LLS Man of the Year: Richard Amaker 5K!

In honor of Father's Day Weekend, the Insight Global Richmond office will be hosting a virtual 5K to support our amazing leader, Richard Amaker, and his fundraising campaign to become the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society 2020 Man of the Year! Please read Richard's "why" behind his campaign below and consider joining us to honor his father and his campaign mission. Please also feel free to invite friends, family, colleagues, etc.

The recommended donation to participate in the race is $25; however, feel free to give more - we would so appreciate it. All donations are tax deductible and you can find instructions at www.TeamAmaker.com. Thank you and we can't wait to race with you this Father's Day Weekend!

"There are moments in our lives when we experience a loss so significant it paralyzes us. It shakes us to our core and it reminds us all that life is painful, but that our time here is precious.  20 months ago, I experienced that loss: the death of my father.  In the early day following his cancer diagnosis I felt so lost, so confused, so helpless. When I learned of the visceral reality of the situation - a late staged cancerous mast engulfing his liver and slowly perforating the colon - I admittedly was thinking about myself.  I was angry. This was not supposed to happen to me. I had plans for him to be in my wedding, to be a grandfather to my children, to be a part of my life. When I saw him weeks later in March of 2018, when I realized how selfish that was.  Dad‘s physical appearance had changed. He was noticeably thinner, frail, and the weight of his dilemma was taking its toll. He was the one that needed comfort. He needed care and he needed advanced treatment, cutting edge therapy. 

As the days passed, the cancer moved swiftly, and there was nothing we could do. He passed away less than 4 months later. We hadn’t been in front of the cancer quick enough and there weren’t available treatments that could save his life. We wanted better for him and we couldn’t offer a solution.

I invite you to join me in a personal endeavor which I feel could ultimately be that solution: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS)’s Man and Woman of the Year campaign. This philanthropic competition engages locally nominated candidates to raise funds and awareness for those battling cancer. It is my firm belief that my efforts, fueled by the generous support of others, will drive the cures and solutions so many patients are seeking.

LLS is doing more than any cancer nonprofit to advance cutting-edge research and cures:

Since 2017 LLS has helped advance 47 of the 54 blood cancer treatment options approved by the FDA.
LLS research investments reach beyond blood cancers; 40% of ALL cancer drugs approved since 2000 were first approved to treat blood cancers.
LLS funded breakthroughs have led to advances in many other types of cancers, including bone, brain and breast and are being tested in clinical trials for pancreatic, lung, liver and autoimmune diseases.
In the face of a pandemic and economic volatility, my passion for the work of LLS has never been stronger, and neither has the need to help patients who are fighting for their lives every day. There is never a good time to be diagnosed with cancer, but it is always a good time to fight it.

This is where I need your help. I am humbly asking for your support in this effort. Your tremendous generosity, at whatever level possible, will make a huge difference when needed most, not only funding lifesaving research, but ensuring patients facing today’s uncertainties have access to information, support, and financial resources provided by LLS."

-Richard Amaker