The Campaign
Each year, in communities across the country, dynamic and passionate candidates engage in a spirited ten-week fundraising competition to earn The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's "Man & Woman of the Year" titles, by raising funds for blood cancer research. Our exciting 2012 campaign started with a fun Kick Off event at SUITE. The fundraising competition ended with a celebration of everyone's efforts at the Grand Finale Gala on Saturday, May 5, 2012 at 6:00 pm at The Marriott City Center, with dinner, drinks, and a fabulous silent and live auction.

The Candidates
The ideal candidates are community and business leaders who are philanthropic, ambitious, socially active, resourceful and passionate about making a difference in the lives of people suffering from blood cancers. Their unstoppable ambition drives them to fundraise in a large-scale capacity with remarkable results.

The Honorees
All participants raise funds in honor of our Girl of the Year, Jordan Jemsek, 8 and our Boy of the Year, Michael Price, 10! Both are blood cancer SURVIVORS!

The History
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Man & Woman of the Year campaign began in 1990 in San Francisco to honor John Spencer, a valued employee at Hastings Clothier in San Francisco and a Society volunteer. Spencer died of leukemia at the age of 39. It was in John's memory that Hastings Clothier began supporting the LLS's Northern California Chapter with the San Francisco Man & Woman of the Year event. Now, more than 62 Man & Woman of the Year campaigns occur across the nation, making this a highly visible fundraising program.

The Reason
Although someone is diagnosed with a blood cancer every four minutes, there is great hope for the future. LLS is the world's largest national voluntary health organization dedicated to curing leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and to improving the quality of life of patients and families.

The Other Reason
FUN! Everyone involved with the Man & Woman of the Year is surrounded by diverse people, a dedicated staff, and a supportive committee. Additionally, there are a number of fantastic parties, including the Grand Finale Celebration event which provides candidates the opportunity to gain new friends and contacts.