Erik Smith of Grovetown and Secelia Brown of Evans are the local winners of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s annual Man and Woman of the Year contest. Smith raised $46,469 and Brown $135,097 to support LLS’ goal to find cures for blood cancers.
“Congratulations to our winners, and to all of our candidates and campaign team members who participated in this year’s Man & Woman of the Year campaign,” said Amanda, Yancey, LLS Georgia–South Carolina Executive Director. “These exceptional volunteers are all unstoppable leaders in their communities. Together, we are getting closer to LLS’s goal of a world without blood cancer.”
During 10 weeks, candidates vie to raise the most money locally to fund LLS research into cures. Candidates and their campaign teams were judged solely on their virtual fundraising success, with each dollar counting as one vote. Their totals are then considered for the national title.
Brown, who owns a photography studio, started her involvement in the campaign because of personal experience with blood cancers as well as a profound belief that she is called to support and help others in their time of heartache and need.
“I am dedicated to love and care for these families, to be God’s feet and hands to raise money to find a cure and to give all the glory to Him,” she said, “Through Him all things are possible; even finding a cure for these devastating and life-changing diagnoses.”
During her fundraising campaign, Brown photographed families, listened to the testimonies of their battles with their loved ones with cancers, and gained a passion to help find a cure and inspire others to join the fight.
Smith, owner of Chick-fil-A in Grovetown, got involved with LLS’s Man & Woman of the Year because he has personal connections to others who are affected by blood cancer, and he believes his business platform in the CSRA will allow him to inspire others to invest in this cause and make a difference.
The money raised will be used to research life-saving therapies; provide free blood cancer information, education, and support for patients and families; and for national and local advocacy efforts for policies that accelerate new treatments and ensure patients have access to care so that they can live longer, healthier lives.
