For Immediate Release
Contact:
Amanda Yancey: amanda.yancey@lls.org
Kathleen Saal: kathleen@rallyfoundation.org
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research Announce Collaboration to Fight Pediatric Leukemia
(Atlanta, GA, November 10, 2020) –The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) and Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research (Rally) announced today that they are teaming up to fund a $400,000 research grant to fight pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a disease that has seen limited advancement in therapies over the last several decades.
The two national nonprofit organizations, which share a commitment to finding cures and better treatments for children with cancers, have awarded a two-year grant to Kimberly Stegmaier, MD, of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to support her groundbreaking project, Advancing New Therapeutic Strategies for Pediatric Acute Leukemias, which is focused on preclinical studies that could lead directly to new therapies for AML. The grant was peer-reviewed by both organizations.
“Children fighting AML are in desperate need of new targeted treatments and we are so pleased to partner with LLS in supporting this promising target-focused work of Dr. Stegmaier,” said Dean Crowe, Founder & CEO of Rally. “Dr. Stegmaier’s groundbreaking research will provide us critical data that will hopefully change the paradigm for kids fighting AML and possibly acute lymphoblastic leukemia, too.”
“We are extraordinarily hopeful that Dr. Stegmaier’s trailblazing research offers promise for less toxic and more effective treatment options for children,” said Gwen Nichols, MD, chief medical officer of LLS. “As well, we are grateful to announce this collaboration with the Rally Foundation, who shares the same relentless commitment as LLS to help children not only survive their cancer but thrive in their lives after treatment.”
Dr. Stegmaier’s research project is part of The LLS Children’s Initiative, a comprehensive $100 million multi-year endeavor to take on children’s blood cancers from every direction. This includes new research grants to advance novel therapies, a master clinical trial in pediatric acute leukemia called LLS PedAL, enhanced free education and support services for children and their families, and renewed policy and advocacy efforts. Dr. Stegmaier is a core member of the LLS PedAL team, and this grant is supporting preclinical studies that could lead directly to new therapies being tested in the PedAL clinical trial.
About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® (LLS) is a global leader in the fight against cancer. The LLS mission: cure leukemia, lymphoma, multiple 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 Rye Brook, NY, LLS has regional offices throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more, visit www.LLS.org. Patients should contact the LLS Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., ET.
For additional information visit lls.org/lls-newsnetwork. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
About Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research
Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research (Rally) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers volunteers across the country to raise awareness and funds to find better treatments with fewer long-term side effects and, ultimately, cures.
Rally has awarded $20 million in childhood cancer research grants, supporting 364 projects, and it has also successfully advocated for $17 million in new federal funding for 27 research projects through the US Department of Defense’s Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program.
Rally has received the Independent Charities Seal of Excellence, and highest ratings from Charity Navigator and GuideStar. According to independently audited financials, 93 cents of every dollar raised supports Rally’s mission. To learn more about our mission, visit www.rallyfoundation.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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For Immediate Release
Contact: Carey Stadler
Carey.Stadler@lls.org 404-720-7884
Craig Glee Named Executive Committee Chair for
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training Program for Cancer Cures
(Atlanta, GA, October 28, 2020) – The Georgia - South Carolina Region of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) has announced Craig Glee, CEO of myWay to Credit, as Chair of its 2020 Team In Training Executive Committee. As a global leader in the fight to end cancer, LLS funds research to advance more breakthrough therapies, provides free information and support services, and is the voice for all blood cancer patients and survivors.
LLS’s Team In Training (TNT) campaign continues to be the leading endurance and training program that raises funds through the delivery of a transformative experience that inspires and supports teammates through camaraderie, coaching, fundraising support and personal discovery. TNT has raised more than $1.5 billion over more than 30 years. Through TNT, teammates help LLS support lifesaving research, patient support and education, and advocacy efforts that benefit blood cancer patients.
“I am honored to serve as the chair and look forward to encouraging others to join me in supporting The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training campaign on its quest to save and improve the lives of patients and give hope to countless families across the globe,” says Glee, whose history with LLS spans more than a decade; he completed America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride with TNT in 2009. In 2016, Glee’s son was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, for which he endured three years of treatment, and which strengthened the family’s connection to LLS.
Since its founding over 70 years ago, LLS has been on the forefront of blood cancer advances such as chemotherapies and stem cell transplantation leading the way to the targeted therapies and immunotherapies that are saving thousands of lives today. Since the 1960s, survival rates for many blood cancer patients have doubled, tripled or even quadrupled.
For more information about dates, locations and times, contact your local LLS office, call (800) 482-TEAM, or visit www.teamintraining.org.
About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® (LLS) is a global leader in the fight against 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 Rye Brook, NY, LLS has offices 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.
For additional information visit lls.org/lls-newsnetwork. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
The LLS Children’s Initiative: Cures and Care for Children with Cancer
The LLS Children’s Initiative is a $100 million multi-year effort to take on children’s cancer through every facet of LLS’s mission: research, patient education and support and policy and advocacy. The LLS Children’s Initiative includes: more pediatric research grants, a global precision medicine clinical trial, expanded free education and support services for children and families and driving policies and laws that break down barriers to care. To learn more, visit www.lls.org/childrens-initiative.
About The Georgia - South Carolina (GA-SC) Region
The Georgia - South Carolina (GA-SC) Region of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, headquartered in Atlanta, helps those diagnosed with blood cancers with financial and emotional support through a variety of programs, including the Patti Robinson Kaufmann First Connection Program, the Susan Lang Pay-It-Forward Patient Travel Assistance Program, and the Urgent Need Program, which last year provided over $400,000 to patients region-wide. Currently, the GA-SC Region is funding $3.7 million towards research grants in multi-year agreements with Emory Winship Cancer Institute. Each year in the GA-SC Region, over 8,500 people are diagnosed with a blood cancer, and over 2,500 patients do not survive their disease.
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For Immediate Release
Contact: Carey Stadler
Carey.Stadler@lls.org 404-720-7884
Amanda Yancey named Executive Director for
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Georgia - South Carolina Region
Atlanta- September 25, 2020 - Amanda Yancey has been named the Executive Director of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Georgia - South Carolina Region, as of September 1, 2020. Amanda takes the position from Piper Medcalf, whowas promoted to a national position within the organization.
Amanda joined LLS in 2011 with LLS’s Team In Training campaign. Since then, Amanda has held leadership positions in Advancement and in the fundraising campaigns Man & Woman of the Year and Students of the Year. Most recently, she was a Senior Director, responsible for overseeing three large campaigns in Atlanta with a combined revenue goal of over $4,000,000. During her tenure as Senior Director, Amanda had exceptional success growing corporate and volunteer leadership and experienced exponential revenue growth in all areas. In particular, she grew the Atlanta Man & Woman of the Year campaign from $1,100,000 to $2,400,000 and recruited and managed two national title winners, including the 2020 National LLS Man of the Year All-Star, who raised over $420,000.
In addition to LLS, Amanda worked as the Development Director for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, where she was responsible for their endurance programs and special events. Amanda graduated from Georgia College & State University with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology.
“I am thrilled for this opportunity to continue my career with LLS and honored that I was chosen to lead the strong team already in place in the Georgia - South Carolina Region. Together, we will move the LLS mission forward getting us closer to a world without cancer,” said Amanda Yancey.
About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
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 and provides free information and support services.
The Georgia - South Carolina (GA-SC) Region of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, headquartered in Atlanta, helps those diagnosed with blood cancers with financial and emotional support through a variety of programs. including the Patti Robinson Kaufmann First Connection Program, the Susan Lang Pay-It-Forward Patient Travel Assistance Program, and the Urgent Need Program, which last year provided over $400,000 to patients region-wide. Currently, the GA-SC Region is funding $3.7 million towards research grants in multi-year agreements with Emory Winship Cancer Institute. Each year in the GA-SC Region, over 8,500 people are diagnosed with a blood cancer, and over 2,500 patients do not survive their disease.
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For Immediate Release
Contact: Piper Medcalf, Executive Director
Piper.Medcalf@lls.org or 404-720-7834
Brett Hunsaker, of Beechwood Hill Partners Named Executive Challenge Chair
for the 2020 Light The Night at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
(Atlanta, GA, July 21, 2020) – The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) Georgia Chapter is pleased to announce the appointment of Brett Hunsaker, Principal for B eechwood Hill (BHP), a strategic consulting and sales company that works in the transportation and commercial real estate sectors, as the 2020 Executive Challenge Chair for Light The Night. As the Executive Challenge Chair, Mr. Hunsaker will lead the eight-week competition amongst local Atlanta C-suite level executives.
With over 30 years of experience in commercial real estate, Mr. Hunsaker oversees all aspects of the business from direct acquisitions of properties to brokerage advisory and consulting with asset managers on marketing programs to enhance the value of the projects. He specializes in strategic planning for asset marketing, sales and transaction service training, and networking/relationship building.
Prior to joining Beechwood Hill Partners, Mr. Hunsaker served as Executive Vice President and Regional Manager for Newmark Knight Frank’s offices in the Mid-Atlantic, Southwest and Southeast region. Brett Hunsaker was responsible for overseeing all operations for 15 corporate offices. He also provided executive oversight for all of the area and affiliate offices within the regions.
“I am honored and excited to lead the Atlanta executives to another record breaking year,” said Mr. Hunsaker. “LLS continues the fight against cancer through groundbreaking research and lifesaving treatments for patients. I look forward to celebrating the success of our challengers and moving the mission of LLS forward.”
Mr. Hunsaker also served on a principal panel at RealShare Atlanta. Most recently, he was appointed to the national board of directors on behalf of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). He is also the founder of Meet At, a commercial real estate networking group, and one of the founding members of Real Estate Group of Atlanta (REGA).
The Light The Night fundraiser is a family-friendly celebration, accompanied by a noncompetitive walk, which focuses on raising awareness for cancer research. Participants are encouraged to fundraise for the walk and build individually led teams to raise money. At the walk, participants receive an illuminated lantern to show how their lives have been affected by blood cancer – white if they're a survivor, red if they're a supporter and gold if they're walking in memory of a loved one.
Alongside corporate sponsorships, Atlanta Light The Night Executive Challenge raised over $500,000 in 2019 for LLS research and initiatives to find a cure for blood cancer. The funds raised help support lifesaving cancer research, free educational materials, family support groups and more for LLS outreach. In Georgia, Light The Night’s fundraising efforts have grown to more than $2.5 million at five events across the state. For more information please contact your local LLS chapter or visit www.lightthenight.org/ga.
About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
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 and provides free information and support services.
The Georgia Chapter serves patients with a variety of programs including the Patti Robinson Kaufmann First Connection Program, the Georgia Blood Cancer Conference, and the LLS Co-Pay Assistance Program which provided over $2.1 million to patients statewide in 2018. Currently, LLS is investing $1,334,000 in support of three local research projects at Emory University through multiyear grants. It is estimated that there will be approximately 4,180 new diagnoses for blood cancer in Georgia 2019. Please visit www.lls.org/ga for more information.
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Contact: Piper Medcalf, Executive Director
Piper.Medcalf@lls.org or 404-720-7834
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Thanks Press On Fund for
$100,000 Gift to Support Groundbreaking Pediatric Cancer Research
(Atlanta, GA, June 4, 2020) – A global leader in the fight against cancer, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) announced today a $100,000 donation by the Press On Fund to support LLS’s assault on pediatric cancer.
LLS is working with a team of renowned pediatric oncologists to lay the groundwork for a global precision medicine master clinical trial to match children with relapsed acute leukemia to a targeted therapy based on the specific abnormalities driving their cancer. The goal of the trial is to test multiple targeted therapies simultaneously at up to 200 clinical sites worldwide.
Press On Fund’s donation supports this unprecedented clinical trial called LLS PedAL, which is a key component of The LLS Children’s Initiative, a comprehensive $100 million multi-year endeavor to take on children’s cancer from every direction, including new research grants to advance novel therapies, enhanced free education and support services for children and their families, and renewed policy and advocacy efforts.
“As parents who have experienced this fight first-hand, we know how important LLS PedAL is for children and families everywhere,” said Tara Simkins, co-founder of the Press On Fund and mother to Brennan, a childhood cancer survivor. “We are extraordinarily hopeful about this groundbreaking research, offering promise for less toxic and more effective treatment options for children battling cancer.”
While many children survive acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the most common type of pediatric blood cancer, the treatments are harsh and outdated. The long-term effects of current therapies can create severe life-threatening complications. And survival rates for children with other high-risk types of leukemia, such as acute myeloid leukemia, are very poor.
“Our gratitude for the generosity of the Press On Fund and their commitment to our quest to fight pediatric cancer cannot be overstated”, said Piper Medcalf, LLS Georgia Chapter Executive Director. “We need this kind of support now, more than ever. For too long, treatment for pediatric cancer has followed a one-size-fits-all approach and we need to do better. With LLS PedAL, we will.”
About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® (LLS) is a global leader in the fight against cancer. The LLS mission: cure leukemia, lymphoma, multiple 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 Rye Brook, 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.
For additional information visit lls.org/lls-newsnetwork.
About Press On Fund
Press On’s unique mission is to identify feasible and groundbreaking alternative therapies for childhood cancers and to invest monies raised in a manner that supports the science and infrastructure needed to cure childhood cancer within our lifetime. Press On, created in 2006, is made up of four families whose lives were connected by childhood cancer and saw a need for additional funding for childhood cancer research. Press On is a field of interest fund of the Community Foundation for the CSRA and uses a 100% donation model. To learn more, visit www.pressonfund.org.
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For Immediate Release
Contact: Piper Medcalf, Executive Director
Piper.Medcalf@lls.org or 404-720-7834
Jeff Shaw, of Bridge Investment Group Named Corporate Walk Chair
for the 2020 Light The Night at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
 |
(Atlanta, GA, January 6, 2020) – The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) Georgia Chapter is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeff Shaw, Partner of Bridge Investment Group (Bridge) and the Chief Executive Officer of Bridge Commercial Real Estate (BCRE), the office operating arm of Bridge’s office investment vertical, as the 2020 Corporate Walk Chair for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Light The Night. Bridge is a privately-held real estate investment management firm with $20.1 billion in assets under management. Bridge combines its 3,600 person, nationwide platform in office, multifamily, seniors housing, affordable housing, opportunity zones, and debt strategies.
An Atlanta Native, Mr. Shaw has 25 years of direct experience in commercial office real estate brokerage, leasing, and direct operational oversight in executive and leadership positions. He provides office leasing demand analysis and marketing strategies while leading the firm’s national property management and leasing operations. Mr. Shaw is currently managing over 60 leasing brokers and major lease transactions across 14 states.
“I have held every color lantern at Light The Night,” said Mr. Shaw “and know firsthand how scary a cancer diagnosis can be for a family. I am honored to be leading this effort in the fight against cancer. LLS is driving research that is impacting the entire cancer space and is providing critical support to patients and their families. I look forward to a record breaking year for Light The Night and to celebrating with Atlanta on October 3, 2020 at Piedmont Park.”
Prior to joining Bridge, Shaw served as CEO and co–founder of Fairlead Commercial Real Estate from 2012 to 2016 and President of Jackson Oats Shaw Corporate Real Estate from 2004 to 2012. He has held senior leasing positions with brokerage companies Insignia/ESG (CBRE) from 1998 to 2003, Compass Management & Leasing (JLL) from 1997 to 1998, and Cushman & Wakefield from 1994 to 1997, where he was responsible for direct leasing and oversaw over 16 million square feet of many of the Southeast’s largest urban and suburban office buildings. He works closely with an extensive national network of tenants, brokers, equity clients, and leasing teams to source opportunity and drive portfolio value.
As Corporate Walk Chair for the Light The Night event, Mr. Shaw will lead the effort in furthering corporate development and revenue growth for the event. Mr. Shaw will focus on developing a corporate team of fundraising walkers and leverage relationships to secure new corporate support for the walk through the development of the executive committee.
The Light The Night fundraiser is a family-friendly celebration, accompanied by a noncompetitive walk, which focuses on raising awareness for cancer research. Participants are encouraged to fundraise for the walk and build individually led teams to raise money. At the walk, participants receive an illuminated lantern to show how their lives have been affected by blood cancer – white if they're a survivor, red if they're a supporter and gold if they're walking in memory of a loved one.
Alongside corporate sponsorships, Atlanta Light The Night raised over $2 million in 2019 for LLS research and initiatives to find a cure for blood cancer. The funds raised help support lifesaving cancer research, free educational materials, family support groups and more for LLS outreach. In Georgia, Light The Night’s fundraising efforts have grown to more than $2.5 million at five events across the state. For more information please visit www.lightthenight.org/ga.
About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
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 and provides free information and support services.
The Georgia Chapter serves patients with a variety of programs including the Patti Robinson Kaufmann First Connection Program, the Georgia Blood Cancer Conference, and the LLS Co-Pay Assistance Program which provided over $2.1 million to patients statewide in 2018. Currently, LLS is investing $1,334,000 in support of three local research projects at Emory University through multiyear grants. It is estimated that there will be approximately 4,180 new diagnoses for blood cancer in Georgia 2019. Please visit www.lls.org/ga for more information.
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For Immediate Release
Contact: Piper Medcalf, Executive Director
Piper.Medcalf@lls.org or 404-720-7834
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Georgia Chapter
Wins National Campaign Awards
(Atlanta, GA | August 22, 2019) – The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Georgia Chapter (LLS) received several national awards at the Annual LLS Enterprise Conference in July. Representatives from the Georgia Chapter traveled to Orlando, Florida for the Conference to accept the honors.
As a result of their efforts during the last fiscal year, the Georgia Chapter received four prestigious awards:
- Top Overall Revenue Chapter, coming in at #3 nationwide at $11.4 million.
- Top 10 $ Year Over Year Growth, coming in at #2 nationwide, raising $2.9 million over last fiscal year.
- Top 10% Year Over Year Growth, coming in at #6 nationwide with 34% growth.
- The Triple Crown Award, issued to chapters across the country which celebrate three years of consecutive revenue growth.
The Georgia Chapter is honored to accept these awards on behalf of the hard working staff, supportive Board of Trustees, and incredible volunteers and donors across the state and country. These awards showcase the efforts of the LLS Georgia Chapter in their constant mission to fund cutting edge research, provide multiple services to patients and their families, and advocate for local blood cancer patients. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has offices in Atlanta, Savannah, and Augusta, Georgia.
About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society ® (LLS) is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission is: 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 and provides free information and support services.
The Georgia Chapter serves patients with a variety of programs including the Patti Robinson Kaufmann First Connection Program, the Georgia Blood Cancer Conference, and the LLS Co-Pay Assistance Program which provided over $1.7 million to patients statewide in fiscal year 2019. Currently, LLS is investing $1,200,000 in support of two local research projects at Emory University through multiyear grants. It is estimated that there will be approximately 4,810 new diagnoses for blood cancer in Georgia in 2019. Please visit www.lls.org/ga for more information.
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For Immediate Release
Contact: Piper Medcalf, Executive Director
Piper.Medcalf@lls.org or 404-720-7834
Pankaj Ramani of Arbor Pharmaceuticals Named Executive Committee Chair for
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Georgia Chapter Team In Training
(Atlanta, GA, August 7, 2019) – The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) Georgia Chapter is pleased to announce the appointment of Pankaj Ramani of Arbor Pharmaceuticals as Chair of the Georgia Chapter’s Team In Training Executive Committee. In this new volunteer role, Mr. Ramani will work directly with staff to foster the growth and development of Team In Training and increase awareness of LLS and its mission. Being an avid runner and cyclist, Mr. Ramani is uniquely positioned to support Team In Training through his business accomplishments and relationships.
As Manager, CRM/SFA at specialty pharmaceutical company, Arbor Pharmaceuticals, Mr. Ramani has over 20 years of experience working with pharmaceutical sales representatives and supporting their technology needs. He has been involved in giving back to the community for almost 30 years and has been actively supporting LLS since 2013. In 2018, Mr. Ramani participated in LLS’ Atlanta Man & Woman of the Year Campaign and was announced “Man of the Year” after raising $172,044. In addition he was awarded the Linda Borchers Mission Award which recognizes the candidate who shares the utmost passion and drive for the LLS mission.
“I have talked with numerous individuals around the nation”, said Mr. Ramani, “listening to heartwarming stories about how the research LLS has supported has saved theirs or a loved one’s life. I am honored to have this incredible opportunity to lead what I believe is a critical initiative in the fight against cancer, as the research that LLS does impacts all cancers. LLS also provides financial support to those with a diagnosis who need it the most. I look forward to working with my team to rally corporate and community partners in Atlanta to make a meaningful impact in the fight against cancer.”
About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society ® (LLS) is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission is: 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 and provides free information and support services.
The Georgia Chapter serves patients with a variety of programs including the Patti Robinson Kaufmann First Connection Program, the Georgia Blood Cancer Conference, and the LLS Co-Pay Assistance Program which provided over $1.7 million to patients statewide in fiscal year 2019. Currently, LLS is investing $1,200,000 in support of two local research projects at Emory University through multiyear grants. It is estimated that there will be approximately 4,810 new diagnoses for blood cancer in Georgia in 2019. Please visit www.lls.org/ga for more information.
About LLS, Team in Training
Team In Training is the flagship fundraising program for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) and the only endurance sports training program for charity that raises money for blood cancer research. It doesn't matter if you're not an athlete or in perfect shape. Our coaches will train you to cross the finish line at a marathon, half marathon, cycling event, triathlon, climb or hike adventure. Visit TeamInTraining.org for more information.
About Arbor Pharmaceuticals
Arbor Pharmaceuticals, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, is a specialty pharmaceutical company currently focused on the cardiovascular, neuroscience, hospital, and pediatric markets. Arbor currently markets over twenty NDA or ANDA approved products and also has several additional products in late-stage development. For more information regarding Arbor Pharmaceuticals or any of its products, visit www.arborpharma.com or send email inquiries to info@arborpharma.com
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For Immediate Release
Contact: Piper Medcalf, Executive Director
Piper.Medcalf@lls.org or 404-720-7834
Atlanta Man & Woman of the Year Campaign Breaks Records and
Raises over $2.38 Million for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
(Atlanta, GA, June 13, 2019) – The 11th annual Atlanta Man & Woman of the Year campaign concluded on Saturday, June 8th with a black tie gala at the InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta, attended by over 800 guests. The campaign had a record breaking number of 28 candidates and raised $2,389,275 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) mission to find a cure for blood cancer and improve the lives of patients and their families.
Kritesh Patel, an MBA student at Emory University, was named 2019 Man of the Year having raised $241,944 and Katy Huie Harrison of Undefining Motherhood was named 2019 Woman of the Year with $258,330. The Man of the Year Runner-Up was Bert Johnson, and the Woman of the Year Runner-Up was Katie McCandless.
Bert Johnson was also acknowledged with the Community Involvement Award which goes to the candidate who best increases the exposure of LLS in the community during their campaign. Kritesh Patel was the winner of the Premil Patel Mission Award which recognizes the candidate who shares the utmost passion and drive for the LLS mission.
The 28 candidates competed to raise funds in honor of LLS’ Boy & Girl of the Year, Ethan and Brenna, who are childhood blood cancer survivors.
Thank you to our 2019 Atlanta Man & Woman of the Year Presenting Sponsor – Georgia Power. To see our other wonderful sponsors and learn more about Man & Woman of the Year, please visit www.mwoy.org/atlanta.
About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
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 and provides free information and support services.
The Georgia Chapter serves patients with a variety of programs including the Patti Robinson Kaufmann First Connection Program, the Georgia Blood Cancer Conference, and the LLS Co-Pay Assistance Program which provided over $2.1 million to patients statewide in fiscal year 2018. Currently, LLS is investing $1,334,000 in support of three local research projects at Emory University through multiyear grants. It is estimated that there will be approximately 4,810 new diagnoses for blood cancer in Georgia in 2019. Please visit www.lls.org/ga for more information.
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For Immediate Release
Contact: Piper Medcalf, Executive Director
Piper.Medcalf@lls.org or 404-720-7834
Sean Fatzinger of Enmarket Named to Board of Trustees for
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Georgia Chapter
(Atlanta, GA, May 30, 2019) – The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) Georgia Chapter is pleased to announce the appointment of Sean Fatzinger of Enmarket, to its Board of Trustees. Mr. Fatzinger joins a group of 18 fellow Trustees to provide strategic guidance, financial oversight, and fundraising assistance for LLS.
Mr. Fatzinger is the Director of Foodservice Operations for Enmarket. He is a restaurant industry veteran with a background in Operations, Training, and Franchising working with some of the best-known name brands in the world. With a background in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Mr. Fatzinger made a name for himself opening concepts in non-traditional and international locations. Currently, he is bringing cutting edge food and beverage technology and programs into the Convenience Store space while growing a franchise footprint into non-traditional locations. Mr. Fatzinger is passionate about classic books, educating the future generations, and enjoying an outdoors/ fitness lifestyle- especially on a road cycle. His volunteer efforts have included involvement in local politics, international missions and raising money for organizations helping those who are often overlooked.
The Georgia Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, headquartered in Atlanta with satellite offices in Augusta and Savannah, helps those diagnosed with blood cancers with financial and emotional support. Through a variety of fundraising campaigns and directed gifts, the Georgia Chapter raised $11 million in fiscal year 2019 to help fund its mission.
About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
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 and provides free information and support services.
The Georgia Chapter serves patients with a variety of programs including the Patti Robinson Kaufmann First Connection Program, the Georgia Blood Cancer Conference, and the LLS Co-Pay Assistance Program which provided over $2.1 million to patients statewide in fiscal year 2018. Currently, LLS is investing $1,334,000 in support of three local research projects at Emory University through multiyear grants. It is estimated that there will be approximately 4,810 new diagnoses for blood cancer in Georgia in 2019. Please visit www.lls.org/ga for more information.
About Enmarket
Enmarket, founded as Interstate Stations by Robert Demere in 1963, is part of Savannah-based Colonial Group, Inc. The retailer operates convenience stores in Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina and was noted as the industry’s “Biggest Mover” in store count ranking by Convenience Store News in 2018. The company is committed to giving back to the community through many charitable contributions and volunteer efforts, offering fresh food, healthy snacks, and competitively priced quality fuel as part of its mission to enrich life. Enmarket currently employs more than 1,200 people and operates 124 convenience stores and 14 quick-serve restaurants as the 54th largest convenience store operator in the country. www.enmarket.com
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For Immediate Release
Contact: Piper Medcalf, Executive Director
Piper.Medcalf@lls.org or 404-720-7834
SagerStrong Foundation and LLS Stadium Fun Run in Partnership with LLS Georgia Chapter
(ATLANTA, GA, May 21, 2019) – Calling all baseball fans and friends that run; join the SagerStrong Foundation and Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Georgia Chapter for the FIRST EVER 3K Stadium Fun Run inside SunTrust Park, the home of the Atlanta Braves, on Sunday, August 25th. This fun course, designed for the baseball enthusiast, will take you inside and throughout SunTrust Park –from home plate on the Braves’ infield, by your favorite eating stops on the main concourse, through the maze of ramps, to different levels of the stadium -- as you finish on the warning track and enjoy the morning from the same perspective as your FAVORITE Braves players!
The SagerStrong 3K Stadium Fun Run is a family-friendly event – designed with all ages in mind - there will be a 3K run, walk, and a short Dash on the field (ages 7 & under). Gates Open at 6:30 AM; runners begin the 3K Fun Run at 8:00 AM, walkers at 8:20 AM, with the Dash to follow. Our younger Dash participants will receive a t-shirt for running the event. In addition to a fun run through the ballpark – the first of its kind at SunTrust Park -- our fun run participants will receive a t-shirt, as well as an Atlanta Braves game ticket to the Braves vs. Giants game, September 21st. Discounted tickets are available for family and friends to join you at the game, as well. The fun run event will end with a party in left field concourse, with food options, music and prizes after the event.
All proceeds raised will benefit the SagerStrong Foundation and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s, Georgia Chapter. Participation costs are as follows: 3K Stadium Fun Run (suggested ages 8 and older) - $39 (upper level ticket) or $49 (lower level ticket) participant (includes 3K, t-shirt and ticket); Dash cost or Fun Run –course only -- (ages 7 and under) - $10 a participant (includes run and t-shirt, ticket can be purchased separately).
Register now by clicking here, or visit: sagerstrongfoundation.org! Look forward to seeing you at the ballpark! A limited number of tickets are available for the 9/21 game, so register early to secure your tickets!
About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
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 and provides free information and support services.
The Georgia Chapter serves patients with a variety of programs including the Patti Robinson Kaufmann First Connection Program, the Georgia Blood Cancer Conference, and the LLS Co-Pay Assistance Program which provided over $2.1 million to patients statewide in fiscal year 2018. Currently, LLS is investing $1,334,000 in support of three local research projects at Emory University through multiyear grants. It is estimated that there will be approximately 4,810 new diagnoses for blood cancer in Georgia in 2019. Please visit www.lls.org/ga for more information.
About the SagerStrong Foundation
The SagerStrong Foundation was founded in 2016 by former Turner Sports Reporter and Personality Craig Sager and his wife Stacy, to fund and support blood cancer research and trials, so that one day, leukemia patients and their families will not have to go through the battle they endured. The Foundation has raised over 1.1 million dollars to help fund blood cancer research, including two clinical trials at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. These important trials support Dr. Naveen Pemmaraju's (Craig's doctor) research with current Myelofibrosis patients and patients with Advanced Myeloproliferative Neoplasms. The SagerStrong Foundation has also funded a grant with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to support the Beat AML Master Trial.
The SagerStrong Foundation recently partnered with the V Foundation for Cancer Research on a two year, cutting-edge research project grant. The partnership awarded a V Scholar Grant to Dr. Ami Bhatt for her research project titled, “Precisely Shaping the Intestinal Microbiome to Improve Cancer Therapy Outcomes.” Bhatt’s research will explore how dietary changes might improve the intestinal environment in cancer patients. Her goal is to improve therapies with the information she learns. V Scholar Grants are awarded to early career investigators for their work that is either laboratory-based fundamental research or translational research. Bhatt will receive $200,000 over a two-year period. The V Foundation and the SAGERSTRONG Foundation will each contribute $100,000 to the grant. For more information on these trials, research, the #SagerStrong Foundation and events, or to make a donation to support this important work, please visit sagerstrongfoundation.org .
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Contact: Piper Medcalf
Piper.Medcalf@lls.org or 404.720.7834
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Gregg Metcalf of JLL Named to Board of Trustees for |
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(Atlanta, GA, May 21, 2019) – The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) Georgia Chapter is pleased to announce the appointment of Gregg Metcalf, Senior Vice President at JLL, to its Board of Trustees. Mr. Metcalf joins a group of 18 fellow Trustees to provide strategic guidance, financial oversight, and fundraising assistance for LLS.
Senior Vice President at professional services firm JLL, Mr. Metcalf has over 20 years of experience helping real estate owners, occupiers, and investors achieve their business ambitions. Mr. Metcalf acts as an advisor, strategist, and transactor providing real estate solutions to his clients, and he is uniquely positioned to support LLS through his business accomplishments and relationships. He was named Corporate Walk Chair for LLS’ Atlanta Light The Night event held on October 6, 2018, at Piedmont Park which drew 12,000 participants and raised a record breaking $1.86 million for LLS patients and their families.
Mr. Metcalf has been recognized with both the Atlanta Business Journal’s Best Overall Deal of the Year Award – Mercedes Benz USA and was the Alvin B Cates Award Winner, the Atlanta Commercial Board’s highest honor. He also participates in a number of real estate and community organizations across Atlanta.
The Georgia Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, headquartered in Atlanta with satellite offices in Augusta and Savannah, helps those diagnosed with blood cancers with financial and emotional support. Through a variety of fundraising campaigns and directed gifts, the Georgia Chapter raised $11 million in fiscal year 2019 to help fund its mission.
About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
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 and provides free information and support services.
The Georgia Chapter serves patients with a variety of programs including the Patti Robinson Kaufmann First Connection Program, the Georgia Blood Cancer Conference, and the LLS Co-Pay Assistance Program which provided over $2.1 million to patients statewide in fiscal year 2018. Currently, LLS is investing $1,334,000 in support of three local research projects at Emory University through multiyear grants. It is estimated that there will be approximately 4,810 new diagnoses for blood cancer in Georgia in 2019. Please visit www.lls.org/ga for more information.
About JLL
JLL (NYSE: JLL) is a leading professional services firm that specializes in real estate and investment management. A Fortune 500 company, JLL helps real estate owners, occupiers and investors achieve their business ambitions. In 2016, JLL had revenue of $6.8 billion and fee revenue of $5.8 billion and, on behalf of clients, managed 4.4 billion square feet, or 409 million square meters, and completed sales acquisitions and finance transactions of approximately $145 billion. At the end of the third quarter of 2017, JLL had nearly 300 corporate offices, operations in over 80 countries and a global workforce of over 80,000. As of September 30, 2017, LaSalle Investment Management had $59.0 billion of real estate under asset management. JLL is the brand name, and a registered trademark, of Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated. For further information, visit ir.jll.com.
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Contact:
Piper Medcalf
Piper.Medcalf@lls.org
404-720-7800
Local Athlete to Compete in IRONMAN World Championships for Cancer Cures
(Atlanta, March 19, 2019) – As the world’s largest nonprofit fighting blood cancer, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) relies on its incredible fundraising campaigns to help support lifesaving research, patient support and education, and advocacy efforts that benefit blood cancer patients. Bob Cox of Marietta has announced that he will be raising funds for LLS’s iconic sports training program, Team In Training, and competing in the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona, Hawaii on October 12, 2019. Cox will be one of five Team In Training teammates competing in the spectacular Aloha State.
LLS’s Team In Training campaign continues to be the leading endurance and training program that raises funds through the delivery of a transformative experience that inspires and supports “teammates” through camaraderie, coaching, fundraising support and personal discovery. Since its inception, Team In Training has raised more than $1.5 billion for research and patient support, helping LLS invest in breakthrough cancer treatments that are changing the landscape of cancer.
The IRONMAN World Championship is one of the world’s most demanding athletic events – featuring a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2-mile run. Cox will join some of the most elite triathletes from around the world. In exchange for raising funds, Cox will receive eight months of training by Team In Training’s coaches who establish customized training regimens, provide advice on nutrition, hydration, injury prevention and more in order to complete the event.
Cox got involved with LLS to honor his mother, Alida, who is a survivor of both chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. She has been battling cancer on and off since 1992, and has put up a tough fight. Bob said, “Watching Mom endure so many rounds of chemotherapy, radiation, and infusions has pushed me to give back a small amount compared to what she has sacrificed.” Today, Alida is in remission and is excited to see her son cross the Kona finish line.
Cox exclaimed, “I’m looking forward to the IRONMAN World Championships and the training journey to get there with Team In Training. What’s most exciting is not only do I get to be on the same course as the world’s top athletes, but more importantly, I’m supporting LLS’s goal to find cures for blood cancers and ensure that patients have access to lifesaving treatments. Research funded by LLS saved my mother’s life, and I am truly thankful.”
Cox will continue to train over the next 30 weeks – all in the hopes of reaching his fundraising goal of $100,000. To learn more and donate to Cox, visit https://bit.ly/2Jp2bNN
LLS was founded by a family for families, beginning 70 years ago at a time when a diagnosis of leukemia was nearly 100% fatal. Now, with the development of new treatments for childhood leukemia, to today’s advances in precision medicine and immunotherapy, LLS has had a colossal impact on advancing cancer cures, and changing the way cancer is treated.
Team in Training offers a lineup of innovative high caliber domestic and international events and prepares teammates for marathons, and triathlons as well as cycling, climbing and hiking experiences, with experienced coaches, training resources, a supportive community and world class fundraising tools. For more information, contact your local LLS chapter, call 800-482-TEAM or visit www.teamintraining.org
About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
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 and provides free information and support services.
The Georgia Chapter serves patients with a variety of programs including the Patti Robinson Kaufmann First Connection Program, the Georgia Blood Cancer Conference and the LLS Co-Pay Assistance Program which provided $2,107,955 to 1,019 patients statewide in 2018. In 2018, LLS invested more than $210 million in a robust portfolio of research to improve treatment for blood cancer. Two new research grants were recently awarded to investigators at Emory University, bringing LLS’s current research investment in Georgia to $1,334,000 through multiyear grants. It is estimated that there will be approximately 4,530 new diagnoses for blood cancer in Georgia in 2019. Visit www.lls.org/ga.
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Contact: Piper Medcalf
Piper.Medcalf@lls.org or 404.720.7834
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Wesley P. Hudson, of Cherry Bekaert Named Corporate Walk Chair for Light The Night at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society |
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(Atlanta, GA, January 30, 2019) – The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) Georgia Chapter is pleased to announce the appointment of Wesley P. Hudson, CPA, Partner, for Cherry Bekaert, a nationally recognized CPA firm which provides guidance and support to help clients move forward to reach their organizational goals, as its Corporate Walk Chair for the Light The Night fundraiser. Mr. Hudson will lead the effort in furthering corporate development and revenue growth for the Light The Night Walk by developing a large fundraising team and recruiting corporate peers to become involved as teams, sponsors, retail partners and executive committee members.
An experienced commercial real estate advisor for over 20 years, Mr. Hudson is a Partner with Cherry Bekaert’s Real Estate & Construction industry group. Based in the Atlanta office, he provides guidance to clients on real estate tax credit transactions, pre-acquisition due diligence, purchase price allocation, tax mitigation structuring, real estate consulting and financial statement audits. Mr. Hudson has helped real estate holding companies, developers, contractors and private equity funds with transactions ranging from $25 million to $4 billion.
“I am proud and honored to lead this critical initiative in the fight against cancer,” said Mr. Hudson. “The research that LLS does impacts all cancers and is providing financial support to those with a diagnosis who need it the most. I look forward to rallying Atlanta and celebrating our impact on October 5, 2019 in Piedmont Park.”
Prior to joining Cherry Bekaert, Wesley led the Atlanta office and Commercial Real Estate Group for the Southeast for a Top 15 National Accounting Firm. A graduate of Auburn University with his Masters Degree in Accounting, he previously held various Board of Directors positions with local chapters of NAIOP, Central Atlanta Progress, and the City of Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, Mr. Hudson served on the Board of Directors for the Atlanta Chapter of the Urban Land Institute for five years (including three years as Treasurer) and was on the National Board of Directors for the National Multi-Housing Council.
As the Corporate Walk Chair for Light The Night, he will focus on developing a corporate team of fundraising walkers and leverage relationships to secure new corporate support for the walk through the development of the executive committee.
The Light The Night fundraiser is a family-friendly celebration, accompanied by a noncompetitive walk, which focuses raising awareness for cancer research. Participants are encouraged to fundraise for the walk and build individually led teams to raise money. At the walk, participants receive an illuminated lantern to show how their lives have been affected by blood cancer – white if they're a survivor, red if they're a supporter and gold if they're walking in memory of a loved one.
Alongside corporate sponsorships, Atlanta Light The Night raised 1.8 million dollars in 2018 for LLS research and initiatives to find a cure for blood cancer. The funds raised help support lifesaving cancer research, free educational materials, family support groups and more for LLS outreach. In Georgia, Light The Night’s fundraising efforts have grown to more than $2.5 million dollars at four events across the state. For more information please visit www.lightthenight.org/ga.
About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
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 and provides free information and support services.
The Georgia Chapter serves patients with a variety of programs including the Patti Robinson Kaufmann First Connection Program, the Georgia Blood Cancer Conference, and the LLS Co-Pay Assistance Program which provided $2,107,955 to 1019 patients statewide in 2018. In 2018, LLS is investing more than $210 million in a robust portfolio of research to improve treatment for blood cancer. Two new research grants were recently awarded to investigators at Emory University, bringing LLS’s current research investment in Georgia to $1,334,000 through multiyear grants. It is estimated that there will be approximately 4,530 new diagnoses for blood cancer in Georgia in 2018. Visit www.lls.org/ga.
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