Making a difference
Research Champions are individuals who made an exceptional contribution to the blood cancer community.
They are people who want to see cures for blood cancers in our lifetime and will stop at nothing to make it happen.
They are people who want to see cures for blood cancers in our lifetime and will stop at nothing to make it happen.
2021 Research Champions
Halifax
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Amanda Penney
By earmarking her funds for research, Amanda’s achievement in raising over $63,000 not only made her Halifax’s 2021 Woman of the year, but also meant that she was able to directly support key research initiatives at the most critical time.
Montreal
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Francesco Sacco
As a philanthropist, when Francesco was approached to be part of Man & Woman of the Year, it was an easy answer for him. Francesco believes everyone has an opportunity to support those who need it most. Francesco won Montreal’s 2021 Man of the Year raising over $61,000!
Karina Loffreda
When approached to participate in Man & Woman of the Year, a philanthropic competition, it was a perfect opportunity for her to directly support key research initiatives at a most critical time. Karina was named Montreal’s 2021 Woman of the Year raising over $67,000!
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Lindsay Yarrow
Continuously seeking opportunities to support others, when Lindsay learned of Man & Woman of the Year, a philanthropic competition, she felt it was important to give back and support a community that she is closely connected to, and give gratitude to all those who supported her throughout her treatment. Lindsay is Montreal’s 2021 Woman of the Year runner-up raising over $61,000.
Toronto
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Tina Byers
Greatly inspired by the, then aspiring, leaders who surrounded her in university, she thrives to achieve greatness and make a difference for the blood cancer community. And she did just that; Tina raised over $101,000 to directly support key research initiatives at a most critical time and became the National Woman of the Year in 2021!
Aaron Bains
Aaron unfortunately lost his sister to leukemia when she was only 15 years old. When approached to take part in Man & Woman of the Year, a philanthropic competition, Aaron saw this as an opportunity to further support those affected by a blood cancer, and more specifically, to help children currently facing a diagnosis. Aaron became 2021’s National Man of the Year and raised over $114,000 to directly support key research initiatives at a most critical time.
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Steven Caldwell
Forever competitive, when Steven was approached to take part in Man & Woman of the Year, a philanthropic competition, he couldn’t say no. He saw this as an opportunity to collaborate with other leaders and bring all communities together in support of key research initiatives at a most critical time. Steven was named Toronto’s 2021 Man of the Year runner-up and raised an impressive $85,000!
2020 Research Champions
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Born and raised in Montreal, Alessandra involved herself at an early age in her local community. She began her career as a local performer in community festivals and fundraisers, all while pursuing her studies at Concordia University in the field of business.
Alexis Tertulliani
Alexis lives in Montreal with his wife Sabrina and children Fabiana and Damiano. Alexis has been in the risk management and insurance industry for 15 years. Alexis first got involved with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society 5 years ago at a networking breakfast. He was blown away by the incredible passion shared by everyone and profoundly touched by the experiences shared by survivors and fighters.
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