Healthy Living

How Jordin Sparks Contributed to Lymphoma Awareness Month

jordin sparks interviewed for lymphoma

How Jordin Sparks Contributed to Lymphoma Awareness Month

A cancer survivor interviewed Jordin Sparks about her work helping children who survived blood cancer.

In the United States, over 1.3 million people are living with or are survivors of blood cancer. This form of cancer is a deadly disease, taking a life every nine minutes.

Photo credit: Parade

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) teamed up with Burlington Stores to raise awareness about this disease that affects millions of lives. The organization shared the support of singer, actress, and cancer activist Jordin Sparks. 

Years ago, she placed first on the television show American Idol, and recently, with her full makeover and new autumn wardrobe, she surprised four cancer survivors. She shared her experience with Rachel Weingarten, a makeup artist, saying she finds kids to be the "strongest little humans." They are so small, yet have gone through leukemia and its accompanying hardships, all with an incredibly positive attitude. These children may not understand what’s wrong with them, but they do know they are hurting. Jordin felt inspired when she heard them speaking joyfully about their remission.

Jordin let it be known that someone she cares for was also battling the disease. Her friend’s mother was diagnosed with fatal melanoma, and her great grandfather died due to pancreatic cancer. Jordin says everyone knows somebody who is affected by cancer, and by helping them, she has learned countless lessons about empathy and community.

The singer believes everyone should be kind and make this world a better place. We do not know another person’s story when we meet them for the first time nor do we know what they are battling. Through understanding others, the sense of community can be strengthened. Jordin feels that being positive and upbeat is a choice. When meeting others, she says, she tries to maintain an open and positive attitude.

As a role model, Jordin feels extra responsibility to present herself in a positive manner. She never wants anyone who meets her to feel disappointed. She always tries to be good to her fans and make efforts for them; even on bad days, she is ready to take photos with her supporters. Jordin feels her family is one of her top priorities and that her outlook on life has been shaped by them. She is proud of the selfless acts her mom has performed and feels inspired by her.

She is still celebrating her career success today as an actress: she can be seen in the movie God Bless the Broken Road. In this movie, she plays the role of a girl named Bridget, the main character's best friend. And let's not forget about her singing career! Impressively, she is already on her fourth album.

Read on to learn more about Jordin Sparks' contributions to blood cancer awareness.