TULLAHOMA, Tenn., Dec. 6, 2023 – Ascend Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in Middle Tennessee, announced today it has donated $10,000 to the Tennessee/Alabama Region of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) to support LLS’ Dare to Dream Project, which is transforming treatment and care for kids with blood cancer. Credit union employees and members also contributed an additional $3,720. The donations help fund cancer research and provide support services to cancer patients and their families.

“We’d like to thank Ascend for another significant donation to our chapter,” said Jeff Parsley, LLS Tennessee/Alabama regional executive director. “Generous gifts like this help fund our ongoing mission to cure leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other blood cancers. We appreciate the support from our friends at the credit union and its members and employees, and together, we strive towards a future where blood cancers are no longer a threat to any individual child or family.”

“We are honored to stand alongside LLS in their tireless effort to fight cancer,” said Matt Jernigan, Ascend president and CEO. “We believe in making a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by blood cancers, and through this donation, we hope to help lift the burden on those affected and support initiatives that bring us closer to a cure.”

A longtime partner with the Tennessee/Alabama Region of LLS, Ascend again this year supported its annual fundraising event, “Costumed for a Cure.” This Halloween, employees at Ascend locations throughout Middle Tennessee dressed up in their most creative costumes and decorated pumpkins. Anyone who visited an Ascend branch could vote for their favorite costume or pumpkin with a contribution to LLS. Donations also were accepted through a custom fundraising website. Costumed for a Cure raised $3,720 from employee and member donations, bringing the 17-year fundraising total to $48,879. All funds will go toward supporting blood cancer research, as well as improving the quality of life for patients and their families.

About Ascend Federal Credit Union

With more than 237,000 members and more than $4.1 billion in assets, Ascend Federal Credit Union is the largest credit union in Middle Tennessee and one of the largest federally chartered credit unions in the United States. Based in Tullahoma, Tenn., the member-owned financial institution offers banking, loan, retirement and investment services from its 27 branches, more than 55,000 free ATMs worldwide, online banking portal, and mobile app. The credit union’s mission is to serve by offering financial literacy education and giving back to its community in a variety of ways. Ascend is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration. For more information, visit ascend.org.

About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® (LLS) is the global leader in the fight against blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world, provides free information and support services, and is the voice for all blood cancer patients seeking access to quality, affordable, coordinated care.

Founded in 1949 and headquartered in Rye Brook, NY, LLS has regions throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more, visit www.LLS.org. Patients should contact the Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET.

LLS is the only organization featured in the nonprofit category on both Fast Company’s 2022 Brands That Matter list and the 2023 Best Workplaces for Innovators list. LLS stands out among brands around the world for its relevancy, cultural impact, ingenuity, and mission impact.

For additional information, visit lls.org/lls-newsnetwork. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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