For Jennifer Flaspohler, RE/MAX Best Associates, running for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Woman of the Year is a cause that hits home.

Her cousin was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 5. Now 20, her cousin is a happy and healthy student at Kansas State University, providing a happy ending to this particular story. But, not everyone diagnosed with leukemia or another blood cancer can claim the same.

“That’s a lucky story,” Jennifer says. “The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has been big in our lives and it’s a charity close to my family. I’m happy to help them out with fundraising this year.”

Jennifer was nominated for Woman of the Year by a past candidate. The campaign is a major fundraising effort for LLS; every dollar counts as a vote, so the man or woman raising the most dollars will earn the title.

To raise money, Jennifer has planned such events as a sand volleyball tournament, a car bash, and a boutique shopping event. She and a friend even waitressed at a bar for tips to donate to the cause.

Jennifer said she’s had lots of support from fellow REALTORS® and others in the real estate business. Her office, RE/MAX Best Associates, entered a team in the volleyball tournament, and RE/MAX Midstates made a donation to her campaign.

“It’s been fun to get the REALTOR® participation up a little bit,” Jennifer says. “There’s some negative press about the market, so it’s nice to have some positive things out there and show that we as REALTORS® do our part in the community. It’s been a breath of fresh air for us to get out and do something to give back.”

The campaign runs through May 20. To donate in Jennifer’s name, you can mail a check to her office at 10870 Benson Drive, Suite 2160, Overland Park, KS 66210. Or, donate online at http://mid.llsevent.org/pledge/index.cfm?mid=FLASPOHLER.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities at LLS, contact Jennifer at jenfkc@gmail.com or visit http://lls.org/hm_lls.

“Running for Woman of the Year has been a good start to what I hope will continue as my involvement with the Society,” Jennifer says.