Champions of Hope in the Battle Against Blood Cancer

May 3, 2010 - PRLog -- Tampa, FL  – The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), Suncoast Chapter, Man & Woman of the Year candidates quickly approach the celebratory Grand Finale Black Tie Gala, May 22, 2010 at TPepin’s Hospitality Centre.

Since March 10, 2010, twelve Tampa Bay area residents have been strategizing, networking, and planning events to engage the community in joining them and LLS in the fight against blood cancers. This unique fundraising competition between business and community leaders stretches a mere ten weeks long. During this time candidates vie for the honor of being named the 2010 Suncoast Man & Woman of the Year by raising funds for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Every dollar counts as one vote. The male and female candidate with the most votes are named Man & Woman of the Year.

Money raised benefits the LLS’s mission to cure blood cancers and to improve the quality of life for patients and their families.  This year’s fundraising is in honor of the 2010 Boy and Girl of the Year: Joshua Gandy, age 8 and Madison Cavanaugh, age 5.  "Your support [of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society] will help continue the fight so that someday, somewhere, a little five year old girl won't have to battle a blood cancer." - Glen Cavanaugh, Madison's Father.

“We are so grateful for this years support from our Presenting Sponsor, Crispus Capital Group as well as other local sponsors and supporters of this year’s 20th Anniversary Man & Woman of the Year campaign,” says Suncoast LLS Special Events Director, Lynn Haag. “In addition to our amazing candidates, our financial sponsors and hospitality industry support in the community are key to this campaign’s success.”

This year’s Grand Finale will showcase fabulous live and silent auctions, comic relief by Ditch Dog Entertainment, cocktails, music and the much awaited announcement of the 2010 Man and Woman of the Year. Candidates in Man & Woman of the Year raise funds. Help them achieve their real mission… to raise hope and save lives. Donations as well as Grand Finale Tickets purchased may be designated to support a candidate electronically at www.mwoy.org/sun or sent directly to the Suncoast Chapter LLS office.

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About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society ® (LLS) is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to 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 and provides free information and support services.

Founded in 1949 and headquartered in White Plains, NY, LLS has chapters throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more, visit www.LLS.org or contact the Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. www.lls.org.

Suncoast Chapter
3507 East Frontage Road
Tampa, FL 33607

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