amazing team of doctors, my mom immediately had a plan of action. She was admitted to a Phase II clinical trial, consisting of a drug that has now become the standard of care for this type of cancer. My mom received immunotherapy, radiation, and grueling chemotherapy, along with a double mastectomy and oral chemo. I am so proud to say that she has been in remission for the past few years.

Not only did my mother participate in a life-saving cancer trial, but my Nana also participated in a trial that added an extra 3 years to her life. We recently lost her in March to this horrible disease, but I am so grateful to have gotten that extra time with her. 

PHASE ONE is a nonprofit that supports ground-breaking Phase I and Phase II clinical cancer research, innovative education and treatment programs, and funding forward-thinking leaders in the scientific and medical community. Without funding these trials, triple-negative breast cancer would never have found a cure. Without these trials, I wouldn’t have gotten extra time with my Nana and to see my mom in remission. I am so grateful to be on the Junior Board of an organization giving back to such an amazing cause. 

P.S. 
I want to quickly honor two very special people that I lost to cancer, my Pop-Pop and my Nana. Everything I do is for them.