Meet our 2009 Boy & Girl of the Year!

Leukemia causes more deaths than any other cancer among children and young adults under the age of 20, but there is hope... The survival rate for childhood leukemia (ALL) has risen from 3% in 1963 to over 86% today and other childhood blood cancers relative survival rates are also on the rise. These advancements would not have been possible without the research and patient services funded by LLS and the relentless supporters like our Man & Woman of the Year candidates.

Jake Franchi, Boy of the Year

On September 11, 2004, Jake, the youngest of Paula and Christopher Franchi's two children, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). He was 3 ½ years old. Jake had always been a happy and healthy baby, so his diagnosis came as a complete shock to his family. How could he have cancer? Would he survive? It was an incredibly terrifying time for them and they wondered if anything would be the same ever again.

Paula and Christopher quickly learned that the road ahead would not be an easy one. Jake would require 3 plus years of daily chemotherapy. It was a complete rollercoaster ride from one day to the next. The side effects from the drugs were horrendous and often times Jake would require daily trips to the hospital, especially during that first year of treatment.

Thankfully, because of the advancements in medical research over the past four decades in the treatment of ALL, the overall prognosis has improved significantly to over a 90% survival rate for children. Jake's doctors and nurses have played such a vital role in his care and without them and the efforts made by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, his chances for survival may not be as promising as they are.

On November 30, 2007, Jake officially completed treatment. Although his parents were relieved by this, the fear of relapse still lingers. Jake is currently in remission, but will not be considered cured until November 30, 2012, exactly 5 years from the day of his last treatment.

Today, Jake is a thriving, happy 7 year old. His family feels extremely blessed and is inspired by him every single day.

Meredith Charleson, Girl of the Year

On October 11, 2001 Meredith, the youngest of Dan and Sarah Charleson's three children, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Meredith was only one at the time. Leukemia was a word their family barely knew and was difficult for them to say without tears filling their eyes.

The most important thing that Dan and Sarah remember their Doctor telling them on October 11th was that they needed to be thankful. Tough words to hear when your child has just been given a 75% chance of survival... He explained that what he meant was that they needed to be thankful that research into leukemia had come a long way prior to Meredith's diagnosis.

In the months to follow, (28 to be exact) the Charlesons realized how the research had played a major role in preserving their family. January 24, 2004 Meredith took her last dose of chemotherapy. Even though getting to this wonderful day of celebration had its ups and downs, they were ever so grateful that The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society concentrates on finding a cure.

Today, Meredith is a vibrant eight year old who continues to live life to the fullest. Compassionate and courageous are two words that describe Meredith.

January 24, 2009 will mark Meredith's five year anniversary of being cancer and chemotherapy free!

Learn more about Meredith's story

Special Thanks To Our Sponsors

History

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Man & Woman of the Year campaign began in 1990 in San Francisco to honor John Spencer, a valued employee at Hastings Clothier in San Francisco and a Society volunteer. Spencer died of leukemia at the age of 39. It was in John's memory that Hastings began supporting the Society's Northern California Chapter with the San Francisco Man & Woman of the Year event. Now, more than 66 Man & Woman of the Year campaigns occur across the nation, making this a highly visible fundraising program.

The Reason

Although someone new is diagnosed with a blood cancer every five minutes, there is great hope for the future. LLS is the world's largest national voluntary health organization dedicated to curing leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma, and to improving the quality of life of patients and families.

The Candidates

The ideal candidates are community and business leaders who are philanthropic, ambitious, socially active, resourceful and passionate about making a difference in the lives of people suffering from blood cancers. Their unstoppable ambition drives them to fundraise in a very large-scale capacity with record-breaking results.

The Other Reason

FUN! Everyone involved with Man & Woman of the Year is surrounded by diverse people, fantastic parties, a dedicated staff, a supportive committee, an exciting finale event and the opportunity to gain new friends and contacts.
 

For more information on how to become involved with the Man & Woman of the Year campaign, or to nominate a candidate for 2009, contact Theresa Petrone at (518) 438-3583 or theresa.petrone@lls.org.

Candidates Only - This page can be accessed by Man & Woman of the Year Candidates and Campaign team members only.

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