Candidates is spending the 10 weeks between April 1 and June 13 raising money and awareness for and about blood cancers. The male and female candidate who raises the most money will win the local title and go on to compete for national honors. Money raised benefits LLS's mission to cure blood cancers, and to improve the quality of life for patients and their families.
“My story is no different from the other 894,000 Americans living with blood cancer,” says Robinson. “All of us have diverse interests, but we have one thing in common: our lives have been changed forever. We all fight everyday for a cure–a cure for all cancers.”
MaryJo Robinson
In January 2005, Robinson noticed a growth on her thymus, which turned out to be a thymoma.
“On February 15, 2005 I had my chest cracked open, tumor removed, and my chest wired closed,” she recalled. “Two weeks later, I was told that I had Hodgkin Lymphoma requiring chemotherapy, and to see an oncologist.”
What followed was extensive treatment Hodgkin's Lymphoma, including scans, breathing tests, chemo class, and AVBD treatment (which is very common for Hodgkin Lymphoma) every other week for four months.
“Chemo was manageable for me. I was determined to have a good attitude and keep my life as normal as possible,” said Robinson. “I still went to work everyday, and tried to keep my social engagements. With the help of my great family and friends, I made the best of it and finished treatment on July 7, 2005.”
Robinson believes that researchers are at the threshold of curing this horrible disease, and is very passionate about doing her part for to find a cure. Supporters may contact her on her Web site, www.fighting4acure.com.
“When I was nominated to participate in this year's Man and Woman of the Year Campaign, I jumped at the chance to take on possibly the biggest challenge of my life: to raise $100,000 in 10 weeks,” she added. “Please join my fight…together, we can and will make a difference!”
"As a chapter, we are thrilled to be able to unveil our largest pool of candidates to date," says NCA Executive Director Donna McKelvey. "We are so grateful for the unwavering support of these fine men and women who will set out on an amazing journey to raise money for lifesaving cancer research. This is a positive message to the community that despite the tough economic times, our mission never stops and we'll never stop striving for a cure."
Winners will be announced at the Grand Finale Gala held on June 13 at the Ritz Carlton in Washington, D.C. In 2008, 16 candidates collectively raised more than $785,000. Three individuals raised more than $100,000 each during the 10-week campaign.
For more information about the campaign, contact Katie Goode at 703-960-1100, or visit www.lls.org/ncamanandwoman
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