The question on everyone’s mind is who, among our 12 candidates, will be the male and female candidate who raises the most funds? While a bit of friendly competition is great, let’s not forget why these candidates are really raising this money. The LLS campaign kicked off February 23rd and the clock stops the night of the Grand Finale Celebration, April 19th, 2012, when the winners will be announced.
Each of the 12 candidates have their own reasons for raising this money, whether it be because they know someone who has had blood cancer or they, themselves, have had blood cancer, or they want to make a difference. Whatever their reasons, the money they raise this year will go to fund the research that The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is doing. This money will not only help with research, but will give those with blood cancer courage to fight and the hope that one day we will find a cure.
The seven women running for Women of the Year are Anne-Marie Brandt (Team Brandt Marketing), Lindsay Coulter (iChase Solutions), Patsi Lilly (Laguna Point Salon and Day Spa), Leslie Meck (Centric Bank), Leena Shenoy (Passage to India), Tania Srouji (Eye Candy Accessories) and Sue Wert (Retired Survivor).
The five men running for Man of the Year are Bob Carey (Horticultural Services), Ben Foster (92.1 WTPA), Edward Gormley (Susquehanna Financial Advisors, LLC), Ryan Knisely (Eastern University) and Jeff Zinn (Graphtech).
The LLS is the world’s largest voluntary health organization committed to supporting blood cancer study and provide education and patient services.
Each year, two children battling these deadly diseases are chosen in the Central PA Chapter of LLS. These courageous young people serve as motivation for those of us running for “Man and Women of the Year.”
The 2012 “Girl of the Year” is seven-year old Ashley Fazekas. Ashley is from Maytown, PA and enjoys spending time with her dog, Cupcake, as well as her turtle and kitten. Ashley was diagnosed with A.L.L. when she was just a baby and is now proud to call herself a survivor. When asked how she got through her treatments, Ashley says, “I was VERY strong.” Ashley’s parents, John and Elaine, are excited to share their story with all of our candidates to help end the battle with blood cancers.
The 2012 “Boy of the Year” is twelve-year old, Dustin Beaver. Dustin is an energetic boy who attends Good Hope Middle School. He was diagnosed with A.L.L. in December 2010 and is currently undergoing maintenance treatments. He is very excited to be back at school with his friends and spends a lot of time playing video games. An avid soccer and football player, Dustin is the youngest of five children.
An estimated 44,600 new cases of leukemia are expected to be diagnosed in the United States in 2011.
In 2011, about 662,789 people are living with lymphoma or are in remission (no sign of the disease). This number includes about 159,846 people with Hodgkin lymphoma and 502,943 people with NHL.
While these numbers are heartbreaking to see there are many wonderful people doing their part to help. Over the next eight weeks all of the candidates will be having several events and fundraisers to help raise money for LLS. To see the list of events click here.
Spread the word and support your candidate(s) today!
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