When Cherry Hill resident Ethel J. David first heard about a new campaign being launched by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Southern New Jersey/ Shore Region Chapter, there was no question about her involvement. Her only question was how could she sign up.

The Man & Woman of the Year campaign- set to roll out as a national signature campaign in 2009-recruits local business and civic leaders to raise money in honor of the Boy and Girl of the Year. Every dollar raised counts as one ‘vote’and the candidates spend a designated amount of time securing as many ‘votes’ as possible. The candidates who raise the most money earn the title of Man or Woman of the Year.

Ethel, a motivational speaker, isn’t concerned about being named the Woman of the Year. It is only important to her that money be raised for research in honor of Boy of the Year Jarrod McGee and Girl of the Year Kayla DeFeo and that awareness about LLS be spread in the community. Ethel is no stranger to LLS and its mission to find a cure for blood cancers. At the age of 92, she recounts losing one child to leukeumia in 1952 and her adult son currently battles myeloma. In 2006, Ethel co-authored the book My Lover the Rabbi, My Husband the Doctor. What more could a Jewish Girl Want?, an account of her life, and a portion of the proceeds benefits LLS’Southern New Jersey/ Shore Region Chapter. She is also very involved in Patient Services programs and through her own initiative she provides one on one support to patients battling a blood cancer.

Just days before the launch of the Man & Woman of the Year campaign on April 8, 2008, Ethel was admitted to the hospital. Medical tests revealed that she suffered from an infection that left her permanently blind in one eye. Not one to be defeated, Ethel contacted LLS staff insistent that this setback was not going to deter her from her commitment to the campaign. After nearly 2 weeks in the hospital and 4 weeks in a rehabilitation center, Ethel returned home and one of her first phone calls was to LLS staff. Her only questions were,“ What is up? Where do we pick up from here?”

Ethel J. David serves as a shining example of dedication. At 92 years old, she has lived through trials that would have lessened another person. These experiences only made her more resolute to look to the positive in any situation and persevere through the difficult moments. Whether she raises the most money or earns the most “votes”, Ethel’s strength has already made her a winner.

If you would like to cast your “vote” for Ethel J. David and support her commitment to LLS please visit www.active.com/donate/snjmwoy05/sonjEDavid or contact LLS Campaign Manager Sara Farley at 1-888-920-8557, ext. 204 or Sara.Farley@lls.org.