The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS)
Announces National Winners of Evolutionary 'Visionaries of the
Year' Campaign; Funds Raised Will Help LLS Improve the Lives of
Blood Cancer Patients and Their Families
RYE
BROOK, N.Y., July 18,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Leukemia & Lymphoma
Society's (LLS) announced today, Ashley Snider of Charlottle, NC,
was awarded the 2024 national title, "Visionary of the Year,"
as part of its evolutionary Visionaries of the
Year campaign, raising over $603,510 for LLS, helping the organization
carry out its mission to cure blood cancer and improve the quality
of life of all patients and their families.
As a mother of two and an acute myeloid leukemia survivor
herself, Snider's steadfast determination was personal. This May,
she celebrated five years post-transplant with no relapses. She
spearheaded "Team Ashley Strong"
which included 28 members of her family, friends, and community who
held innovative events spanning from casino nights to
lemonade stands, showing every dollar counts.
Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/9184555-lls-2024-national-visionary-of-the-year/
"I wanted to join Visionaries of the Year to pay it forward and
help create more survivor stories like mine," said Snider. "I know
firsthand the urgency of groundbreaking research, advocacy, and
support for blood cancer patients. And I know LLS is doing
everything possible to improve the lives and outcomes of people
fighting blood cancer."
For ten weeks, Visionaries of the Year candidates and their team
members, which included nearly 7,000 participants this year, raise
money to help LLS fund pioneering research that is saving lives.
And LLS supports patients and caregivers through every part of
their blood cancer experience — from diagnosis through treatment
and beyond by providing free education, support and resources and
by advocating for policies that promote access to better treatment
and cancer care.
"LLS is redefining what's possible after a blood cancer
diagnosis and Ashley Snider is an
inspiration for us all, proving anything is possible!" said
Coker Powell, Executive Vice
President and Chief Revenue Officer for The Leukemia & Lymphoma
Society.
The National Visionary of the Year Runner-Up was Claire Warren of Houston, TX, who raised over $363,790 in honor of her friend 's
daughter who was diagnosed with leukemia at just three years
old.
"Drew and her family will always be a true inspiration to me for
enduring what no child or family should have to go through," said
Warren. "I'm so grateful LLS is transforming treatment and care for
children with blood cancer."
While many children survive leukemia, the most common type of
pediatric cancer, treatments are often harsh and outdated. Through
its Dare to Dream Project, LLS is transforming treatment and
care for kids with blood cancer through support, advocacy, and
research – including launching the first-ever global pediatric
acute leukemia Master Clinical Trial, LLS PedAL.
LLS also recognizes the outstanding efforts of All Star
candidates who are alumni from across the country that have decided
to pick up the torch and participate in Visionaries of the Year
again.
The National Visionary of the Year "All Star" is Bill Rawlings of Atlanta, Georgia. Outside of his volunteer
efforts with LLS spanning the last ten years, he serves as the
executive vice president for Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby's
International Realty and Mountain Sotheby's International Realty.
He ran in honor of the founder & chairman, Jenny Pruitt, who is currently battling cancer
and his father-in-law, Terry King,
who has been battling chronic lymphocytic leukemia for over a
decade.
The National Visionary of the Year "All Star" Runner Up was
Brian Leigh of Washington, D.C., who raised over $153,690. A survivor of acute myeloid
leukemia (AML), he's currently in his 16th year of remission.
New this year, LLS named Joe
Cupoli of Park Ridge, NJ as
the campaign's National "Team Member of the Year" for his
extraordinary $150,362 impact. Having
run as a candidate in 2019, and again as an All Star in 2021, this
year, Joe decided to support his partner Kat Flanders in her
campaign.
"We are so grateful for the commitment and dedication of all
Visionaries of the Year candidates and their teams whose selfless
efforts are helping blood cancer patients live longer better
lives," said Powell.
Visionaries of the Year has helped LLS invest more than
$1.7 billion in cutting-edge research
worldwide, fueling nearly every critical advancement in blood
cancer treatment that spans the most promising cancer research.
For more information or to get involved,
visit llsvisionaries.org
Members of the media seeking more information or an interview,
please contact: mediarelations@lls.org.
About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® (LLS) is the global
leader in the fight against blood 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.
For additional information, visit lls.org/lls-newsnetwork.
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SOURCE The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS)