As many of you know, I have witnessed first-hand the debilitating effects that leukemia can have on those who suffer from this blood disease. My 15 year old cousin, Maddie was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) in September 2012. As AML is an aggressive type of cancer, Maddie was immediately admitted in Children's Hospital of Boston for 5 months. My family has received tremendous support from friends, co-workers, Children's hopsital and St. Judes Hospital. Thankfully in February 2013, Maddie is in remission.  

I have been given the opportunity of a lifetime to help the more than 1 million Americans who are living with blood cancer. Each year The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society launches its Man & Woman of the Year fundraising campaign. This year I have been nominated for Woman of the Year. 
 
LLS's mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, hodgkins disease and myeloma and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. It is the world's largest voluntary health organization decidated to funding blood cancer research and providing education and patient services. LLS has invested more than $814 million in research.