Writer / Erin Smith
The southside’s very own Jenny Vance is a candidate for this year’s Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) “Man & Woman of the Year.” Each year, in communities across the country, men and women raise dollars and awareness for the LLS blood cancer research, while competing for this distinctive title. The competition is in honor of local blood cancer survivors who are, respectively, the Boy and Girl of the Year.
All candidates have 10 weeks to raise funds. Every dollar raised counts as one vote and the title goes to the man and woman with the most votes. The top local fundraisers across the country win the national titles. To date, these leaders have helped LLS invest more than $1 billion in research that is saving lives today. The ultimate goal of LLS is a world without blood cancers. This is no small feat!
Why now?
Jenny has witnessed several friends and family fight the devastating disease that is cancer. Some survived due to life saving therapies funded through LLS research, while the loss of others has left her with only precious memories. Jenny decided now was the time to make a difference. A successful business owner and entrepreneur, she has been blessed with resources and a schedule that allow her to spend the next several weeks raising serious dollars in honor of those afflicted with blood cancers.
Jenny’s bold, confident and yet humble belief that one person can move the needle on the LLS Cancer dial motivated me to cast my vote. I hope reading this article will move you to do the same.
CG Roots
Jenny’s competitive nature started early while participating in the Center Grove Lassie League. She enjoyed growing up in Carefree North Estates where her parents still live.
A three-sport athlete in high school and a superior softball player in college, her fervor for friendly competition is a great asset as a LLS candidate for Woman of the Year. Athletics taught Jenny powerful lessons about teamwork and dedication and “earning your spot” on a team. These experiences culminated in developing the tenacity to start and run multiple businesses, influencing her hiring practices. Her current company LeadJen, a B2B lead-generating compa y, employs over 60 people with big growth plans for 2015.
She also credits her connection to Lutheran Cavalry Church, where her grandpa was a pastor for many years, for instilling the principle of giving, serving and making faith a pillar of strength in her daily life.
Jenny embraces her southside roots and has many great memories growing up visiting the Greenwood Public Library, Gray Brothers Cafeteria and of course countless trips to Lassie League fields. The friendly and welcoming environment of Johnson County made her feel safe and she enthusiastically testifies that the southside is, “A great place to grow up!” She is also excited about the new buzz about changes in the downtown Greenwood landscape and loves the new restaurant, Revery.
Be a Part of Jenny’s Efforts
According to the LLS website, someone is diagnosed with a blood cancer every three minutes. We need hope for the future that more cures will be discovered. Help Jenny make a big impact on blood cancer research, patient aid, education and advocacy by “voting” for her to win Woman of the Year. Results will be revealed May 9 at the Grand Finale Gala.
In her spare time, Jenny is a competitive ballroom dancer and enjoys playing golf. She is an amazing woman leveraging her time, talent and treasure to help make our world a better place. In my book, she is already a winner!
For more general information on The Man/Woman of the Year, please visit
mwoy.org/in/localchapter/indy or to vote for Jenny, visit her page at
mwoy.org/pages/in/indy15/jvance.
