WICHITA, Kan. – Helping raise funds for blood cancer research, Jon McConnell is a finalist for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Man the Year. The Man & Woman of the Year finalists have kicked off a 10-week fundraising competition to earn the ultimate title of Man & Woman of the Year. Between now and May 5, 2012, each “vote” for Jon is a $1 pledge for LLS, the largest national voluntary health organization dedicated to curing leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma. Votes and secure donations can be made at Jon McConnell’s LLS Man of the Year webpage.

Candidates raise funds in honor of the Girl and Boy of the Year, in this case Mikala Hodgens, a 9-year-old with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia, and Joseph Bacon, a 6 year-old with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

“Every four minutes, someone new is diagnosed with a blood cancer,” McConnell said. “Fundraisers create hope for a cure, plus generate funds to improve the quality of life of patients and families. I am extremely proud to be helping in this cause and appreciate the support of my friends and colleagues in this effort.”