The Mid-America Chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society has named Laura Whitaker its 2010 Ambassador of the Year. Whitaker is a library media specialist at Maple Park Middle School in North Kansas City Schools. She received recognition at the Society's awards event this month.
Whitaker, who was diagnosed with CLL (Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia) in 2001, has spent her years since helping to raise dollars necessary for research and patient service programs. She's worked tirelessly as a First Connection volunteer, giving peer support to newly diagnosed patients of CLL. Whitaker organizes the group's annual Children's Holiday Party and spoke recently at a clinical trials seminar in May.
In addition, Whitaker speaks at Team In Training Kick off Celebrations, motivating and inspiring new participants with her story, and has served as an honored patient for Team In Training as well as a fund-raising participant, running 26.2 miles in the Nike Women's Marathon in October 2006. Whitaker is the lead volunteer for the Black Tie Ball and volunteers as the Man & Woman of the Year auction, and is a speaker and volunteer for Light The Night, as well as for individual company kickoffs.
Janna LaCock, executive director of the Mid-America Chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, said of Whitaker, "Laura is full of life and has the biggest heart. Even after her CLL diagnosis in 2001, her spirit grew. Whenever we need her, Laura is always there with her amazing spirit and contagious smile. No one deserves this recognition more than Laura."
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