Member Lagniappe

This page is about all the various stuff that just doesn't go anywhere else. This includes discounts that we are offered as an alumni association. This includes your volunteer and fundraising gigs. This includes any kind of random announcement you want to share. And keep in mind, this page gets used only as much as you, the members, want it to be used. Simply send us an email with a brief write-up (keep it somewhat short and sweet) we will get it posted!

Laura Weems Ybarra

I'm a 2009 graduate of LSU. I began having complications from Hodgkin's Lymphoma right before my 25th birthday in April and was eventually diagnosed in May. After six months of surgeries, biopsies, chemotherapy and radiation treatments, I am very happy to say that I am cancer free! However, I am one of the lucky ones. Many people did not have a happy ending. If it wasn't for the research, hard work, dedication and sacrifice of many cancer patients and healthcare professionals before me, I might not be here today.

There is still too much we don't know about lymphoma and other blood cancer, and far too many instances of secondary cancers and diseases related to current treatments still exist. We can do better. There's no way to change that without increased research funds and awareness.

Please join our team's effort today by registering to walk with us in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Light the Night Walk in Austin, Texas on Nov. 3 or by making a donation. Your participation in the Light The Night Walk will help save lives.

You can join us or make a donation by visiting the Team Laura fundraising page at http://pages.lightthenight.org/sctx/AustinL12/TeamLaura.

Thank you for you support and help spread awareness by inviting your friends to this event. I hope I see all of you in November!

Laura Weems Ybarra

Last week, I received the news that one of my best friends from LSU, Laura Weems Ybarra, had been diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. When I learned of her diagnosis, my mind immediately raced with ideas-- should I send flowers, some books or candy?

Instead, I decided to do something else. I signed up for a half-marathon. Upon hearing this news, my roommate came out from her room and asked me, "Are you SURE you want to do that?"

Yes, I'm sure! Over the next 26 weeks, I will be training to race in the Philadelphia Half-Marathon (that's 13.1 miles) on Nov. 18, 2012. I don't consider myself to be a "runner" by any means, but this isn't about me - this is about supporting Laura and her fight! If she can do this, I can certainly run a few miles, right?

I'm a member of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training. Like the other members of TNT, I will be raising funds to help find cures and better treatments for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma.

I'm hoping you can join my effort by visiting my personal fundraising site, to learn more about Laura and consider making a donation to the Society. Every dollar counts, and your donations are tax-deductible! I appreciate your support! ~Amy

If you are interested, please also take some time to read Laura's personal blog.

BRAC Partnership With LSU Alumni Association

The Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC) and the Louisiana State University (LSU) Alumni Association today announced that they have agreed to a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will facilitate the promotion of BRAC's talent development program among LSU graduates. The agreement states that the alumni association will distribute information about the program to its members and chapters and provide BRAC the opportunity to partner with the association at chapter events in order to promote the Capital Region and the availability of job openings within it. In turn, BRAC will work to identify career opportunities for out-of-region LSU graduates and provide the resumes of alumni members interested in returning to the Baton Rouge area to companies with open positions. The MOU's goal is to grow the number of resumes included in BRAC's talent database.

Read the full article.

From Erica Ortiz

My husband and I will be participating in a 100 mile bike ride in Lake Tahoe in June 2012 to help raise money and awareness for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The purpose of LLS is to improve the quality of life of patients suffering from leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. LLS funds research, provides patient support, and provides financial assistance to those suffering from blood cancer. I am selling Go Local cards to help raise funds for this organization. They are $10, and 50% of proceeds from the card sales go to LLS. These cards will entitle the user to a discount at hundreds of local businesses, so it's a good way to support the local economy as well as the fight against cancer. If interested in purchasing, please contact me at ericafortiz@gmail.com.

I can also take donations directly through my fundraising website This is a secure website, and all donations are tax-deductible. Thanks so much!!!!

From Robert Moerke

April marks the nation's "Month of the Military Child," a time to honor youth impacted by deployment. In celebration, Texas Operation: Military Kids (OMK), part of the 4-H Youth Development program of Texas AgriLife Extension, invites you to join us for the 2nd annual "Purple Up! For Military Kids."

We are encouraging everyone across the state of Texas to wear purple on Friday, April 13th, as a visible way to show support and thank military children for their strength and sacrifices. Purple is the color that symbolizes all branches of the military, as it is the combination of Army green, Coast Guard blue, Air Force blue, Marine red and Navy blue. OMK hopes everyone will take this opportunity to appreciate and celebrate these young heroes.