THURSDAY, MAY 20, 2021 7PM
CentiMark Corporation Congratulates
the Man & Woman of the Year Campaign on their fundraising for research grants to help Leukemia & Lymphoma patients, including:
Our Pittsburgh BOY & GIRL OF THE YEAR
Daeshawn
www.lls.org
Leighton
THE LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY PRESENTS MAN & WOMAN OF THE YEAR. The Man & Woman of the Year campaign consists of a select group of individuals, from different locations and walks of life, coming together for a greater purpose: curing cancer. Candidates in this philanthropic competition form powerful fundraising teams to help them find innovative ways of fueling The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) goal to end blood cancer. With their teammates behind them, this exceptional group competes in honor of two local blood cancer survivors for the prestigious title of Man or Woman of the Year. We are one family. Connected by blood. Driven to find cures.
THANK YOU TO OUR LEADING SPONSORS Platinum
Gold
Bronze
WELCOME
TO THE LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY’S 2021 MAN & WOMAN OF THE YEAR Dear Candidates and Guests: Welcome to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) Pittsburgh Man & Woman of the Year Grand Finale! I am thrilled to celebrate this wonderful occasion with all of you. I would like to thank and congratulate our 13 candidate teams for their passion and dedication to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society these past 10 weeks. THANK YOU, candidates, for your unfailing commitment to the Pittsburgh Man & Woman of the Year campaign. The time, talents and treasures you have given has heightened awareness about blood cancers throughout your networks and beyond. You should all be proud of the HUGE difference you have made! Daeshawn and Leighton, our Honored Heroes: Thank you for sharing your stories and experiences throughout the campaign. You are the heart and soul of LLS and drive each of us to do more every day. To the families and friends of all our candidates: Without your love and support this would not have been possible. For those of you who lived and breathed the campaign these ten weeks, thank you for all the hard work and support you put into this campaign; we consider you part of our LLS family. By investing in LLS, together we are making tremendous strides to overcome some of the most challenging diseases people face. Your loyal giving has fueled innovative research and new therapies so that patients can beat cancer and avoid difficult and debilitating side effects. You also help ensure patients can access high-quality treatment and receive compassionate, knowledgeable support as they navigate their cancer journey, and have access the therapies they need. It is truly an honor to join you tonight in recognizing all of our candidates for the 2021 Pittsburgh Man & Woman of the Year. Taking on the commitment to be involved in this campaign makes each of you winners as you help move the needle and make an impact in the landscape of cancers in helping LLS fund the next best idea! Remember, cancer cures are not funded solely by the money raised by our winning team tonight… cancer WILL be cured by the collective efforts all of you as a class of candidates raised. Again, Congratulations to you all. For the Cure, Christina M. Thompson Executive Director
LEADERSHIP TEAM Our 2021 Leadership Team is made up of an extraordinary group of community and business leaders committed to making an impact on the LLS Mission. Together this team nominated a dynamic class of candidates who are well connected in their communities and relentless in their efforts to raise funds to find cures for blood cancers. Thank you!
LEADERSHIP TEAM CHAIRS Peter Katz Chair Scott Holden Co-Chair
LEADERSHIP TEAM MEMBERS Amy Allison
Jay Glunt
Anthony Hunt
Jayme Butcher
Bob Friend
Joseph Totten
Cara Tovissi
Kevin Salmen
Charissa Lauren
Lindsey Meyers Van der Veer
Chris Kail
Michael Katz
Dave Russo
Sally Frick
Erin Farabaugh
Valerie Pennock
Greg Unatin
PITTSBURGH BOARD OF TRUSTEES Amy Allison
John Hartzell
Andy Wisniewski
Judith Hannon
Bruce McClintock
Justin Conrad
Carl Vulcan
Kathleen Hays
Carolyn Coleman
Laurie Miller
Daniel Coast
Leroy Ball
Edwin Edwards
Mark Mason
Greg Unatin
Michele Fetting
Jack Kessler
Nick Bruno
James Beck
Richard Wiedman
James Rossetti
Robert Wild
James V. Sacco
Salman Fazal
Jayme Butcher
Scott Holden
John Goetz
Stanley Marks
2022 MAN & WOMAN OF THE YEAR NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN Looking to get involved with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society? Do you think you know the next Man or Woman of the Year? Join our Nominating Leadership Team!
MEET OUR BOY OF THE YEAR
Daeshawn Daeshawn is 8 years old and in 1st grade! On December 18, 2017 at just 4 years old, he was diagnosed with mixed lineage phenotype leukemia with a positive Philadelphia chromosome. He was immediately admitted to the PICU where he received 5 blood transfusions. He was in the hospital for 3 months of intense chemotherapy. During his long 2 years of treatment, Daeshawn had over 100 spinal taps and fought the side effects of his chemo. Today, he is in remission and living as a happy and healthy 8 year old who loves playing Xbox and riding quads!
MEET OUR GIRL OF THE YEAR
Leighton Leighton is 3 years old and in Pre-K! On April 2, 2018 at just 8 months old, she was diagnosed with infant acute lymphoblastic leukemia. She started treatment and went into remission quickly, only for it to come back just as fast. Leighton was in the hospital for 9 months fighting the side effects of her blood cord transplant until she was able to go home in January of 2019. On September 9th, 2019 she had her one year biopsy and is in complete remission today. Leighton loves to go swimming, riding her tricycle and doing puzzles.
$ 5K
Club Members
The 5K Club is a group of exemplary team members who raise $5,000 or more for their candidate teams during the 10-week competition. 5K Club members greatly advance their team’s progress towards their goal and demonstrate how all participants can make a significant impact.
Aimee Hernandez Barbara Johnson Chris Dawso Jim Beck Megan Stearman *As of May 11, 2021
Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau
Supporting One Another Many families and businesses call Butler County, PA home. Our area is delightfully diverse and boasts rolling hills, charming towns, bustling Cranberry Township, breathtaking views and a variety of outdoor attractions. Our residents make up the fabric of our community, and we are proud to support Tom Norton and his bid for the Leukemia Society’s “Man of the Year”.
We Support Tom Norton Request a FREE Official Visitors Guide at VisitButlerCounty.com or by calling 866-856-8444.
2021 Man & Woman of the Year Candidates
Aaron Spang When Aaron Spang’s father-in-law, Jerome Laycak, was diagnosed with Stage IV lymphoma on Christmas Eve in 2014, he was told he had 6 months to live. At age 65, just two years after his retirement, Jerry, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, husband, father to five girls, and grandfather of seven, was sent home to live out his final days. Fortunately, after seeking a second opinion, one oncologist decided to pursue an experimental treatment that put Jerry’s cancer into remission. Aaron is running for Man of the Year to help fund new therapies and treatments that are saving lives like Jerry’s. Aaron is the Vice President of Sales for Scientific Specialties, Inc. He graduated from Bethany College with a B.S. in Biology/Biochemistry and received his M.A. in Teaching from the University of Pittsburgh. He lives with his wife, Jeri, and their daughters, Violet and Lucy, in Jefferson Hills.
$ 410
MILLION
Funds raised in the MWOY campaign’s 30-year history
Andrea Frick Andrea’s journey with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Man & Woman of the Year began last year, as a Campaign Manager for her sister Sally Frick. When Sally was given the opportunity to nominate a candidate for the 2021 competition, she immediately thought of Andrea, who had been her right-hand woman. When Andrea was considering her nomination, it was less a question of “Why get involved?” and more a question of “Why not get involved?” Having seen firsthand the amazing work that LLS does to help cure cancer, Andrea decided to use her resources and harness her network to do everything she could to aid in this great cause. Andrea graduated from Carlow University with degrees in accounting and business management. She uses those skills daily as a Program Manager at Dick’s Sporting Goods, where she has grown in her career over the last 10 years. In her spare time, Andrea mentors her Little Sister, Rylea, as part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Kids’ wellbeing is an important cause for Andrea, who hopes that this year’s campaign will bring us one step closer to finding a cure for children like Daeshawn and Leighton.
2021 Man & Woman of the Year
Candidates
Andrew Marano Andrew Marano is a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. A graduate of the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business at Duquesne University, Andrew is proud to call Downtown Pittsburgh home. He loves trying new restaurants and dinner parties with friends. Andrew accepted his nomination to run for Man of the Year because, like so many people, he has witnessed first-hand the debilitating effects that cancer can have not only on patients, but also the friends and family who love them. Growing up, Andrew had a neighbor named Seth who was like a little brother to him. Seth was diagnosed with brain cancer and ultimately lost his battle, passing away long before his time. The Man & Woman of the Year campaign has given Andrew the chance to honor Seth by raising funds for cancer research so that one day, no kids have to go through what Seth experienced.
Brooke Sergio Brooke Sergio is a Senior Account Manager at Avantor Clinical Services. Brooke has been in sales and marketing since receiving her B.A. in communications from Kent State University. In addition to her expertise in communications, Brooke also excels in strategic planning and efficiency development. She has received three Rookie of the Year awards and numerous top ten sales manager awards. Brooke is a champion of the International Dyslexia Association and is passionate about advocating for those who need a voice. When Brooke has free time, she enjoys traveling, skiing, horseback riding and live music.
2021 Man & Woman of the Year
Candidates
Grant Fleming Grant Fleming is a First Vice President with HefrenTillotson, Inc. He specializes in comprehensive financial planning involving investments, estate planning, retirement, insurance strategies, and tax planning for individuals, business owners, and retirement plans. Grant enjoys being active with the United Way’s “Bridges Society” and many other non-profit organizations throughout Pittsburgh, including The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. In his spare time, Grant enjoys staying active with running, exercising, golfing, skiing, outdoor activities, home improvement projects, and spending time with his wife, Courtney, and their daughter, Claire.
Justin Heinauer Justin Heinauer is a Pittsburgh native who works with Horizon Therapeutics as a Specialty Account Manager where he represents an IV infusion biologic that treats a rare disease. Justin was most recently the National Training Lead for all Associate Specialty Account Managers in the U.S. Justin founded the Fellowship of Christian Athletes while at West Virginia Wesleyan College and is now a guest speaker at LEAD, a Pittsburgh-based organization that focuses on educating high school students on drugs, alcohol, and social media. In addition, Justin is the NFL Director of ProCamps where he manages fundamental youth football camps with professional athletes around the country. In his free time, Justin is a real estate investor who enjoys traveling and has plans to be one of the top influencers in Pittsburgh.
2021 Man & Woman of the Year
Candidates
Katie Le As a child of a refugee family, Katie is guided by her mission to create a more diverse and inclusive world. It’s what motivates her to serve her community on the Board of Directors for Hello Neighbor, Landmarks’ Development Corporation, and Ursuline Support Services, and most recently, as a Woman of the Year candidate. Through her leadership, Katie unites people for a shared vision and purpose and enjoys bringing out people’s unique strengths and stories. Over the last ten weeks, you likely found Katie on her yoga mat, leading donation classes, coordinating events to bring people together to raise awareness and critical funds for blood cancer research, or inspiring her loyal and low-key, competitive team members for campaign support. Beyond her civic leadership, Katie Le is an Account Manager in PNC’s Corporate & institutional Bank, where she provides enhanced client service and implementation stability of PNC Treasury Management solutions.
Krystal Vangura Krystal Vangura is the Director of Customer Relations for Vangura Surfacing Products. Krystal started with Vangura in 2003 as a manufacturer’s representative. She also runs The Kitchen by Vangura, an interactive cooking experience featuring a variety of Pittsburgh’s best chefs and restaurant professionals. Krystal always dreamed of a career in the restaurant industry, and she envisioned The Kitchen concept as a fun and interactive way for the Vangura brand to engage with the community around cuisine. Krystal loves to plan events. When she isn’t working, you can find Krystal helping her friends plan parties or organizing the annual Diner en Blanc Pittsburgh “chic picnic.” In her free time, Krystal enjoys spending time with her husband and three boys, and their friends.
2021 Man & Woman of the Year
Candidates
Lisa Hernandez Lisa Hernandez has lost too many loved ones to blood cancer. So she decided to take action. As the Chief Human Resources Officer and Title IX Coordinator for Robert Morris University, Lisa’s day-today work already involves supporting individuals and championing the underdog. When she was nominated for Woman of the Year, it was a natural fit. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in International Relations, Lisa went on to attend law school at Penn. She started her career as an associate at an international firm and practiced law for more than 15 years before finding her way to higher education. In her spare time, Lisa is a volunteer of Casa San Jose and Miracle League, South Hills. She lives with her husband Mark, son John Andrew, and dogs Thor and Nala in Mt. Lebanon. Lisa is dedicating her campaign to Kristin, Sue, Lew, and Doris.
Pancho Timmons Pancho Timmons is a speaker, author, advocate and business owner. An experienced social entrepreneur who has found success in both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors, Pancho’s work focuses on the intersection of social and economic development. His for-profit company, Connect in Effect, is designed to help companies keep up with and be a part of the social economic trends that directly impact the growth and development of their industry. Connect In Effect also helps companies of all sizes use Diversity and Inclusion as a catalyst to improve and grow. His nonprofit, The Inclusion Solution (formerly Pennsylvania Youth Initiative), was designed to help students with disabilities push ahead and increase workplace diversity and inclusion. Pancho accepted his nomination to run for Man of the Year because he has dedicated his life to proving that kindness in action equals success, both personally and professionally.
2021 Man & Woman of the Year
Candidates
Rocco Cozza Rocco Cozza is a sought-after business and sports/ entertainment lawyer and the founder of the Cozza Law Group PLLC. He has been practicing law since 2003. During this time, he has worked with a multitude of businesses, entrepreneurs, athletes, entertainers, and influencers helping them solve the business and legal challenges they face. In addition to practicing law, Rocco frequently speaks at conferences on the topics of leadership, motivation, and the art of kindness in business. In January 2019, he stepped on a TEDx stage to share his talk called “Radical Kindness: Why the Unbillable Hour Matters Most in Business.” Rocco sits on various non-profit boards and is currently the President of the Board of Directors of Alpha House, Inc., a behavioral rehabilitation center located in Pittsburgh, PA.
Scott Yusavage Scott Yusavage is the President and Owner of Computer Fellows, Inc. (CFI), an IT management and consulting firm founded in 2001. Community involvement is important to Scott, and he has made community service an important part of CFI’s corporate culture. CFI supports a variety of non-profits, with a majority of the focus going towards organizations that deal with mental and intellectual disabilities, including Best Buddies Pennsylvania, Partners for Quality, and charities selected quarterly through 100+ Men Pittsburgh. Outside of CFI, Scott is on the Board of Directors for Smart Futures, a nonprofit whose mission is to provide Pennsylvania’s educators with innovative career education resources so that every high school graduate has the preparation and planning needed for career success. Scott is also a member and past president of the Rotary Club of Forest Hills and a board member of Milestone. In his spare time, Scott serves as Treasurer of the Allegheny HYP Club and appreciates quality bourbon.
2021 Man & Woman of the Year
Candidates
Tom Norton Tom’s personal involvement with providing care to patients with cancer begins with him being a physical therapist. So many patients have a comorbidity to include some form of cancer. Although he works with doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals that have dedicated their lives to finding better treatments and cures for cancer, the challenge is ongoing. Participating with the Man of the Year competition has opened up new opportunities for Tom to be involved personally to help others engage with supporting the LLS. A long time provider of healthcare in the Western Pennsylvania area Tom has almost 40 years of working and providing therapy to patients with cancer. Tom has worked in many healthcare settings from hospitals to outpatient clinics to homes and one thing remains constant: to provide the best healthcare. Tom adds “It starts with research, awareness and funding organizations like The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.” Tom has a Masters in Physical Therapy from Duquesne University and a Masters in Exercise Physiology from the University of Pittsburgh. A Monroeville Gateway Gator and lifelong Pittsburgh “Yinzer”, Tom now resides in Cranberry Township with his wife and has 3 children.
We SUPPORT all of the brave individuals currently fighting cancer. We CELEBRATE all of the warriors and cancer survivors who’ve overcome the disease. We HONOR all of the souls who’ve died from cancer and the families that love them.
PHARMACY MADE SIMPLE CHAMPIONS
Tom Norton Along with all the Men & Women fundraising to support blood cancer research. We THANK the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society for its life-saving work.
Support Tom’s LLS Fundraiser GraneRx.com
SUPPORT CIRCLE
Chick-Fil-A Robinson Ernst & Young LLP Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield & Allegheny Health Network Oxford Development Company MSA *As of May 11, 2021
Grant Fleming, Philanthropist.
A serious fellow with serious goals, young Grant saw himself as a solid citizen. Career bound, he focused on the value and reward of community service, and pledged to contribute time, energy and compassion to charitable work, making him a serious candidate for LLS Man of the Year. Congratulations to all the Man & Woman of the Year contenders.
888-405-0990 | hefren.com Financial Planning with MASTERPLAN ® | Retirement Planning | Estate Planning Investment Management | Insurance & Long-Term Care | Saving for Education
Hef-Till_LLS_Grant-FINAL.indd 1
5/3/21 1:39 PM
CONGRATULATIONS
LISA HERNANDEZ RMU IS HONORED TO SUPPORT LISA HERNANDEZ AS A NOMINEE FOR THE LEUKEMIA AND LYMPHOMA SOCIETIES 2021 WOMAN OF THE YEAR
is honored to support
as a nominee for
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Keller Williams Realty Pittsburgh South Proudly Supports
Lisa Hernandez for LLS Woman of the Year Mark McClinchie, Realtor® KW Pittsburgh South 455 Cochran Rd, Pgh, PA 15228 412-571-3800
[email protected] QR Code For More Agent Details
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EVENT HOST
Andrew Fillipponi Andrew grew up in upstate New York. He graduated from Syracuse University where he served as the talk show director at historic student radio station, WAER. In 2008 and 2009, he hosted, anchored and reported for WGR 550 in Buffalo. In 2010, he moved to Pittsburgh and began hosting at 93.7 The Fan. Since 2018, Andrew has hosted “The PM Team with Poni and Mueller” in afternoon drive. Previously, he hosted the “Cook and Poni Show” with Pittsburgh Post-Gazette columnist Ron Cook and a weekly show with Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. In addition to radio, he’s a regular contributor on KDKA-TV’s “Sports Showdown” and KDKA-AM. Beginning in 2016, Andrew has served a variety of roles for CBS Sports Radio. His national show, “The Poni Express,” airs Sunday mornings across the CBS Sports Radio network and 93.7 The Fan HD-3
EVENT CO-HOST
Ian Coyle Ian is an entrepreneur and community philanthropist who is motivated by the mantra Live Simply. Be Grateful. His personal commitment to leading a life of impact led him to create a 501(c) (3) nonprofit, Semper Gratus. — Latin for “always grateful” — which partners with other local nonprofits, charities, and/or organizations to support pediatric cancers, diseases, and disabilities in addition to targeted kindness projects. Since 2014, Semper Gratus. has raised over $100,000 for four local nonprofits. Ian is a 2017 Man of the Year nominee, a 2016 Pittsburgh’s 50 Finest honoree, a public speaker, a member of the board of directors for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, a member of the Pittsburgh Technology Council, and a curriculum advisory board member for Pittsburgh Technical College as well as a member of the LeechburgGilpin Lions Club and designated student mentor for Allegheny College. Beyond the 9 to 5, you can find him committing to his sense of adventure and personal fitness.
CONGRATULATIONS TO 2020 WINNERS
2020 Man & Woman of the Year
Lindsey Meyers Van der Veer
Bob Friend
MWOY.org