Finding Purpose Through Volunteering: The "Why" behind Co-Chairing The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s 2021 Man & Woman of the Year (MWOY) Campaign

When I think back to some of my earliest memories, I am reminded of the many loving people along the way who have helped me. As a disadvantaged youth, there were many non-profit programs that I benefited from.

I am extremely grateful for those people and programs because they are a large part of what made me who I am today. I promised myself that when I had the chance to give back, I would do everything in my power to pay it forward.

 Beyond this promise, there are three main reasons that drive my “Why now, why this” in volunteering to be a co-chair for this upcoming campaign. And I would like to share this with all of you in hopes that it will help inspire you to join me in this fight.

Sense of Purpose & Passion

In 2004, I came upon this incredible organization that not only helped me get in shape by running marathons, but also helped fundraise for blood cancer research – enter the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).

 My volunteering journey started with their Team in Training program where I participated and fundraised over multiple seasons. I learned about the impact and advances LLS was having on blood cancer research. I met many of the incredible survivors who benefitted from LLS to hear their story of healing. I forged many friendships that are still some of my greatest friends today.

 But what LLS gave me most was a sense of purpose and passion. This passion helped serve as a foundation in energizing not only me, but the people and community that surrounded me.

Building a Community of Action 

Eventually in 2010, I became a candidate for the LLS Man & Woman of the Year (MWOY) campaign. This 10 week competitive fundraiser brought many dynamic individuals from the Bay Area together. These candidates were so impressive that I questioned why I was even there.

This campaign gave me the platform to bring a team of volunteers - my friends, family, and co-workers- together to create one large community to “band against blood cancer.” It was then that I found a true sense of belonging of people I still love to this day.

When we all come together as one, the team, the community can become unstoppable in finding a cure.

Finding a Cure

Which brings me to my last reason for taking on the Co-Chair for the 2021 MWOY campaign…Finding a cure. 

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is at the forefront of the fight to cure cancer. Over the last 10 years since I was a Man of the Year candidate, LLS has helped advance new treatments for blood cancers that have increased the 5-year survival rates for patients.

But we can’t stop there. LLS continues to invest in cutting-edge research wisely and is making an impact on not only blood cancer, but also on other cancers and diseases from these new treatments. 

LLS was founded 70 years ago, at a time when a diagnosis of leukemia was a death sentence. While survival rates have increased, new and better treatments for childhood leukemia are needed desperately so that children don’t have to suffer the devastating side effects of standard treatments like chemotherapy. LLS is leading the charge for children with cancer and our work to advance cutting edge treatments such as immunotherapy and precision medicine will ensure that future generations have better treatment options and quality of life.

How You Can Help

Each of us knows someone who has been impacted by cancer. Along with my co-chair, Troy Tazbaz, we invite you to join and lead with us on our journey. The 10 week competition doesn’t start until March 24, 2021, but in reality, the planning starts today and it starts with you! 

There are many ways you can help make an impact:

• You can donate to the overall campaign HERE 
• Want to see if you have what it takes to become a candidate or Leadership Team member? – contact me to find out more information
• Or raise your hand if you want to volunteer– there are candidates who are looking for great team members and that could be you!

I hope you will join Troy, me, and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in building a community of passionate volunteers to take action and join in this fight…because beating cancer is in our blood.