Earlier this year, the North Texas Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) introduced a new event to the social scene. Man and Woman of the Year (MWOY) served up nine North Texas business leaders candidates competing against each other in a spirited 10-week fundraising blitz that included a letter writing campaign, sponsorship, and unique fundraising events.
On May 30th, Congrats to Dr. Larry Anderson and Erin Ragsdale who earned the distinguished honor as being named the winners of the inaugural MWOY campaign. The candidates collectively raised $677,369.48 to support LLS’s mission to find cure for blood cancers and ensure that patients have access to life saving treatments.
Let's just take a moment to let that sink in... A first year event, that tasked 10 individuals to raise money... and they collectively raised $677,369.48. Are you kidding me!? WOW. Just wow.
“Congratulations to our winners, and to all of our candidates and campaign team members who participated in this year’s campaign,” said Patricia Thomson, Ph.D., Executive Director of the North Texas LLS Chapter. “They are all passionate and determined individuals, and leaders in their communities. Their efforts really go far in bringing help and hope to patients and their families.” Dr. Larry Anderson is an Assistant Professor of Hematology/Oncology at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas and specializes in the treatment of plasma cell cancers (Multiple Myeloma, Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia, and Amyloidosis). He also conducts multiple clinical trials for these patients and has over 11 years of experience with bone marrow and stem cell transplantation. Dr. Anderson resides in Plano with his wife and two daughters. Erin Ragsdale became involved with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society four years ago after her nine year old nephew was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. She has served as Vice President on the Board of Trustees for the North Texas Chapter of LLS and effective July 1st, she will serve as Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Erin is Senior Vice President at Allyn Media and lives in Dallas with her husband and two children.
Other candidates were Keith Pearson, CEO of Pearson Partners International, the Runner up for Man of the Year, Gina Cook, General Manager of Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House, the Runner up for Woman of the Year, Saadia Sheikh, Vice President at eSmith Realty Partners, Mai Caldwell, Hematology/Oncology Consultant for Celgene Corporation, Imran Sheikh, the US Director of AfterShock London, Stuart Boslow, Television Executive and Kim Carter, a long time supporter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
It was just announced that the National Office of the LLS organization has announced its national winners. The 2015 National Woman of the Year and Boy of the Year are Erin Ragsdale and Bennett Williams. Erin Ragsdale and her campaign team raised an unprecedented $471,000 to support LLS’s mission to find a cure for blood cancers and ensure that patients have access to life saving treatments. This is the most raised in the history of this national campaign by any male or female candidate and their team. Donors to LLS through Erin’s history-making campaign include business and civic leaders Amanda & Brint Ryan, Marianne & Roger Staubach, Phil Romano, Jennifer & Tom Karol, John & Jennifer Gates, Steve Goldmann, Linda & Mitch Hart, Mary & Mike Terry, Mari Woodlief and Toni & Boone Pickens.
I said all along the winner would be the person with the best corporate connections... #obvi
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, 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 White Plains, NY, LLS has chapters 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.
photos provided by LLS North Texas