Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Names Man and Woman of the Year

$81,267.13 Raised for Blood Cancer Researh

Santa Ana, CA – The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) Orange County/Inland Empire Chapter named Andrew Peake of Riverside its 2008 Man of the Year and Maita Smith of Cypress its 2008 Woman of the Year as part of a competition that raised $81,267.13 for blood cancer research. For ten weeks, Peake and three other men and Smith and two other women who are community, corporate and civic leaders raised money to earn the title of LLS’ Man & Woman of the Year. The ten weeks culminated with the Society’s Man & Woman of the Year Grand Finale Celebration at The Clubhouse at Anaheim Hills Golf Course on June 19.

“We’re grateful to our seven Man & Woman of the Year competitors for their outstanding dedication and hard work,” remarked Janine Ingram, LLS Orange County/Inland Empire Chapter Executive Director. “The dollars they raised will help bring us another step closer to our goal, a cure for blood cancers, as well as help improve the quality of life for those suffering from these diseases.”

Peake was the top fundraiser with $22,741.18. He is an Associate with Lee & Associates – Riverside, and is himself a cancer survivor. Smith was the top female fundraiser with $14,159.35. She is owner and President of Dining Around Towne, Tasty Chef Caterers & Randazzo Italian Café. She is also the mother of 5-year-old Teddy, a cancer survivor honored as Boy of the Year at the celebration.

For additional information on upcoming LLS events or to find out how you can become involved in the fight against blood cancers, visit www.lls.org or call (714) 881-0610.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the world’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education and patient services. The mission of LLS is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Since its founding in 1949, LLS has invested more than $550 million for research specifically targeting blood cancers. The Society’s Orange County/Inland Empire chapter office is located at 2020 East 1st Street, Suite 120, Santa Ana, CA 92705. Phone: (714) 881-0610. Website: www.lls.org.