Meet the Past Winners
Meet the Past Man & Woman of the Year Local Winners
2011
Woman of the Year
The Michigan Chapter Woman of the Year, Kelley LaFontaine, also won the National Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Woman of the Year title! Nominated to run by her brother, Ryan LaFontaine, who was our 2010 Man of the Year, Kelley brought high energy to the campaign. Kelley truly believes in paying it forward, and wants others to have the same chance at survival as her brother. She is doing her part to help fund life saving research.
Our 2011 Man of the Year is Tom Connelly. He is a leading force behind the Drive Fore A Cure golf outing, an annual event that has now raised funds to support research and patient services for 4 years. Tom is the Director of Sales for the Ewie Co., Inc.
2010
Man of the Year
With his grand total of $220,586 raised, Ryan LaFontaine surpassed the previous national record and earned the title of Michigan Man of the Year for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. LaFontaine, 32, and a resident of Highland Township, was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in May of 2008. His chemotherapy treatment ended in October with him in full remission as he welcomed the birth of his twin sons, Landry and Larkin.
Supported by his campaign manager and sister Kelley, as well as his entire family, many friends and the employees of the LaFontaine Automotive Group, Ryan executed an ambitious campaign. During the 10-week period he hosted many fundraising events, including A Night of Green Elegance cocktail party at his parents' home, a casino night and golf outing. Twin Pontiac Solstice convertibles were also given away in a raffle.
Woman of the Year
The Woman of the Year title was given to Sarah Barbour from New Boston. After her father lost his battle to leukemia in 2008, she decided to continue his dream of helping others. She campaigned in his memory by raising over $16,000 to further cancer research.
2009
Woman of the Year
Beline Obeid of Grosse Pointe Woods was able to raise over $10,000 during her Woman of the Year campaign. Obeid became involved with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society after losing two family members and a family friend to leukemia. "My family and I have personally felt the devastation of leukemia. It changed all of us forever and my goal is to save others the heartache we had to go through," explains Obeid. "I want to give people hope that things will get better or at least that they can get through."
Man of the Year
Phil Goodman of Northville raised over $10,000 during his Man of the Year campaign. Goodman's grandson Jake was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2006. After receiving the devastating news, he decided to team up with friend John Hubbard, whose son was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes. Together they created The Jake and Johnny Club, which is an organization dedicated to finding a cure to leukemia and juvenile diabetes. Goodman raised the money through his Man of the Year campaign and the Jake and Johnny Club.
2008
Woman of the Year
Jennifer Kincer of Rochester raised $17,000 during her Woman of the Year campaign. Kincer is an actress and a special lecturer at Oakland University. She was inspired by her friend Eve Stark, a three-year old who was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia, and her uncle Bill Kelk, who passed away from lymphoma.
Man of the Year
Mark Miller, a vice president for Quicken Loans in Livonia, raised $17,000 in memory of his partner of 14 years who passed away from lymphoma.
These are Michigan's Man & Woman of the Year
