Jordin Sparks not only won the hearts of millions by being the (youngest) winner of American Idol, she's also carved out a very special place in our hearts by being active in her community — through fashion, no less.
The songstress has recently partnered with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society — the world's largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer — and Burlington Stores to create awareness for the urgent need for funding to advance cancer cures. For 16 years, LLS and Burlington have worked together on this cause, but now Sparks, who is an activist for cancer research, will be joining the call to action which includes donations of $1 at checkout.
Not only does Sparks talk the talk, but she also walks the walk. On September 19, Jordin joined Burlington and LLS at the retailer's flagship location in New York City to recognize four young blood cancer survivors and surprise them with a full makeover and brand new fall wardrobe.
In case you were wondering, blood cancer is actually more common than one might assume. Nearly 1.3 million people in the U.S. are living with or are in remission from blood cancer, and there are no means of preventing or screening for them. So although you might not hear of it as frequently as other cancers, being active in helping those diagnosed with or living with blood cancer is a call to action we all should take.
"I'm so proud to work alongside Burlington to support The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in its mission to cure the blood cancers and ensure that patients have access to lifesaving treatments and cures," Sparks said in a statement. "We are all touched by cancer and I feel the urgency to raise awareness for the need to find cures and to help patients and families dealing with these diseases."
So, if you're at a Burlington and can donate, donations will be running through December 9th. You can also learn more information by visiting their sites, BurlingtonStores.com or LLS.org.