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Leukemia |
  Nancy Later and Ariel Matisse Awarded Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's 2010 Equestrian of the Year 
FEI Dressage Rider and Trainer Nancy Later together with assistant Ariel Matisse have won the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Equestrian of the Year award for raising over $8000 to support the organization's mission: cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, and myeloma and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Runner-up in the fundraising competition was dressage rider Sandy Gillespie of Palm Bay, Florida who raised money in honor of her daughter Sara, a leukemia Survivor. The equestrian community supported a cocktail party, silent auction, and light dinner at Grant Farms on February 11th. Over $56,000 was netted from the event which will go directly to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.Equestrian of the Year sponsors include Bacardi, Grey Goose Vodka, Palms West Hospital, Equus & Co., Dark Horse Chocolate/ Nan Sexton, Advanced Radiation Centers of New York, Brad Cutshall/Landmark Farms and Polyglycan Anthrodynamic Technologies/ Dr. Foster Northrop. Patrons of the event enjoyed catering by Ken Rose, and over 70 silent auction items organized by Susan Rubin of Beyond the Barn. White tables with beautiful flower arrangements by Karin Flint adorned the cold candlelit night, complete with a stable of beautiful horses. Music by guitar player Todd Miller and a wonderful diverse group of equestrians completed the night. Anna Tillman and Timmy Dutta presented a "wished for" pink bike for this years honored hero, Natalie Davila. Natalie, who is 11 years old, is currently in maintenance phase of Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. Nancy Later has been a long time supporter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and together with her long time assistant they are a shinning example of how busy equestrians can make a difference in the lives of others. Through help from the Spengler Family who offered their Oak Hill Farm in Pepperell, MA, Nancy and Ariel were able to have a fundraising party and silent auction. They also collected donations through a letter writing campaign and friends and family. Event Chairwoman, Mary Ann Grant, and Honorary Chairwoman, Dr. Melissa Singer who is a pediatric hematologist oncologist wish to thank the entire equestrian community for their support of this event now in its 8th year. For further information about the LLS or how to support next year's campaign, please contact Melissa Mulvihill, Campaign Coordinator for the Palm Beach Area Chapter, at (888) 478 - 8550, or Mary Ann Grant, Event Chairwoman at (561) 301 - 5817. Mary Ann Grant started the Equestrian of the Year competition several years ago to help raise money for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. Mary Ann's inspiration for the event comes from the courage she saw in her fellow cancer patients, especially the children and their families. Equestrians of all disciplines and levels commit to raise money to fund important research and patient services for people with leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma. The Equestrian who raises the most money will become the Equestrian of the Year. To sign up for next year's Equestrian of the Year competition, contact Darby Collins at (888) 478 - 8550 or visit www.lls.org/pbeq. Nancy Later helps with the fundraising by selling Mr. Positive T-shirts and saddle pads, and collecting items for the silent auction held in February. Anyone wishing to donate items or money should contact Nancy directly. Equestrian of the Year Competition starts early at Oak Hill Farm! Nancy and Ariel and Mark and Linda Spengler of Oak Hill Farm raised over $5000 for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society Sept. 20th 2009. More than 100 people showed up for free food and demonstrations and to support a good cause. Thank you everyone! Unsung Heroes Compiled by Darcy Clinton in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel Sunday March 9, 2008 Equestrians fight cancer Name: Nancy Pugh Later, 44 Residence: Wellington FL Birthplace: Born in Philadelphia, grew up in Ashaway, RI Career: Horse trainer Family: Parent Mickey and David Pugh of Mystic, CT and Loxahatchee Groves Cause: the Palm Beach Area Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, a national non-profit organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education and patient services. Their mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life for patients and their families. Q. Describe your volunteer role. A. I work with other members of the equestrian community to help organize events and fundraisers for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Last year, we designed and sold T-shirts for the Equestrian of the Year award and dinner auction. This year, we designed saddle pads to sell during the event. Q. What is the Equestrian of the Year award? A. It's a fundraising campaign where equestrians of all disciplines and levels compete against each other to see who can raise the most money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Q. Why did you decide to volunteer for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society? A. I trained a girl who had children's leukemia, and one of my friends was diagnosed with lymphoma. I was inspired by their courage, and how much both were able to accomplish, even when faced with such difficult circumstances. The girl I trained is in college now and has a super life. Q. Aside from money, what does your organization need? A. We always need volunteers willing to take an active role, and we'd like to raise awareness about the disease, and how important groups like this are to the individuals fighting it. All ages benefit from this program, and 100 percent of the money our Wellington group raises is donated directly to the organization. For information about the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, go to www.leukemia-lymphoma.org or call 1-888-478-8550. |