Advocate

Charity: The Lance Armstrong Organization

I nominate Charlene McMann for Woman of the Year because of the profound impact she has on the lives of cancer patients and their families. As a volunteer, Charlene provides comfort, hope, and information about treatments, doctors, and clinical trials and makes appointments for patients. She even went grocery shopping for patients too sick to shop. She takes calls and e-mails at all hours and takes everyone's condition seriously and personally.

I have felt the impact of Charlene's caring and compassion first-hand. I would not have survived lymphoma without Charlene.

Charlene's commitment to curing cancer is undeniable. She is establishing the Chicagoland Army of the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Charlene co-founded the Chicago Chapter of the Lymphoma Research Foundation and served as chapter President. Charlene organized the first ever LYMPHOMAthon -- a 5K walk/run to raise money and awareness for blood cancer research. The walk has raised about $1.6 million in Chicago in the first five years and served as a blueprint for similar walks across the country. Charlene serves on dinner and gala committees to raise money and awareness for cancer research. Charlene has helped organize/promote free cancer educational events and has made an important difference with her public advocacy initiatives.

Charlene is caring and courageous. She inspires others through her words and deeds.

« Back to list of finalists