NASHVILLE, TN – Every 180 seconds, somebody in the U.S. dies of a blood cancer. And in today’s times of uncertainty, patients need support now, more than ever. The TN-AL Region of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) has announced the 12 candidates who will be running in the Nashville 2022 Man & Woman of the Year campaign — a philanthropic competition to fight blood cancer among a group of motivated and dedicated individuals in communities across the United States.
The funds raised through Man & Woman of the Year are used for:
· Research to advance lifesaving therapies like immunotherapy, genomics and personalized medicine, which are saving lives today.
· Free blood cancer information, education and support for patients and families.
· National and local advocacy efforts driving policies that accelerate new treatments and ensure patients have access to care so that they can live longer, healthier lives.
Year after year, individuals from all over the country take on this challenge, although only two will win the official title, “Man & Woman of the Year”. The iconic fundraising campaign, which will be virtual this year, embodies the idea that any individual can have an impact on cancer cures with hard work and dedication.
The candidates compete in honor of children who are local blood cancer survivors, also known as the “Honored Heroes” to provide inspiration during their campaign. This year’s fundraising is in honor of two blood cancer patient heroes, the 2022 Honored Heroes are Lennon, 6, and Mairah, 9. Both Lennon and Mairah have battled B Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Lennon loves playing hockey, racing, and playing with his sister. Mairah is an energetic, sweet little girl who loves creating art.
“While everyone is still working to adjust to a ‘new normal,’ LLS is making sure not to forget the over 1.3 million people living with or in remission from a blood cancer,” said Jeff Parsley, LLS TN-AL Executive Director. “These exceptional candidates and volunteers are all truly unstoppable individuals and leaders in their communities. Because of their dedication, LLS is able to continue to carry out our lifesaving work across the country.”
This year’s fundraisers span the Nashville area geographically and professionally, but all have at least one thing in common: a commitment to raising money for blood cancer research, advocacy and patient services.[KA(O1]
The 2022 candidates are:
· Dan Fachner, J&J Snacks/ICEE
· James Deaton, Morris Higham
· Kristen Haire, Burn Bootcamp
· Brittney Baer, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
· Chase McCabe, Cromwell Media
· Mark Stoner, Ashbusters Chimney Services
· Meredith St Amour, Hydration Haven Hendersonville
· Kelly Golden, Microsoft
· Meghan Dalaney, RN/Stay at Home Mom
· Matthew Ford, Eat Well Nashville
· Trevor Sava, Tailwinds Business Law
· Courtney Cates, Experis
The All Star campaign is a fundraising competition among a select group of Man & Woman of the Year alumni. All Stars conduct their own campaign with their personal fundraising team. Sava, Tailwinds Business Law and Cates, Experis, are two in an elite group of influential, compassionate local and national community and business leaders who will compete for the National Man & Woman of the Year All Star. The male and female All Star who raises the most funds during the campaign is named the “National Man & Woman of the Year All Stars”.
Since its founding in 1949, LLS has invested more than $1.5 billion in cutting edge blood cancer research worldwide, and its support has been instrumental in the development of nearly every breakthrough in blood cancer treatment. To address the unique concerns of blood cancer patients throughout the pandemic, LLS has amplified its longstanding efforts to provide free information and support to blood cancer patients and their families, while also advocating for policies that will protect patients.
Visit the Man & Woman of the Year website (www.mwoy.org) and learn how you can become engaged with LLS.
About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® (LLS) is a global leader in the fight against 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.
