Survivor/Volunteer
Alan Sherman
1. Tell us about you.
I am single now, brother of sister Marilyn (whom I live with), and of brother Marc (Omaha). I am very proud my one daughter Stephanie, who is married to Rob (whom I am also very proud of); and I am the very proud grandparent of 3+ year young twins Eliana and Everett, my heartlights. They live in Ankeny. All have evolved into my safety net as I continue on my survivor's healing journey.
2. Tell us about your cancer journey and when you became involved with LLS.
I was diagnosed with rare Hairy Cell Leukemia and received treatment at the John Stoddard Cancer Center as an outpatient with a 24/7 regimen during the summer of 2001. Hospitalization for 5 days became unexpected following this treatment. In 2005 I learned that my disease had returned, or perhaps never went away after my first treatment in 2001, and treatment was reapplied as an outpatient for 24/7. Again, hospitalization became unexpected for ten days following this treatment via ER and ICU. Later in 2005, treatment was applied again for 24/7 as an insurance preventative effort against this rare disease. Since for the past 12 years, I continue to see my oncologist quarterly as a watchful waiting protocol without treatment!
In 2009, I was diagnosed with prostrate cancer, receiving brachytherapy treatment at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. My local leukemia oncologist monitors my vitals quarterly.
In an effort to "pay forward" by supporting and encouraging cancer patients and their families, I visit with these individuals on the inpatient oncology unit of Powell 3 at the John Stoddard Cancer Center since 2008.
For the past 6 months as a volunteer, I have joined the Patient and Family Outreach Task Force of LLS making follow up calls to newly diagnosed patients in Iowa and Nebraska.
I continue to be employed for Scholastic Book Fairs as a Product Coordinator for the past 11 years, preparing books for distribution to the schools throughout Iowa.
I try to bike nearly daily and until recently, had played on two volleyball championship teams twice weekly.
My sister and I have conducted garage sales for the past 13 years that benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society 100%. The annual effort has generally generated proceeds between $1500 and $2200 for the Society.
Additionally, I have co-directed fundraiser's for the Society for the past several years at the Pizza Ranch, whereat my supporters and I buss tables for tips and sales, generally generating $800-$1000 for the Society.
3. Favorite Event:
Has to be the annual "Light the Night" event in Des Moines, where I join family and friends and others that I don't know but share a common bond, in celebration of life, survival, hope, encouragement, healing, peace, and memoriam.
4. Favorite quote:
"Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass...it's about learning to dance in the rain." ~Vivian Greene
Board Member
Michelle Henaman
1. Tell us about your professional background.
I have been involved in health care my entire career, first as a nurse for a short time and for the last 25 years in health insurance. Currently, I’m an Account Executive at Aetna.
2. Tell us about your family and/or what you like to do in your free time.
I have been married for 27 years to Keith, who is now a Team in Training (TNT) coach. He became engaged with the organization when we learned that his uncle had been fighting Leukemia for 10 years, in silence. LLS gave us the resources his uncle needed to be a bit more comfortable sharing his diagnosis with family, and we continue to cheer on our #1 fan, Fran, with each unfortunate relapse or related health challenge. Today, he is again in remission thanks to clinical trials for drugs funded by LLS. Keith has completed numerous TNT events and serves on the National TNT Advisory Committee (Please check with Jeannine, I’m not sure what the official name is.)We have two boys: Zack who is 23 and lives and works in Denver, Colorado and Josh, 22, who is a senior at Iowa State University (Go Cyclones!) Zack and Josh have volunteered numerous times for LLS as well, and love to attend the Man and Woman of the Year Gala. Together we love to travel - anywhere and everywhere, whenever our busy schedules allow. I’m an avid and perpetual learner (currently working on my real estate license) and some would tell you that I’m on the right track to following my mother’s footsteps as a crazy cat lady in retirement.
3. What originally inspired you to join the LLS board? And When?
A very close friend of mine was a loyal and avid Team in Training participant for many years, and while I thought he was crazy to do these ambitious events, I always gladly donated to his campaign. In 2011, he encouraged me to sign up for the Malibu Triathlon and at a very weak moment, I agreed. It was one of the most pivotal, rewarding, and life changing decisions I have ever made. Scared out of my mind, I stuck to the training schedule and with the encouragement of my teammates and coaches, I did it! My first endurance event, ever... and I didn’t stop. I have enjoyed numerous TNT events, from half marathons, biking events, and triathlons – in every part of the country. About the same time, I was also invited to join the Parrothead Golf committee in 2011. At that point, I was convinced... The people I have met and have been blessed to have in my life, the LLS mission, and the patients and families – young and old - who truly rely on us to advocate on their behalf, assist them at their most vulnerable time of need, and who desperately need a cure... I proudly joined the Board of Directors that same year with a full heart and all the ambition in the world to do what I could to put a significant dent in the suffering that is brought on by cancer.
3. Favorite LLS Story/Memory?
I have been blessed with so many wonderful experiences. The survivors I have come to know and who hear “you are cancer free” – that alone can’t happen often enough! My most favorite LLS story has to be in 2013 when my family joined me in Uncle Fran’s honor to participate in the San Diego Marathon, he was told he had relapsed, this time without treatment options. He motivated us by saying he would meet us at the finish line. I have never been so proud of my family, especially the boys who were a freshman in college and a senior in high school, graduating a week before the event. Together, we raised about $25,000 and promised, Fran at the finish line. He shared with us then that thanks to a clinical trial, he was again in remission. Bringing Fran as our guest to the Inspiration Dinner, my favorite part of any of our TNT events, was truly one of the most moving experiences I’ve ever had.
4. Quote about LLS and/or regarding your new role as president.
For me, the decision to accept the role as Board Chair was all about timing. We hear almost every week about breakthroughs in cancer treatment research – and of late, it almost always involves funding from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Like almost everyone, unfortunately I have many family and friends have been negatively impacted by cancer. I am extremely fortunate to have healthy children, and hope to be able to keep it that way. I would love a day when my children are having their own children and don’t have to worry about prevalence rates of childhood cancers. We are so close to the day when cancer is cured with a simple prescription from your local pharmacy. Can you imagine? I can. It’s what keeps me fresh and hungry to continue to raise research funds.
6. Anything else you would like to add.
I constantly tell people – the most important gifts you can give yourself are to find your purpose and exercise your passion. It’s amazing what it can do for your mind, body, and soul - and 99 times out of 100 it will improve the lives of others as well. The reward (for yourself and others) in doing so is phenomenal and simply makes the world a better place. Curing cancer is a lofty goal, but truly I believe in my heart it will happen. It will happen sooner, the more people that join us in the fight.
Sponsor
Thank You for your continued support of our Light The Night event!
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EPIC EVENT for TEAM IN TRAINING IOWA.....coming soon in an email to you!?
