Frequently Asked Questions

When Do Local Visionaries of the Year Campaigns Take Place?

Each LLS region designates a ten-week period between February and June in which their local campaign will be held. Contact your local region for timing in your community or type your zip code into the Find A Campaign box at the top of this page to visit your local region website for more information.

Who Are the People Who Make the Best Visionaries of the Year Candidates?

Candidates come from diverse backgrounds and experiences, but they also have characteristics in common: they are all compassionate and relentless in their desire to find cures for blood cancers and driven to reach their own personal fundraising best. They also tend to be dynamic, outgoing, and well-connected, which helps them in their fundraising campaign.

How Do I Nominate a Candidate? May I Nominate Myself?

Click here to Nominate a Candidate and follow the directions. Self-nominations are welcome. Someone from your region staff will get back to you to discuss the nominee's qualifications for Visionaries of the Year. All nominees are carefully vetted by the region's Leadership Committee prior to acceptance as a candidate. If you're not ready to nominate someone but would like more information, please fill out the form and someone will call you back to discuss it before it's formally submitted.

How and When Can I Donate to Someone's Campaign?

Donations to a candidate's campaign may begin at campaign kickoff and continue throughout the ten-week period. Just click on the Donate tab and follow the instructions to donate online using a credit card. If you prefer not to donate online, you may also write a check payable to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and give/mail it directly to the candidate or send it to your local region (be sure to add your candidate's name and "Visionaries" to the memo line so they'll receive credit for your donation).

How Is the Money Raised Through Visionaries of the Year Used?

Funds raised from Visionaries of the Year help find cures and ensure access to treatments for all blood cancer patients. Toward that goal, LLS:

• Funds research to advance breakthrough therapies for blood cancer patients.
• Is the leading source of free blood cancer information, education, and patient support.
• Is the voice for blood cancer patients and survivors today.

May I Participate in Visionaries of the Year Without Actually Being a Candidate?

Yes, local community leaders, business owners and others may participate. There are several ways for people to participate, including nominating a candidate, being part of the Leadership Committee that selects the final candidates, by donating, becoming part of a candidate's campaign team, or becoming a national sponsor. To see more about these opportunities, click on the Get Involved tab at the top of this page.

How Can I Find Out More Information About Visionaries of the Year in My Area?

Use the "Find A Campaign" box above to visit your local region website for more information.

What Is a Candidate Campaign Team?

Candidates put together campaign teams made up of their friends and associates to create a support team, expand networking opportunities, and make the campaign even more fun. All participants want to raise as many dollars as possible for the mission and work with LLS to brainstorm and develop fundraising campaign teams.

When Are the Winners Announced?

Local winners are announced at the end of their campaign's ten-week period, at a Grand Finale celebration. Once all regions have announced their winners, the national winners are announced, and all winners are featured in a national media publication.

How Can I Join My Local Candidate's Support Team?

Find your local Visionaries of the Year candidates here, then visit their pages and follow the instructions to join their team.