UK Employee Competes for Fundraising Award
LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 19, 2011) – Stephanie Dixon Sutphin is the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center's candidate for the 2011 Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Woman of the Year.
Each year, the LLS conducts a 10-week Man & Woman of the Year fundraising campaign. Participants from across the nation raise money in honor of children in their state who are impacted by blood cancer.
This year, the candidates for the Kentucky & Southern Indiana Chapter of the LLS are raising money in honor of Aiden Johnson, 6-year-old boy who is a lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survivor and ViviAnne Bohannon, a 5-year-old girl who is receiving treatment for ALL.
As UK's official candidate, Sutphin is also the only nominee for Woman of the Year from the Lexington area. Ron Brown of Keystone Financial Services is the only Man of the Year candidate from the area.
Funds raised through this campaign will go directly to the LLS, an organization whose mission is to fund research and treatments for blood cancers while helping improve the quality of life for patients and their families. The LLS provides a number of services for patients, including educational materials and financial assistance with medicinal or travel expenses.
Sutphin, a hematology/oncology pharmacy specialist at UK, says blood cancer patients at the Markey Cancer Center directly benefit from the resources that the LLS provides.
"Every day I work with Markey patients who have blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, myelodysplastic syndrome, and multiple myeloma," said Sutphin. "And every day, I see how the resources that the Society provides helps these patients."
During the 10-week campaign, which began on April 4, Sutphin hopes to raise $30,000 for the LLS. Her fundraising plans include a Yoga-thon, a party hosted at her home with Aiden and his mother as guests of honor, a jewelry party, an after-hours event at a local retail clothing store, and a personal mailing campaign she's sending out to nearly 500 friends and family.
In addition, many departments at UK HealthCare have agreed to host a "dress down" day on Friday, April 22. Employees, with their supervisor's approval, are encouraged to make a donation of $5 in exchange for wearing jeans, with the proceeds going towards Sutphin's campaign.
Sutphin and the other regional candidates will find out the results of their efforts at the Grand Finale celebration at the Galt House in Louisville on June 17. The gala will also include a silent auction featuring gift baskets provided by each of the candidates.
Sutphin, who was nominated for Woman of the Year by Markey staff member Robin Fisher and seconded by Dr. Dianna Howard, says she is honored to take part in the event.
"When I was asked to represent the Lexington area in the campaign, I couldn't say no," said Sutphin. "I've seen firsthand the struggles so many patients and families at Markey face, and I'm thrilled to be a part of something that can truly help them in their fight against cancer."
Sutphin also has a personal fundraising page set up through the LLS for those who wish to contribute but won't be able to participate in one of her events. To donate to Sutphin's campaign, visitors can go to http://kyc.mwoy.llsevent.org.
MEDIA CONTACT: Allison Perry, (859) 257-1754, ext. 225; or allison.perry@uky.edu.