I personally know and understand the importance of blood cancer research first hand.  In  2009 my daughter Madi Rae was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia at the age of 2.5.   After a long and challenging battle I lost her at the age of 4 in 2011.  

During her much-too-short life, Madi inspired Doctors and scientists to work harder to solve cancer's mystery.  On February 17th, 2011 a bill was passed in the Canadian senate in Madi's name to establish a public cord blood bank program, so that children like Madi in the future are not left without options when it comes to life saving treatments. 

My decision to participate in the Man & Woman of the Year challenge is to advocate for advancements in research and discovery so that we can uncover the why, and the how we find a cure.  Madi is my inspiration and I hope in her memory we can create a future where no family has to experience what mine has.