Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Man of the Year

Click to Donate

Many of you know that I have been nominated to run for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Man of the Year award.  The Man & Woman of the Year is a national campaign to raise funds to cure leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.  In case you are not aware of my story, I will give you a few of the highlights. I have been an athlete my entire life, and have been racing endurance sports for close to 25 years so I am also living proof that cancer doesn’t play by any rules.

On February 24th 2006 I was diagnosed with leukemia; a diagnosis that came completely out of the blue for me. I started chemotherapy treatment right away and my doctor almost immediately referred to me as a “responder”. I quickly reached complete remission which is where I intend to remain.

I made two very important decisions immediately following my diagnosis. The first was to continue to train through and around my treatments, using my passion for fitness as a weapon in my treatment arsenal. On days that I felt strong, I often ran home from my chemo treatments. I did so to send a message to myself, my loved ones, and my cancer that I had zero intentions of lying down and just “letting this happen”.

The second important decision that I made came only a couple of days after my diagnosis and that was to get involved with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society as a triathlon coach in their Team in Training program. It has given me the opportunity to work with so many eager and enthusiastic people, sharing my passion for the sport, as they raise funds and awareness for my blood cancer. It’s a partnership that just doesn’t get any better.

So I didn’t need too much time to think about accepting the nomination to run for Man of the Year. This is simply another chance to help control my own destiny, and the destiny of many others that I will never even meet by continuing to work with an outstanding organization.

Here is how you can help:

1. Simply make a 100% tax-deductible donation to my online fundraising page by CLICKING HERE or by mailing a check (made payable to LLS) to me or directly to LLS at 555 North Lane, Suite 5010, Conshohocken, PA 19428 (please be sure to write my name in the memo section so that I get credit for your generous donation!);
2. Sponsor me and LLS at the Grand Finale Celebration and receive special sponsor benefits including advertising and tickets to the  Grand Finale Celebration (sponsorships from $2,500 – $25,000 available);
3. Join me where the winners will be announced at  the Grand Finale Celebration by purchasing tickets ($100 per person);
4. Purchase an ad supporting me or promoting your business ($250 for a quarter page ad; $500 for a half page ad; $1,000 for a full page ad).

My campaign is shaping up nicely and starting to gain some momentum. We also have scheduled a few key events that will be fun, and should raise great awareness and funds for the cause.

Check out a few of the things we have planned, and come join us…

What: Beef & Beer at the Sheffield Tavern
When: Saturday April 17th from 5-9 PM
Where: The Sheffield Tavern 4501 Sheffield St. Philadelphia PA 19136
Cost: $20 at the door entitles you to food, beer, and a donation to a great cause. Plus we will offer additional fun raffles, drawings, etc.

What: Jewelry Show & Sale Featuring the Unique Creations of MG Brown
When: Sunday April 25th from 1-4 PM
Where: 115 Ellis Rd. Havertown PA 19083. A portion of all sale proceeds will benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

What: Beef & Beer featuring  “Chico’s Mini Vibe” and a special set performed by Dennis Selfridge
When: Sunday May 2nd from 2-6 PM
Where: Frankie’s Café 25 South Eagle Rd. Havertown PA 19083
Cost: $30 at the door entitles you to food, beer, GREAT music by true music legends, a donation to a great cause…. Raffles, door prizes, and more.

No doubt there is something here for everyone to help make a difference in the lives of so many. Please do what you can today.

Thank you for your continued support.