Shred for Red with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
JOINING WINTER OLYMPIANS ON THE SLOPES
According to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), someone in the United States is diagnosed with blood cancer every 180 seconds. Their mission of research, education and advocacy is possible through events like Shred for Red.
This philanthropic skiing event attracts visitors from across the U.S. to take to the slopes and ski for a cause. For the 2021 event they aimed to raise $250,000, bringing in over half a million dollars for blood cancer research and treatment since the event first started in 2018.
Shred For Red is held annually on opening day exclusively at Deer Valley Resort. The event brings together all ages and abilities of skiers, and this highly anticipated fundraiser presents a unique opportunity to ski with winter Olympians while raising funds to help those impacted by blood cancer.
Bryan Fletcher is a two-time Nordic Combined Olympian, and a blood cancer survivor. Bryan had acute lymphoblastic leukemia as a child and convinced his parents to try ski jumping to help provide a distraction from his cancer treatments.
“From the first jump, I was hooked; it was the best thing I could have ever done,” Fletcher said. “I would then split my time between my medical appointments in Denver and ski jumping in Steamboat. When I was home, I was just like a normal kid, with a helmet on and goggles. No one knew what I was going through; it was a powerful escape for me.
Fast forward to when I was declared cancer-free, (over 30 years ago) I hit the ground running and dived into skiing.”
Bryan leads the Olympian involvement as a committee member for Shred For Red and remains a dedicated champion to find a cure for blood cancer.
“Before working at LLS, I never realized how many people have personally been touched with blood cancer. I have this exciting career that allows me to plan this fun event that is truly making a difference. I do it to bring awareness to the resources and funding LLS has made possible for blood cancer patients everywhere,” said Lauren Johnson, Shred for Red Campaign Development Manager.
To learn more about the 2022 Shred For Red Event, please scan the QR code or visit lls.org/shredforred.
If you or someone you know has been impacted by blood cancer, please reach out to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) Information Resource Center at lls.org/support/information-specialists or you can call (800) 955-4572.
