I’m writing to tell you about my young friend Emily Flynn and the great honor I have to be nominated for the “Man of The Year Award” by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Two years ago Emily had an ear ache, the sort of childhood ailment we’ve all had. But Emily’s didn’t go away. Days later, in the hospital, her parents got the nightmare diagnosis of Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia.

As you can see from the enclosed photograph, Emily is doing much better now. She turns 4 years old in July, and is on schedule to finish treatment the same month, despite some recent setbacks which caused her to be in the hospital again. This letter comes to you because Emily wants me to become the Society’s Man of The Year. How could I tell her anything but, “I’ll try my best.”

That colorful piece of artwork in the photo of Emily and I was created by Emily. She gave it to me the day she asked me to run for Man of The Year and compete with other community leaders in the Greater Syracuse area. Every dollar I raise with your help will fund critical research and incredible comfort to families battling these cancers. Emily’s parents once told me that the hardest part of having a child with Leukemia is watching them get sick. The second worst part is watching your friends disappear because they don’t know what to say, or do. Some of the money I help raise will fund the programs that bring parents and family members of people battling blood cancer together. Emily’s parents tell me those programs are priceless, just the way I feel about Emily’s art, which is on the wall next to my desk at work.

This secure site allows you to donate by credit or debit card, and watch my progress in raising money. No amount is insignificant, and every bit of it will help. When I sit down and write my own check, I’ll look at this picture, and smile at the thought of that little girl growing up cancer-free, and making more artwork.

All The Best,

Michael Benny