Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

A beautiful ripple effect

Last Saturday  was the grand finale for the 2013 Man and Woman of the Year campaign for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.



One year earlier, I had the honor of being a part of Cassandra Perkins Woman of the Year campaign and it is a memory that I will always treasure.


I couldn't have possible written a better ending than the one that unfolded.

My son Adam and I sat at the table with Dr. Jeff Matous and his daughter Catherine.  Catherine ran as a woman of the year candidate in 2011 during her freshmen year in high school.



Catherine's ripple effect inspired me to nominate Cassie to run the following year during her freshman year in high school.  Cassie to became the youngest person in the state of Colorado to run as a candiate for this campaign.

At the kickoff event last year Cassie met a young man, Michael Guglielmi who ran for Man of the year in 2013.

Cassie, Ralph and Michael at 2012 MWOY Kickoff

Michael ran in honor of his Dad, Ralph Guglielmi who is a blood cancer survivor.  Ralph is a former Man of the year winner from our chapter so Michael was indeed following in his father's footsteps.

The entire audience was thrilled when Michael was announced as this years winner.  Michael is 17 years old.

I had written last year, that Michael's decision to run was part of the ripple effect that Cassie created during her campaign.

It is the great mystery of our lives as we never know how what we do might touch and change the life of another person.

So from Catherine, to Cassie and now Michael, the seeds you have planted are taking root.  The beautiful ripple effect you are creating is inspiring others to take action and live unbound.

In love and gratitude to these three young and inspirational people.

2013 Man of the Year with Laurie Maeves

Wordless Wednesday


Wednesday, May 1, 2013