Inspirational Stories

My name is Jaden, and I am an 18-year-old Political Science student at Penn State University. I have been deeply involved with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) since I was 10 years old, a journey that began with a profound personal experience.

In 2016, my mother was diagnosed with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). At the time, our physician delivered a grim prognosis, advising us to prepare for final arrangements. The weight of this news was devastating. I was confronted with the reality that my mother might not live to see my high school graduation or witness my achievements. This moment marked a turning point in my life, prompting me to take action in support of others facing similar challenges. I believe this experience catalyzed my transition into adulthood.

Throughout my mother’s extended hospital stay, we were fortunate to be under the care of Dr. James Rossetti, DO, whose unwavering optimism and commitment gave us hope. His belief in her recovery was a pivotal factor in her ongoing journey to health, and I am convinced that without his intervention, her current presence with us would not have been possible.

Motivated by this experience, I began fundraising for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) using online platforms like Facebook and participating in events such as the Light The Night (LTN) program in Pittsburgh. In 2018, I was honored with the MPN Hero Award in recognition of my efforts as a caregiver and philanthropist. I also founded Persaud Industries (PSI), an organization dedicated to raising funds for blood cancer research and advocating for patients and caregivers.

During high school, I led a team in the Student Visionaries of the Year (SVOY) program, and this year, I received the Mission Award for Policy and Advocacy in SVOY for Pittsburgh.

My mother’s resilience, as she continues to fight her condition with daily oral chemotherapy and blood thinners, has been a constant source of inspiration. The support of LLS has been instrumental in my initiatives, enabling me to contribute meaningfully to the fight against blood cancers.

Currently, I serve as a Pennsylvania Advocacy Ambassador for LLS, a role I am deeply passionate about. My efforts have been featured in CURE Magazine, Incyte, CBS News, among other outlets.