Young Professionals Shine Bright for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® (LLS) is a global leader in the fight against blood cancers.

The moment you or your loved one is diagnosed with cancer becomes the darkest moment of your life. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Light The Night exists to honor cancer survivors and bring hope to patients, giving them the support and advocacy they need in their time of darkness.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) challenged its community to raise $5,000 for cancer research as part of its Young Professionals Executive Challenge.

Below, we highlight the top fundraisers who went above and beyond to raise critical funds to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s mission to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, and myeloma, and improve the quality of life for patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world, provides free information and support services, and is the voice for all blood cancer patients seeking access to quality, affordable, coordinated care.

TOP CHALLENGERS

1. Nicole Albstein

"In January 2019, I received a shocking diagnosis of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. I had no idea where to turn until I was put in touch with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, which gave me the support, tools, information, and hope to power through. Today, I am in remission and privileged to join a community of strong, motivated, and passionate leaders in a friendly competition, fiercely raising funds to drive us toward our common goal of defeating blood cancer. I am truly thankful for the avenue the program has provided to support patients going through the hardest time of their lives and the powerful group of individuals I have met in the process." 

—Nicole Albstein

2. Dustin Riedesel

“I was diagnosed with cancer five days before my wedding in 2016. I survived and had two children who are cancer survivors in their own ways. When we realized how many nurses, doctors, volunteers, researchers, and donors were involved in the quest for cures that saved three of our four family members' lives, we wanted to do everything we could to support them. Being a part of LLS and this challenge has been the best and most fun way to live our gratitude.” 

—Dustin Riedesel

3. Courtney Berry

“I was so honored to be invited to be a part of the challenge! Over the last five years as an oncology nurse and leukemia nurse navigator, I have seen firsthand the amazing impact LLS makes in the lives of blood cancer patients through educational resources, support, advocacy, and research funding. I am thankful to be a small part of LLS’s mission to cure blood cancers and improve the quality of life for patients and their families!” 

—Courtney Berry

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS EXECUTIVE CHALLENGERS

Kate Albrecht, e.Republic

Missy Bergen, Deltek

Jacob Biss, Spangler Subaru

Tracy Buss, Alexis' Angels

James Calvert, Ally

Nick Carrion, Private Advisory Group

Michael DiGiorgio, BWI Group

Allie Dudenhoeffer, Cigna

Amber Duwe, MediRevv

Patrick Fitzgerald, Burke Beverage

Lea Fosbenner, PNC Bank

Jillian Fredericks, Colliers International

Kiley Gorman, MiQ

Leticia Hernandez, EXOS Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine

Sean Holleran, First National Bank

Julie Karg, Walk This Way for Steve

Samantha Kase, Internal Data Resources (Atlanta)

Jimmy Khun

Michaela Loucks, Thermo Fisher Scientific

Rachel Mallette, DecisivEdge

Taylor McInturf, James Cancer Center

Emmalee Morris, Skanska

Laura Natoli, New Jersey Pediatric Neuroscience Institute

Maureen Olsen, Deuterman Law Group

Sophia Palles, Triangle Business Journal

Jeff Parkins, Acertara Acoustic Laboratories

Daniel Patton, SailPoint Technologies

Kendra Paul, Huntsman

Ashley Pou, Ernst & Young

Amy Raad

Omeed Rahimi, EncepHeal Therapeutics

Sylvia Randazzo, Randazzo's Pizzeria

Hannah Reynolds, University of Wisconsin — LLS at UW

Scott Roby, Aimbridge Hospitality

Sasha Rocke, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

Ben Sadeghipour and the Hacker Community, NahamSec

Magdalena Sawicka, Goldman Sachs

Tanya Scalisi, J/PR

Patty Sharpe, The Woodshed

Kelly Sizemore, Kimley-Horn

Meredith Smith, Novant Health

Riley Somers, FAT Brands Inc.

Tiffany Statler, Hebrews 6:19

Arielle Urvater, Seven Starling

Adelyn Van, Kaiser Permanente

Benjamin Verney, Jones Day

Jake Wesley, PNC

Cedric Williams, SoCalGas

Margeaux Wolberg

Kelly York, Smith Leonard

At Light The Night, people gather to celebrate, honor, and remember the lives affected by cancer. Funds go to research, advocacy, and patient support. Join us in the fight against cancer.

All images via The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.