The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is the world’s largest voluntary health organization committed to supporting blood cancer study and providing education and patient services.  Every year, the LLS raises money to fight blood born cancers with their Boy and Girl of the Year and their Man and Woman of the Year.

I became interested in The LLS because my husband, Geoff, lost a classmate to Leukemia during their senior year in high school. Since then we learned that another friend’s stepson was diagnosed with Leukemia at age 13.

We are also personal friends with Brobson family whose daughter, Claire, is the 2011 Girl of the Year. I worked on the campaign trail with Kevin Brobson while he ran for Commonwealth Court Judge. Through that process we became good friends, and we love and respect the entire Brobson family for their dedication to one another and the community.
Claire is a beautiful and radiant child and was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (A.L.L.) in December 2007.  Although she is in remission, Claire must continue her visits to the clinic every month.

I first met Claire near the end of her treatments, and I have seen her recover and become such a beautiful young lady. My heart melts every time I see her and her lovely, long, wavy hair. She is so remarkable, and the LLS have done so much to help her and so many children like her.

LLS‘s 2011 Boy of the Year is 5-year old Tyler Derr.  Tyler is a courageous and vibrant young man, whose diagnosis with Lymphoblastic Lymphoma on his 4th birthday in August 2009 left his family heartbroken.  He is currently attending treatment and has two years remaining in his healing process.

To aid these incredible children in their fight for life by raising money are the LLS’s 2011 Man and Woman of the Year, Abeer Srouji and Sam Lindenberg.

Abeer Srouji, Woman of the Year, is a friend of mine and a local business woman who enjoys giving her time and efforts into noble causes like LLS.  Abeer and I have been friends for a few years through the Chamber of Commerce. She is a driven individual with so much compassion to share. I am thrilled that she was able to use her passion for such a good cause.
Sam Lindenberg is a passionate and highly regardedbusiness man who enjoys giving his time and resources to LLS.  His compassionto help those in need won him the LLS’s 2011 Man of the Year award.  Our congratulations go out to him!

All of the candidates for Man and Woman of the year deserve a lot of credit and thanks for giving so much time and energy to help fight this horrible disease. As a small business owner, my time is extremely valuable, but dedicating whatever small amount of time I can to such a worthy cause makes it all worthwhile.