Patty and Jim White of Montgomery will turn their sorrow and loss into a giving experience again this holiday season. Since 2006, the couple has partnered with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) to form Alexis’ Angels, a holiday gift giving program for families affected by blood cancer, in honor of their daughter Alexis.

In 2005, when Alexis White was just 15 years old, she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Just as she and her family began to process the news and prepare to start treatment, Alexis lost her battle less than a week after diagnosis. Devastated by their loss, the White’s wanted to do something meaningful to help others in need, in honor of their daughter’s love for the holidays.

"Alexis loved all of the holidays," said Patty White. "She enjoyed getting all of her relatives together and would spend all of her money on gifts. She even decorated her own bedroom with lights and a Christmas tree."

Over the past six years, Alexis’ Angels has helped make the holidays special for hundreds of families in Illinois. Every year, the White family and their friends recruit volunteers to collect, wrap, and deliver holiday gifts to families who have experienced financial hardship due to a child affected by blood cancer. "Alexis would love that we are helping all different types of families," said White. "Giving a gift to a child and making that child feel special – Alexis would have loved that."

"We are so appreciative to Patty and Jim White for being willing to share the experience of leukemia," says LLS executive director Pam Swenk. "As hard as it is to tell the story, it helps people understand the importance of Alexis’ Angels and what a difference The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society makes. Without the commitment of each and every volunteer, we would not be able to make a difference to so many people living with cancer."

Alexis’ Angels is currently seeking volunteers for the 2011 holiday season. For more information on how to become involved, please contact the LLS Illinois Chapter at 312-651-7353.

About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society:

Founded in 1949　and headquartered in White Plains, NY, LLS has　chapters　throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more, visit www.LLS.org or contact　the　Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society ® (LLS) is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission:　Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services.  www.lls.org.