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Virginia C apitol C onnections, Winter 2015 9
Each year, in communities across the country, dynamic, passionate candidates engage in a spirited
competition to earn The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s “Man & Woman of the Year” titles by
raising funds for blood cancer research. Every dollar raised counts as one vote, and the titles are
awarded to the man and woman with the most votes at the end of the ten week campaign. Nationally
in 2014, LLS’ Man & Woman of the Year campaign raised over $22 million for research and
patient services, with a record-breaking $340,000 in Virginia. The 2015 season will begin with a
Kickoff Party on February 26th and culminates with a Grand Finale Gala on May 8th.
To make an online donation, visit my fundraising page:
Start Donating on February 26, 2015!
Dear Friends,
Today I am writing not as a contributor to Virginia Capitol
Connections, but as someone who had cancer. Every day, when I
do something, even something simple like writing another
magazine story, I think, “Wow. That’s something I was able to
do because I recovered from cancer.” I want that for everyone
who is touched by this disease. I had leukemia. But it doesn’t
define me. What does define me? A positive attitude, a strategic
recovery plan and hope for a cure.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is at the threshold of
cures for more patients. LLS-funded targeted immunotherapies
are zeroing in on cancer cells, and are saving thousands of lives
a day. But we’re not there yet. Help me and The Leukemia &
Lymphoma Society close the book on blood cancers.
Join Team Bonnie! Support LLS by making a donation to my
fundraising campaign for Woman of the Year. I am working to
raise as much as possible in a 10-week period beginning on
February 26th. Every dollar I raise counts as one vote, and the
candidates who receive the most votes, one man and one woman,
are named the Man & Woman of the Year.
All donations are tax deductible and will support LLS research,
patient services, advocacy, public and professional education,
and community services.
Thank you for your support!
Bonnie Atwood