I am humbled and honoured to have been nominated in this year’s Man and Woman of the Year  campaign benefiting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada.

When I was approached to join this campaign, the first thing that came to my mind were my friends and family members who have suffered with cancer.

I have witnessed first hand that cancer is not only difficult on the body, but difficult on the spirit. The LLSC provides aid through advocacy, access to support during and after a diagnosis, access to information, and research that will one day cure leukemia, lymphoma, and all other blood cancers.

My goal in this campaign is to raise as much money as possible to help those who are diagnosed with blood cancer. Fundraising has been a part of my life since I was very young – my father, Leonardo Iacono, was a driving force behind a foundation that raised considerable funds for breast cancer over the course of 25 years. I volunteered at fundraisers for many of my formative years and heard testimonials of cancer survivors whose spirit and hope were restored because of the generosity of people.

Since joining my father in 2016 as his business partner in our restaurant Le Muscadin, I have had the opportunity to organize and participate in several other fundraising events for causes such as breast cancer and Alzheimer’s & Dementia.

Through these campaigns, I have been inspired by the generosity of people and have seen the benefits that fundraising can provide for those whose lives are upended with devastating news of cancer.

I know that the funds we will raise in this campaign will greatly impact the lives of those who are diagnosed with blood cancer. My friend and team member, Carmen, was diagnosed with blood cancer in 2019 and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada provided her with significant support and information that helped her not only throughout her treatments but also to cope with life after treatments.

Carmen’s experience is what motivated me to join in the crusade against cancer.

I want to help individuals affected by blood cancers, like Carmen, and their families, get the support that they need during a difficult time in their lives. I am grateful to everyone who is participating in my efforts, and the efforts of my fellow nominees, to raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada. 

Every single donation, no matter the amount, makes a difference; and together we can help change the lives of those diagnosed with blood cancer and make a significant impact in the fight against cancer.