Record-Breaking Year for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Man & Woman of the Year Campaign Reaps $14.5 Million to Support Mission

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., July 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- A record-breaking number of candidates from across the country enabled The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) 2011 Man & Woman of the Year campaign to raise more money for blood cancer research and patient services than ever in the 21-year history of the program. More than 650 candidates raised $14.5 million, $2.7 million more than the previous high reached last year.

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Out of those candidates, one man, New York City classic rock DJ Ian O'Malley, and one woman, Kelley LaFontaine of LaFontaine Automotive Group in Highland, Michigan, emerged as the highest fundraisers in the country, earning them the title of national Man of the Year and Woman of the Year.

O'Malley, a long-time DJ with classic rock station Q104.3 FM in New York, raised $194,761. O'Malley conducted his campaign in honor of his niece, Kate Davis, a blood cancer survivor. With the support of his wife, Debbie O'Malley, who managed the team, and close friends, O'Malley organized 12 online auctions with prizes such as an all-expense paid trip to Napa Valley, a week in Maui, a trip to Cabo San Lucas in Mexico, and tickets to a Rush concert and a signed guitar from the band. He also organized a comedy night at a top New York club. O'Malley says his motto was, "Don't ask; don't get!"

LaFontaine achieved her title with the support of a 15-member campaign team, including her brother, Ryan, who was the national runner up in 2010 and a survivor of Hodgkin lymphoma. The theme of her campaign, which raised $150,143, was "Dream for a Cure." The campaign consisted of three main events: a cocktail party at her parent's home attended by 200 people, and featuring silent and live auctions; a golf outing supported by the LaFontaine Automotive Group staff; and a raffle of a two-year lease on a Cadillac CTS or SRX.

Every year candidates around the country compete in a spirited 10-week campaign for the title of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Man & Woman of the Year. They are judged solely on their ability to raise the most money to fund cancer research to bring help, hope, and save lives.

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.  Founded in 1949 and headquartered in White Plains, NY, LLS has chapters throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more, visit www.LLS.org or contact the Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. www.lls.org.

Contact: Andrea Greif
(914) 821-8958
[email protected]

SOURCE The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society