Letter from the Director of Charitable Giving

Dear Delegates, Sponsors, and Guests of GSMUN XXVI:

GSMUN is all about driving change — empowering our delegates to be future leaders who will improve the world, while making an immediate impact in our community through charitable giving. Before this year’s committees take delegates around the world and across time, I’d like to draw your attention to a cause that affects us right here and right now. It is my distinct honor as Director of Charitable Giving to officially present the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) as the charity for GSMUN XXVI.

Every three minutes, someone in the US is diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma. LLS is dedicated to finding cures to ensure those living with these blood cancers can still lead long and fulfilling lives. Since their inception in 1976, LLS has invested $1.6 billion in groundbreaking cancer research. Since 2017, they’ve helped advance 70% of blood cancer treatments approved by the FDA.

A key part of LLS’ mission is ensuring patient access to the best possible healthcare, especially in underserved communities. In 2021, they gave $241 million in grants to over 42,000 patients, bridging the gaps that block patients from receiving the treatment they need. On top of this support for individual patients, LLS has a network of over 500,000 volunteers who advocate for larger legislative change in order to break down barriers to treatment that patients face. This patient-first focus carries over into their extensive education programs and support resources, which guide patients and their families through the treatment process while providing invaluable support networks. 

LLS has a special meaning to GSMUN as we support our beloved school director, Dr. Lowerre, in his fight against lymphoma. This year, GSMUN hopes to donate more than $10,000 to LLS by the end of the conference to support Dr. Lowerre and the 1.5 million other Americans living with leukemia and lymphoma. It’s not a goal we can achieve alone. We need your direct support as well as your fundraising efforts to continue the GSMUN tradition of contributing to worthy causes. 

We’ve been working hard to continue our conference’s tradition of making impactful donations to our partner charity, and your support from now all the way through the conference weekend will be crucial to our efforts. There are many ways to learn more about LLS, and even more ways to make a difference. At our conference in March, we’ll have a representative from LLS speak firsthand about the organization’s mission and impact, as well as opportunities for you to give through merch, snack sales, and fundraising incentives. Until then, please head to www.gsmun.net/charity to get involved and donate today. 

Thank you all so much for your support,

Sophia Pareti

Director of Charitable Giving

GSMUN XXVI