Manayunk woman competes for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s ‘Woman of the Year’ title

A Manayunk woman could be the next Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Woman of the Year. 

Meredith Hankins, general manager of Salon L’Etoile on Main Street, is joining 13 other candidates in the charity’s Man & Woman of the Year fundraising campaign.  Each dollar Hankins receives counts as a vote, and the male and female candidates with the most votes are crowned Man & Woman of the Year for the chapter.

With an aunt who is a Lymphoma-survivor and a best friend who is a lymphoblastic-survivor, Hankins says she feels particularly close to the cause and has been involved with the campaign for four years.

“When people ask me ‘Why this charity?’ I honestly want to say ‘Why not?'” Hankins says. “I have the energy and the network to raise money for a good cause.”

Hankins is hoping to raise $25,000 — all of which will be donated to the LLS, the world’s biggest voluntary health agency focused on blood cancer. Proceeds will help improve the quality of life for patients and their families. Last year, the 12 candidates raised more than $442,000.

On April 25, the winners will be announced at the Grand Finale at Vie in Philadelphia. The event will include auctions, dinner, cocktails, and dancing.

To make a donation, visit Hankins’ fundraising page.