Every nine minutes, somebody in the U.S. dies of a blood cancer. And, in today’s times of uncertainty, cancer patients need support now, more than ever. A Massapequa woman and a Huntington man have been named the winners of this year’s “Man & Woman of the Year” of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Long Island Region. Man & Woman of the Year is a philanthropic competition to fight blood cancer among a group of motivated and dedicated individuals in communities across the United States.
The two winners, Martin Romanelli and Laura Maier raised $109,213 and $251,467 respectively, to support LLS’s goal to find cures for blood cancers and ensure that patients have access to lifesaving treatments.
During a spirited 10-weeks, beginning with a kickoff celebration, candidates across the country competed in honor of a local boy or girl who is a blood cancer survivor to raise the most funds to ensure a world without blood cancers.
Candidates and their campaign teams were judged solely on virtual fundraising success this campaign season, each dollar counting as one vote. Their totals are then considered for the national title. Candidates in each LLS Region across the country vie for the local title, and the highest fundraisers earn the title of National Man & Woman of the Year.
The funds raised through Man & Woman of the Year are used for:
- Research to advance lifesaving therapies like immunotherapy, genomics and personalized medicine, which are saving lives today.
- Free blood cancer information, education and support for patients and families.
- National and local advocacy efforts driving policies that accelerate new treatments and ensure patients have access to care so that they can live longer, healthier lives.
Laura Maier is a Councilwoman for the Town of Oyster Bay and Franchisee owner of Dairy Queen and Jersey Mike’s. She led her team, Mighty Mason’s Warriors in honor of her son, Mason, who was diagnosed with leukemia in 2018 and is currently undergoing treatment. She was relentless throughout her campaign and even worked to secure a Dairy Queen retail campaign across various states to benefit LLS. She raised the most funds out of any woman to ever participate here on Long Island and currently holds the record!
Martin Romanelli stepped up to the challenge and took this opportunity to give back to all of those who have been affected by cancer. Marty is the President of Burt’s Reliable, Inc. His team was a competitive bunch, who worked hard throughout the campaign. They planned various events including a four-course tasting event called Fork Cancer in partnership with 317 Main Street in Farmingdale.
“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 Glenn Guevarra, LLS Metro New York 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.”
Since its founding in 1949, LLS has invested more than $1.5 billion in cutting edge blood cancer research worldwide, and its support has been instrumental in the development of nearly every breakthrough in blood cancer treatment. To address the unique concerns of blood cancer patients throughout the pandemic, LLS has amplified its longstanding efforts to provide free information and support to blood cancer patients and their families, while also advocating for policies that will protect patients.
Visit the Man & Woman of the Year website (www.mwoy.org) and learn how you can become engaged with LLS.
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 regions 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.
