RYE BROOK, N.Y.: Acute myeloid leukemia survivor Ashley Snider of Charlotte, NC, has been declared as the recipient of the prestigious 2024 national title “Visionary of the Year” by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) as part of its campaign, which raised over $603,510 to support initiatives aimed at curing blood cancer and enhancing patient and family welfare.
As a mother of two and a survivor of acute myeloid leukemia, Snider’s journey has been marked by unwavering determination. Celebrating five years post-transplant without relapse this May, she rallied her community under the banner of “Team Ashley Strong.” Comprising 28 dedicated members, including family and friends, their innovative fundraising efforts ranged from casino nights to lemonade stands.
“I joined Visionaries of the Year to pay forward the support I received and to foster more stories of survival like mine,” says Snider. “Having experienced firsthand the urgency of groundbreaking research and patient support, I am convinced of LLS’s commitment to improving outcomes for those battling blood cancer.”
Over a ten-week period, nearly 7,000 participants nationwide, including Snider and her team, engaged in fundraising activities to propel LLS’s pioneering research efforts. Beyond research, LLS provides comprehensive support to patients and caregivers, advocating for policies that enhance access to superior treatment and cancer care.
“Ashley Snider epitomizes resilience and hope in the face of a blood cancer diagnosis, showing what’s achievable against all odds,” remarked Coker Powell, LLS Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer.
Claire Warren of Houston, TX, emerged as the National Visionary of the Year Runner-Up, securing over $363,790 in donations inspired by a young leukemia patient. Her dedication underscores LLS’s commitment to transforming pediatric cancer care through initiatives like the Dare to Dream Project, which includes the LLS PedAL trial.
Recognizing outstanding commitment, LLS also honored “All Star” candidates such as Bill Rawlings of Atlanta, GA, and Brian Leigh of Washington, D.C. Rawlings, a ten-year volunteer with LLS and a real estate executive, raised awareness in honor of loved ones battling cancer. Leigh, celebrating his 16th year in remission from acute myeloid leukemia, raised $153,690 to support ongoing research and patient care.
LLS named Joe Cupoli of Park Ridge, NJ, as National “Team Member of the Year” for his impactful contribution of $150,362. Cupoli’s dedication, alongside other participants, underscores the collective effort driving advancements in blood cancer treatment.
“We are profoundly grateful for the dedication of all Visionaries of the Year candidates and their teams, whose efforts are extending and enhancing the lives of blood cancer patients,” Powell added.
The campaign has empowered LLS to invest over $1.7 billion in pioneering global research, spearheading breakthroughs that redefine possibilities in blood cancer treatment. -PR
