Hey guys! I’ts me. Vanessa- unfortunately this post is NOT announcing my engagement to Z. Efron, it’s announcing my candidacy for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Woman of the Year!

Four years ago, my writing partner Katie Hooten got the news that both her husband Tim and her then-four-year-old daughter Eva had leukemia, albeit in different forms. Anyone who has had cancer affect his or her family knows how hard it hits you; Katie got it doubled. But there’s good news to report: Eva’s now cancer-free and Tim’s living with the disease thanks to a second-generation drug that was made possible by donations by people like you to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Every four minutes, someone gets the news that he or she has a blood cancer, and every ten minutes, someone dies of a blood cancer. The LLS — we can abbreviate it from here on out — is behind a lot of the research that has developed medication and treatment that can save, and is saving, lives.

I am supported by my family and friends on what we are calling “Team Big Accomplishment Squad!” And hopefully, I’m also supported by YOU! I really want to make Woman of the Year, which goes to the nominee who can raise the most cash for LLC in a ten-week period. My goal is $60,000, but every dollar will help fight blood cancer. Every dollar donated is a “vote” for me, too.

So, you wanna help!? YAY! Click here to donate. There’s also information there if you’d prefer to send a paper check. And if you want to throw a few bucks toward my dad’s ponytail shearing, you can click here to help reach that $5,000 goal and “Let Larry Shear!”