Ames, IA – Tricia Gonyo, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at VenuWorks, was nominated by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) as a candidate for its 2017 Man & Woman of the Year (MWOY) national campaign.

Candidates of the MWOY campaign have ten-weeks (March 9 – May 20) to raise funds for LLS blood cancer research in honor of local children who are blood cancer survivors, the Boy & Girl of the Year. The titles are awarded to the man and woman who raises the most funds during the ten-week campaign. Funds raised through the MWOY campaign are used for research, patient access and policy & advocacy.

Gonyo accepted the nomination in honor of her daughter, Ashley, who was diagnosed with Leukemia in 2013.

“On February 20, 2013, I heard the words that are every mother’s worst nightmare – ‘Your daughter has cancer.’ While in treatment, Ashley represented LLS as the 2014 Girl of the Year. After 26 months of treatment, Ashley won her battle against acute lymphoblastic leukemia. To say it was a long, difficult road would be an understatement. Ashley’s diagnosis and treatment affected our family, our friends and our community,” said Gonyo.

“Tricia’s commitment to her family is one of her greatest strengths. We are proud to have her on our team.” Said Steve Peters, President of VenuWorks

“LLS is dedicated to funding research, finding cures and ensuring access to treatments for blood cancer patients. The funds raised during this campaign will make a difference,” said Gonyo.

The 2017 Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Man & Woman of the Year kicked off on March 9th. Winners will be announced at the Grand Finale Gala on Saturday, May 20th. For more information on the campaign, please visit www.triciagonyo.com or contact Tricia directly at (515) 240-7137.