Candidate recruiting starts for 2009 Man & Woman of the Year Competition October 1, 2008

Fundraising competition among individuals in the community who, through their participation, vie for the honor of being the Man or Woman of the Year. LLS is currently recruiting ambitious, community-minded individuals in the greater Los Angeles area to join the fight for a cure. Adela Jimenez, Chair of the 2009 Man & Woman of the Year event is leading recruitment efforts. Jimenez, who serves on LLS Board of Directors, was the 2002 Woman of the Year. The 9-week competition commences on January 29, 2009 and will culminate with a Grand Finale Gala on April 3rd at the California Science Center.

"We are grateful to have such a dedicated and passionate group of volunteers support LLS," said Dede Knapp, Director of Special Events at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Greater Los Angeles Chapter. "Adela Jimenez brings strong leadership to the 2009 Man & Woman of the Year event giving us the foundation we need to gain national recognition," Knapp added. Jimenez has helped raise over $500,000 for the Greater Los Angeles Chapter and credits The Southern California Gas Company, where she has been employed for over 20 years, for their support. She was inspired to become involved with LLS after learning that a neighbor's child had leukemia. This child later succumbed to the disease strengthening her resolve in the fight for a cure.

The Man & Woman of the Year event was created in 1990 by the Northern California Chapter and today, more than 40 chapters across the country participate. Tyler and Kelly have both bravely battled blood cancers. Tyler was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma in 2007 and Kelly was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2007.

To nominate a candidate, please contact Dede Knapp at (310) 846-4733 or [email protected]

$150.00 (Grand Finale). To nominate a candidate, please contact Dede Knapp at (310) 846-4733 or [email protected]

Official Website: http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/all_page?item_id=109858