Karisa Hannon is the kind of person who makes everyone- her family, friends, and students feel safe and seen (and Roo, her Frenchie, of course!). She is a smart, funny, dedicated, bilingual 2nd grade teacher in Chicago Public Schools who pours her heart into her classroom and community. Karisa is 30 years young, and her contagious enthusiasm towards life shows it!

Recently, Karisa received the unexpected diagnosis of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). The diagnosis came suddenly, and she began intensive chemotherapy immediately, which will be aggressive and ongoing. Karisa will be hospitalized for several weeks as she undergoes treatment. While her focus right now is treatment and recovery, the road ahead will be long and demanding.

Leukemia treatment is not only physically demanding, it also brings months of missed work, significant medical expenses, and everyday expenses. This fundraiser is meant to help ease that burden so she can put her energy into healing.

Karisa is very beloved by her family, friends, and colleagues, who have asked how they can help. Any support, whether through a donation or by sharing this page, means more than words can express.

For more ways to learn about Leukemia and the opportunity to donate blood for anyone in need, visit https://bloodcancerunited.org/