This spring, Ashley Havera campaigned for Woman of the Year for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) Cincinnati Chapter. Man and Woman of the Year is a philanthropic competition to support blood cancer research among a group of motivated and dedicated individuals in communities across the United States. Candidates form powerful fundraising teams and compete in honor of two local children who are blood cancer survivors. The man and woman who have raised the most funds during the ten-week campaign are awarded the prestigious title of Man or Woman of the Year in their community. Ashley’s goal was to raise $200,000 for blood cancer research.
In 2015, Ashley and David’s daughter battled AML, a severe strain of leukemia. St. Barnabas rallied around the Havera family during their grueling time of treatment and hospital visits.
On May 18, Ashley was named Woman of the Year, after raising $249,056! Thank you to the many St. Barnabas parishioners who donated to her campaign. Ashley is now in the running for the national Woman of the Year. Below is Ashley’s acceptance speech.