Leukemia and Lymphoma Society campaign underway
Four Sussex County women and two men are stepping up to raise funds for blood cancer research as part of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s 2021 Southern Delaware Man & Woman of the Year campaign.
Women candidates are homemaker Michelle Frazier, Erica Misener of Sassy Chic, Surf Bagel co-owner Liz Vitella and Jacki Schell of Financial Fitness.
The winner of the 10-week campaign will be the person who raises the most donations to earn the title of Man or Woman of the Year.
Men nominees are Chad Robinson of the Food Bank of Delaware and Matt Funk, regional manager of Dogfish Head Brewery, which is under the Boston Beer Company umbrella.
To support blood cancer research, the philanthropic competition comprises motivated and dedicated individuals in communities across the United States.
While having their own reasons for running, all southern Delaware candidates are participating in honor of Boy and Girl of the Year Ryan and Teagan, local blood cancer patients. Frazier’s son Jack was Boy of the Year in 2018 and 2019.
“My son Jack was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in December 2016. He is doing well now and finished all treatment in August 2019. LLS does so many things to help struggling families. Anything I can do to raise awareness and money to help fund research is a must for me,” said Frazier.
Vitella said she recognized that this has been a difficult year for so many people in the local community. “I’ve been so fortunate to stay healthy and stable that I felt the need to give back to our amazing community that’s been so good to us over the years,” she said.
The society continues its mission to cure leukemia, lymphoma and other blood diseases.
In its 70-year history, the society has donated more than a billion dollars to blood cancer research. All donations are greatly appreciated and tax deductible. 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 and coordinated care.
In addition to funds, candidates are also seeking donations of gift cards and items for gift baskets from the community as part of a fundraising auction.
For more information, contact the nominees through local Campaign Development Manager Brianna Hancin at brianna.hancin@lls.org or go to mwoy.org/mwoy-southern-delaware-0.
The campaign runs through Thursday, June 17.
