The Simmons and Fletcher Local Missions Podcast
Want to find a Houston-area place to volunteer that is right for you? Listen along as your host Paul H. Cannon interviews local Houston-area mission leaders and participants about their mission and how you can be a part of something bigger right here in Houston, Texas.
When Paul H. Cannon was in his late 20s, He was the missions coordinator for a bible study class of 165 people at Second Baptist Westway Campus in Houston. One of the challenges he ran across was finding local mission projects for the class to participate in. "If only there was a website where you could go and learn about a large group of opportunities at once," Paul thought.
It was from this idea that Meet Houston Missions was born. As a partner and the marketing manager for Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., Injury & Accident Lawyers, Paul now had the means to create what he was missing. It started out as a simple series of Zoom videos and has not evolved into a weekly podcast.
If you are in the Greater Houston Area and a Mission looking for volunteers, I want to talk to you! If you are someone in the GHA who needs volunteer hours for a school group, or church group project, or you just want to be a part of something bigger, this show is for you.
Follow our podcast and visit: https://www.simmonsandfletcher.com/meet-houston-missions/ to learn about the opportunities that are literally surrounding you!
Meet Houston Missions guests do not have to be affiliated with any group or religion. If your organization is boot-on-the-ground helping people in our area, email Paul at pcannon@simmonsandfletcher.com for guest opportunities.
Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., Injury & Accident Lawyers is a personal injury law firm based in Houston, Texas. Learn more about the firm at: https://www.simmonsandfletcher.com. It has been serving the Houston community since 1979.
The Simmons and Fletcher Local Missions Podcast
Meet Houston Missions: The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
In this episode of Meet Houston Missions, we meet with Shauna Huffington, the Campaign Development Director for the Texas Gulf Coast Region of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The Leukemia Society was founded in 1949 by the parent of Robbie Roesler de Villiers, a young man who was taken by Leukemia in 1944 at the age of 16. It was later renamed the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or LLS.
Today, LLS is dedicated to curing leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other blood cancers. The organization funds millions of dollars in research and provides patient services ranging from filing insurance claims to finding doctors.
Helping Patients and Their Families
For those who have been diagnosed with blood cancer, LLS provides a hotline staffed with masters-level oncology nurses and translators speaking multiple languages. By calling 800-955-4572, patients and their families can access a wealth of patient resources including, doctor referrals, educational resources, mentors, and assistance with appeals.
Research
Since 1949, LLS has provided over 1.3 billion dollars to researchers studying blood cancers. Currently, there are 11 researchers funded in Houston hospitals, including Baylor & UT, for a total of 12 million in grants. The LLS also spearheads the Children’s Initiative, which is a 100-million-dollar worldwide initiative that aims to develop cures for childhood cancer. Since the organization’s inception, the survival rate of childhood cancer for children under the age of 15 has gone from a 3% survival rate to a 90% survival rate.
Fundraisers:
LLS hosts two major fundraisers. One is in the spring, and the other in the fall. These fundraisers rely on teams of individuals as well as private and corporate sponsors.
The spring event is The Big Climb. Participants climb up 50 flights of stairs in Downtown Houston to raise money and awareness. You can learn more or sign up here: https://pages.lls.org/bigclimb/txg/bigclimbhou22
The fall event in Houston is their big event, which has drawn more than 5000 people at past events. This is their Light the Night event, where people gather and walk at night with color-coded balloons that signify supporters, survivors, and victims of blood cancers. At the end, there is a fireworks show. Learn about Light The Night here: https://www.lightthenight.org/events/houston.
Galas
In addition to the above fundraisers, their Galas include Man/Woman of the Year and Students of the Year. These involve a secret fundraising competition that goes on during the year, and winners are then revealed at their Gala.
Volunteers and Donors
Volunteers are needed for each of the events described above. Additionally, mentors—people who have survived blood cancer—are always needed to speak to people currently walking the walk. You can contact Information Services at 800-955-4572 to get more information on volunteering. Anyone wishing to donate outside of participating in the above events can also call the Information Services number to learn more or visit LLS.org.
The Simmons and Fletcher Local Missions Podcast is brought to you by Simmons and Fletcher, P.C. Founding partner Keith M. Fletcher passed away in 2019 due to Lymphoma. This disease affects the lives of many.
