Campaign 2013
Each year, in communities across the country, dynamic, 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 2013 campaign will start with a Kick Off event on March 27, 2013. The fundraising competition will culminate with a celebration of everyone's efforts at the black-tie Grand Finale Gala on June 6, 2013.

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

Honorees
All participants raise funds in honor of the Boy & Girl of the Year. DJ Valcin, age 9, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic lymphoma in February 2008, just one week shy of his fifth birthday. Daniya Waithe, age 6, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) at one year old after a routine pediatric check up. Today, both DJ and Daniya are happy, healthy, and in remission.

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 began supporting the Society's Northern California Chapter with the San Francisco Man & Woman of the Year event. Now, more than 40 Man & Woman of the Year campaigns occur across the nation, making this a highly visible fundraising program.

The Reason
Although someone new 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 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 Gala even which provides candidates with the opportunity to gain new friends and contacts.

For More Information
Contact Amy Abramson at (212) 376-6747 or amy.abramson@lls.org