The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Girl of the Year in Northern Ohio Chapter Recognized in President Obama's Victory Speech

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Nov 08, 2012, 12:06 ET

KIRTLAND, Ohio, Nov. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- What a big moment in the life of almost nine-year-old Erin Potter of Kirtland, Ohio, to get a shout-out from President Barack Obama during his victory speech early Wednesday morning! As President Obama pointed out while making a point about healthcare reform, Erin's is a story of inspiration, as she has fought back three times against her diagnosis of acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL).

And sharing her story is helping to raise awareness of the plight of patients with leukemia. Not only has her story been recognized by President Obama; she also will be the 2013 Girl of the Year for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Northern Ohio Chapter, helping to tell the public about leukemia's impact on communities across North America and what The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is doing to help her and others in their fight against blood cancers like leukemia.

Through its 61 chapters across North America, LLS provides an array of free education and support services to patients and their families, from peer support to family support groups, financial assistance and education workshops. LLS, through its chapters, provides opportunities for those touched by cancer, like Erin and her family, to speak out and advocate, building champions to help improve public policies so that patients have faster, better access to the quality, coordinated cancer care they need.

Erin was first diagnosed with ALL when she was three, and endured 2 1/2 years of chemotherapy treatments until her cancer appeared to be in remission. But it returned in February 2011 and she required a bone marrow transplant, with her baby sister Mary as her donor through banked cord blood. Erin relapsed again in March of 2012 and had her second transplant in July. So far her follow-up tests have been promising.

As Erin prepares for her title of the 2013 Girl of the Year, she is already serving as an ambassador and inspiration to both patients, friends and even strangers. Her family is proud to support the mission of LLS and knows that Erin has benefited from the research funded by LLS.

"Erin has just celebrated 100 days post transplant and we are thrilled she is doing well!" remarks Amy Pausche, the chapter's executive director. "She has celebrated this milestone with Justin Bieber and President Obama in the same week, who both recognized her courage and unwavering hope for cures. We are thrilled that Erin will continue to mark more milestones with our LLS family."

"Erin's story brings to light the many children who are battling leukemia and the importance of supporting research and improving public policy so that we can have more success stories," said John Walter, President and CEO of LLS. "She is a true champion, and when others learn about her perseverance in the light of such a devastating diagnosis, they are drawn to become champions, too."

About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society ® (LLS) is the world's largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services.

Founded in 1949 and headquartered in White Plains, NY, LLS has chapters throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more, visit www.LLS.org or contact the Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. www.lls.org.

Andrea Greif
914-821-8958
[email protected]

SOURCE The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society