We Moved!

On September 4 the Central PA Chapter moved to 2405 Park Drive. We've unpacked, hung pictures and made our space home. It's amazing to see how far the office has come in the past six months!

The main hallway in July.

The main hallway now.

Welcome to our reception area. The boxes mean it's
Light The Night time. If you haven't registered for a walk team
and would like to do so, visit www.lightthenight.org/cpa.

To see more of our new space, please join us at our ribbon cutting celebration on Thursday, September 27 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Enjoy networking with business and community leaders, refreshments from area restaurants, and learn more about the many ways our researchers and volunteers are working every day to fight blood cancers in our community. If you would like to attend, RSVP by Monday, September 24 to tiffany.walter@lls.org.

The Simply the Best Gala is Right Around the Corner...

Let the countdown begin! The Radisson Hotel Harrisburg will host Harrisburg Magazine’s Simply the Best Gala this Thursday, August 30! This event was sold out early last month and features a silent auction that benefits The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS)! Simply the Best winners have graciously donated items like a brand new Kindle Fire (Ed Gormley, Susquehanna Financial Advisors LLC), a framed Harrisburg canvas (Artworks Gallery and Custom Framing) and a number of wonderful gift baskets from various places.



A few of the Simply the Best auction items!



We are excited to congratulate all of this year’s winners while raising money and awareness to support our mission. If last year’s gala is any indication of how well the 2012 gala will go, it should be phenomenal. We look forward to seeing you there!

Celebrating Our Volunteers

On Thursday night The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Central PA Chapter held it's annual Volunteer Recognition and Celebration at The Hotel Hershey.

We think about and are grateful for our volunteers every day. They are the driving force behind our mission to cure blood cancers and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Volunteers may give of their time, talent and treasure because they have a connection or they want to join us in our important effort to save lives. For whatever reason they choose to volunteer, we are grateful to them.



Celebrating our volunteers at The Hotel Hershey. 



Our 2012 Awardees were:

Tom Garrett - Team In Training Hero Award

Dave Godfrey - Light The Night Hero Award

Abeer Srouji - Man & Woman of the Year Hero Award

Angela Miller - Summer Solstice Celebration Hero Award

Michelle Shriner - Patient Services Hero Award

Sue Leonard - Ski4Life Hero Award

JFC Staffing, Inc. - Executive Director's Award

Dustin Beaver and Ashley Fazekas - Patricia Donaldson Youth of the Year Award

Rick Atkinson - Board of Director's Award

Valenti Management - Corporate Award

Lori Reese - Buck Miller Award, Outstanding Volunteer of the Year

Brian Bucher - Winged Victory Award, Outstanding Patient Volunteer of the Year

Awards were also presented to Lindsay Coulter and Tania Srouji for each raising over $50,000 for the Harrisburg Man & Woman of the Year campaign and having the honor to sponsor an LLS researcher.

Check our Facebook page as more photos from volunteer recognition are posted.

Man & Woman of the Year Billboards

Man & Woman of the Year

2012 Winner Billboards

If you spot a billboard in your area, snap a picture of it and post it on our
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's facebook page!
**keep spreading the word**

Our Harrisburg Winners

(from left to right): Bob Carey, Ashley Fazekas, Dustin Beaver, Lindsay Coulter

Our Lancaster/York Winners

(from left to right): Matthew DePrato, Ashley Fazekas, Dustin Beaver, Lani Todd

Fishing for a Cure

The Capital Area Bass Masters fishing tournament to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) moved from Harrisburg to Sunbury this year, and the results are wonderful! Seventy-five boats participated and raised an impressive $16,145 for the mission. This brings the Capital Area Bass Masters fundraising total to $99,000 to beat blood cancers!　 Please join me in thanking event planner, and Central PA Chapter Trustee, Bob Herman

for his fundraising expertise and his dedication to our patients.

In addition to recruiting those who love to fish, Bob recruited many event sponsors including Computer Aid Inc. (CAI), the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show, Tri-State Scrap, the PA Bass Federation Nation City and the city of Sunbury.

Pictured L to R: Frank Nanna, manager at Shikellamy State Park;
Dave Persing, Mayor of Sunbury; LLS staff Michaelean Crimmins and
Tiffany Walter; Capital City Bassmasters Mike Brown and Bob Herman; and
Harry Wert, owner of The Little Sportsman's Shop.

Thank you, Bob, for showing us how we can fish for a cure!

Striking Out Blood Cancer

On Saturday, July 28 over 70 softball fans took to the field at Lower Allen Community Park for the Fourth Annual Tori Kricher Memorial Softball Tournament. The event honors Tori Kricher, a remarkable little girl who lost her battle at the age of 10 due to an aggressive form of leukemia. To honor the memory of their loved one and raise funds for LLS, Tori's family looked to her favorite sport, softball.

Special thank you to the Harrisburg and Camp Hill locations of Philadelphia Cheesesteaks and Hoagies who donated their time and delicious subs for the event and to Erie Insurance who donated $3,500.00.





Mike Holder and April Kricher

 

Katie Gentile, Erie District Sales Manager Dave Jones, Glen Kricher,
and District Sales Manager Derek Taylor

This year's tournament raised over $8,000.00 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society!

New Office Update

Tiffany stopped by our new office this morning to see how it was coming along. To our excitement, we have walls!

Last week, the metal framework was set up and the look was coming together. This week, we have drywall! We're no drywall experts, but it looks like it is almost done. Check out the pictures Tiffany snapped this morning:



Some of the offices- with walls!



More offices, more walls!



The cubicle space is coming along!



As you can see, a lot of progress has been made on our new space. Next up: paint! 

We're Moving!

The Central Pennsylvania Chapter is growing and as a result, we’ve outgrown our office space.

We’re not going far! In September we’ll be setting up shop just one mile away at 2405 Park Drive.

There’s a lot of packing, moving, construction and painting to be done before we can move in but we’re so excited and wanted to share some pictures taken today.

 



Our new home at 2405 Park Drive



A view from our future reception area



The conference room

They’re hard at work on our new suite!





They’re building offices!



More offices!



It doesn’t look like much right now but soon it will be the core of LLS activity in the central Pennsylvania area.

Keep checking back for more pictures and updates!

Wrapping Up the School & YouthSM (S&Y) Progams

School is finished for the year, summer is officially here and School & YouthSM (S&Y) results are in! S&Y is comprised of two programs to educate students about philanthropy and blood cancers: Pennies for Patients® and Olive Garden’s Pasta for Pennies. This school year, over 295 preschools, elementary, middle and high schools participated in these programs! Students collected spare change and learned about helping others along the way. This year, S&Y fundraised over $320,000. That is A LOT of spare change! Here are the top schools:

1. William G. Rice Elementary School – $11,623.76


2. Donald E. Schick Elementary School – $8,738.32


3. Central Elementary School/Rommelt Middle School – $6,880.81


4. Ore Valley Elementary School – $6,377.49


5. Rolling Acres Elementary School – $5,328.11

Congratulations to the top five schools. LLS also has to send a special thank you to all 295 schools for participating this year because every penny counts!

Swatara Middle School raised $2,602.89 through Pasta for Pennies!

Another school that did a tremendous job collecting spare change was Riverview Elementary School raising $4,738.72! Laura Mosca, Riverview's Coordinator, said, "Pennies for Patients taught our students the most important lesson of all, giving selflessly. It also gave our students teh opportunity to raise money to help others rather than always looking to gain something as a reward for their efforts."

There are many ways to put a fun twist to the program—hat days, spirit days, penny wars, school dances, sports tournaments and much more! Students are able to engage in an exciting competition while learning about philanthropy and helping to cure blood cancer.



Students at Little Angels Preschool decorate their teacher's face during Pennies for Patients.

To find out more information about School & Youth Programs (or to sign up your school!) please visit www.schoolandyouth.org/cpa or contact Katie Gentile, Campaign Coordinator (Katie.Gentile@lls.org or 717.652.6520 ext. 1257).

26th Annual Summer Solstice Celebration

Thank you for the tremendous support at the Summer Sosltice Celebration on June 16 at the Hershey Lodge. Attendees enjoyed the chance to bid on a selection of 730 items using the BidPal device, eat a delightful dinner, and purchase a raffle ticket to be in the running for $10,000. A big thanks to Robin Burd Photography for capturing images from the fun-filled evening.

Ashley Fazekas, 2012 Girl of the Year, along with parents, Elaine and John, shares her story. Patty Beaver, mother of Dustin Beaver, Boy of the Year, took time to share his journey as well while Co-Chair Lee Smigel of Smigel, Anderson, & Sacks took on the role of emcee along with fellow committee member, Ted Reese (missing from photo), of the Harrisburg Symphony.

Guests of the Summer Solstice Celebration enjoy bidding while seated on popular items such as a portable grill, a package of Hersheypark tickets with lodging at the Hershey Lodge, and antique wine glasses.
           

Kathy Krone, Co-Chair of the Summer Solstice Celebration, thanks a sponsor for providing support.

Annette Fuller smiles at her luck of winning the $10,000 raffle.

Thanks to all who made the 26th annual Summer Solstice Celebration a success!

Volunteer Spotlight: Larry Adams

From marathons and black tie galas to school-based fundraisers, LLS relies on a large network of committed volunteers to assist us in carrying out all the fundraising programs that raise funds so we can provide life-enhancing patient services. Our volunteers are an essential part of the Central Pennsylvania Chapter.

This Tuesday we are shining the spotlight on volunteer Larry Adams. Larry is a participant turned mentor and marathon coach for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training program. Team In Training is the world’s largest sports endurance program that trains individuals to complete a full or half marathon, a 100-mile cycle ride or a triathlon in exchange for raising funds for LLS’s mission. Each Team In Training volunteer participant is paired with a coach and mentor to guide them to the finish line as well as an honored teammate, a blood cancer patient, to provide inspiration.

Name: Larry Adams

In school/working/retired?: work at Harrisburg Area Community College

How long have you been volunteering with LLS?: Started as a participant and did my first marathon in January 2003.　 Became a mentor the following year, 2004 and started coaching in 2006.

What got you started?: My son Marcus is a leukemia survivor. He was diagnosed at age seven. Five years after his treatments ended, Anne and I decided that Team in Training would be an ideal way to "give back" for the blessing of Marcus reaching his 5-year survival mark.  He is now 24 years old and is a testament to what research can help make possible.

How many Team In Training events have you participated in?: As a fund raising participant, 3. As a mentor and coach, I’ve lost count.　

What is the funniest thing you’ve seen at a marathon?: Some of the costumes that people wear. Two from last year’s San Diego Rock ‘N Roll Marathon stand out. One was a guy with a very large diaper, no shirt, and a large inflatable monkey on his back. The monkey had a matching diaper and extended at least 4 feet above the guy’s head so you could see him running in the crowd from a long way. The other was a woman wearing only bright red lace panties and a plain cotton t-shirt.　 Given the woman’s size and age, it really wasn’t as attractive as one might think. Funny – yes, but sexy – not really.　

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

What about running makes you smile? Seeing the joy people have completing their first half or full marathon for Team In Training.　

Where is the best place you’ve run? Why?: For an event, Lake Placid because of the beautiful countryside and the town. For training, anywhere around Messiah College because of the beautiful countryside and the special feeling of having conquered the hills.

What is your favorite thing to do after an event?: Once the ice bath is finished, meet up with other TNT folks, and the new participants and have a shot of tequila to celebrate!

What hobbies or activities do you enjoy in your free time?: reading, traveling, home projects, and most recently bicycling with friends.

To learn more about volunteering for LLS, contact us at 717.652.6520.

Volunteers Swing Into Action Against Blood Cancers

I can’t say it enough – we can’t effectively fight cancer without volunteers. I was reminded of this when I attended the first E&E Golf Tournament on Saturday, May 26 at Monroe Valley Golf Club in Jonestown. The team at E&E Metal Fab. Inc in Lebanon and 144 golfers raised an impressive $8,150.00 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).

The Erb family rallied behind the mission of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in memory of beloved nephew and son, Chris Erb. Many golfers from all over Lancaster and Lebanon counties participated in honor of family and friends. Others, out just to enjoy a beautiful day of golf, were inspired by a mission message from Pennsylvania Senator Mike Folmer, who was recently diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

The E&E Metal Fab. Inc. "family" and their dedication to our mission to cure blood cancers, does more than encourage patients and their families. The proceeds fund critical research and provides for patient services such as the Central PA Blood Cancer Conference and Co-Pay Assistance. E&E makes the mission happen!

Pictured from left to right: Willie Erb (CEO, E&E Metal Fab. Inc.), Liane Erb (Secretary and Treasurer,
E&E Metal Fab. Inc.), Dave Erb (CAD Design, E&E Metal Fab. Inc. and Golf Tournament Chair),
Beth Mihmet (The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society) and Steve Erb (President, E&E Metal Fab. Inc.)

TNT Back From San Diego!

Congrats to the 15 strong Central PA Chapter Team In Training participants who completed the Rock N Roll San Diego Marathon! The TEAM spent three fabulous days on the west coast with great weather! GO TEAM!

WWW.MWOY.ORG

Congratulations to our winners.....



Harrisburg Campaign




2012 Woman of the Year
Lindsay Coulter, iChase Solutions

 

2012 Man of the Year
Bob Carey, Horticultural Services






2012 Harrisburg Candidates:

Pictured above: Abeer Srouji, Bob Carey, Lindsay Coulter, Anne-Marie Brandt, Ben Foster, Leslie Meck, Ryan Knisely, Patsi Lilly, Jeff Zinn, Leena Shenoy, Tania Srouji, Sue Wert & Sam Lindenberg

Lancaster/York Campaign





2012 Man of the Year
Matt DePrato, Liquid Hero Brewery



2012 Woman of the Year
Lani Todd, Plum Salon and Spa



 

 

2012 Lancaster/York Candidates:

Pictured above: Lani Todd, Nadia Sharifi, Matt DePrato, Laura Coy, Norman Bristol Colon, Brenda Coakley, Beth Andrew



                                                                              



Central PA Blood Cancer Conference

Sharing Progress.  Celebrating Hope.

The 7th Annual Blood Cancer Conference is less than two weeks away!  We are looking forward to another successful event at the Hershey Lodge.  It is exciting to see so many patients, survivors, caregivers, family members and healthcare professionals come together to hear the latest disease and treatment updates and learn about survivorship tools from local oncology professionals.  We are hoping for over 300 attendees this year and would love to have you join us.  Space is limited but there is still time to register.  Visit the conference website at www.lls.org/cpa/bloodcancerconference to register on-line and view the program agenda and speakers. 

The Daily Zoo!  Keeping the Doctor at Bay with a Drawing a Day

Check out our keynote speaker for this year's conference!  Chris Ayers is a blood cancer survivor and also a freelance character designer living in Los Angeles.  Some of his past clients include DreamWorks Animation and Sony Feature Animation and he's worked on films such as Men in Black II, Fantastic Four, The Incredible Hulk, Star Trek, and the Alien vs. Predator series.  Join us as Chris shares his story of survivorship.  Survivors and caregivers can also participate in a creative drawing session with Chris during the afternoon program. 

I am looking forward to seeing many familiar faces and meeting new friends on May 24th.  Be sure to stop me and say hello.  See you soon!

Warmly,

Danielle Bubnis, LSW

Patient Services Manager

Summer Solstice Celebration Plans to Enhance Silent Auction Bidding System

 Save the date! Saturday, June 16, 2012, The Summer Solstice Celebration will take place at The Hershey Lodge and we hope you will choose to join us whether you are a first-timer or a repeat attendee.

The 26^th annual event offers over 350 items to bid on and this year will have a new, improved look. Gone are the pens and paper that come with your silent auction bidding. This year Summer Solstice is happy to introduce BidPal, an automated handheld device- similar to an iPhone. Each attendee with a bidder number receives this BidPal device to bid throughout the evening and checkout. This device allows users to view pictures of items by category, popularity, or no bid. Additionally, users receive instant outbid alerts, set their maximum bid if desired, and receive instance notification of items won. The Summer Solstice Celebration will still have their traditional Live Auction and will still be encouraging you to shop to find a cure for blood cancers; however, 2012 will have a more modern feel.

To purchase tickets and preview auction items online, visit http://could.bidpal.net/portal/bpe3115

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Emily Fox,
Campaign Coordinator

Welcome!

I’m honored to kick-off our very first blog for the Central Pennsylvania Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. We are eager to keep you up-to-date on our progress in the fight against blood cancer. A blog will allow us to do this without delay, without content limitations, and at no expense to the chapter.

For those of you who were readers of our printed newsletter (NewsLine) this marks a big change. We have moved NewsLine to the Central PA Chapter archives, and we are embracing this new technology with an open mind. If, like me, you can still remember when everything was printed on paper this just might take some getting used to! I’m grateful for your patience and continued interest in our patients and passion for our mission to cure leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma.

A few of our brightest technology fans at the chapter (Grace Usdin, Amanda Holland, Laura MacNeill and Tiffany Walter) have been encouraging us (pleading really) to get with the times and get on with it already. I’m grateful for their persistence since truly, it would not have happened without them. Thank you Grace, Amanda, Laura and Tiffany for keeping our friends, patients, family members and supporters in mind.

Welcome to Mission in Motion!

Beth Mihmet
Executive Director