Every 180 seconds, somebody in the U.S. dies of a blood cancer. And in today’s times of uncertainty, patients need support now, more than ever. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) exists to support patients and their families.
Known as one of Washington’s top fundraisers each spring, The Visionaries of the Year (aka the Man & Woman of the Year) campaign is a spirited 10-week fundraising competition in which candidates set out to raise as much money as they can for LLS. This year, 17 extraordinary candidates (below) have taken on the challenge and have set a combined fundraising goal of $3.5 million. This year’s fundraisers span the Washington D.C. area geographically and professionally, but all have at least one thing in common: a commitment to raising money for blood cancer research, advocacy, and patient services.
The funds raised through Visionaries of the Year are used for:
· Research to advance lifesaving therapies like immunotherapy, genomics and personalized medicine, which are saving lives today.
· Free blood cancer information, education and support for patients and families.
· National and local advocacy efforts are driving policies that accelerate new treatments and ensure patients have access to care so that they can live longer, healthier lives.
Year after year, individuals from all over the country take on this challenge, although only one will win the coveted title of “Visionary of the Year”. The iconic fundraising campaign embodies the idea that any individual can have an impact on cancer cures with hard work and dedication. Over the past three decades, the campaigns have proven to be about much more than individuals and teams winning a competition — it is about incredible leaders from diverse experiences and backgrounds stepping up and leading others to raise critical funds to end blood cancer.
Two of the candidates are taking on an even bigger challenge as they represent the Washington, D.C. campaign in the 2023 All Star campaign, a fundraising competition among a select group of Visionaries of the Year alumni. All Stars conduct their own campaign with their personal fundraising team. Representing this year are Jennifer Keating (Cisco Systems) and Brandon Clay (Gucci). The All Star who raises the most funds during the campaign is named the “National Visionaries of the Year All Star”.
Are you interested in getting involved? Please contact Megan Swahn at Megan.Swahn@lls.org for more information.
Meet our 2023 Visionaries of the Year Candidates!
Aimee Brillhart, Monumental Sports & Entertainment
Brandon Clay, All-Star Candidate, Gucci
Isaiah Corley, Palo Alto Networks
Ozzy Jimenez, General Operating Partner
Jennifer Keating, All-Star Candidate, Cisco
Dr. Alex Naini, Aesthetic Dental Spa
Scott Shoemaker, Patriot Strategies
Since its founding in 1949, LLS has invested more than $1.5 billion in cutting edge blood cancer research worldwide, and its support has been instrumental in the development of nearly every breakthrough in blood cancer treatment. To address the unique concerns of blood cancer patients throughout the pandemic, LLS has amplified its longstanding efforts to provide free information and support to blood cancer patients and their families, while also advocating for policies that will protect patients.
For additional information visit lls.org/lls-newsnetwork. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
