Man and Woman of the Year is a philanthropic competition to support blood cancer research across the United States. Candidates form fundraising teams and compete in honor of two local children who are blood cancer survivors. The man and woman who have raised the most funds during the 10-week campaign are awarded the title of Man or Woman of the Year in their community.
"We are so close to having a cure for blood cancers and have made many advancements over the last few years," Dr. Hartin said. "Unfortunately, many times drug companies invest in research for treatment drugs rather than drugs that cure. I believe that enough children have lost a parent, and parents have lost enough children to this disease, that we have to end this."
This year the South Alabama chapter of LLS is raising money in honor of Hali Temple and Keaton Krebs, both of whom are receiving treatment for leukemia at USA Children's and Women's Hospital. Keaton was diagnosed in 2017 with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. He remains strong and plans to study to become an oncology nurse in the future. Hali was diagnosed in 2017 with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. She is now in remission and is planning to pursue a career as a physician when she grows up.
"Both of these children touched my life when they required my services as their surgeon and also touched the lives of many of the staff at Children's & Women's Hospital," Dr. Hartin said.
Dr. Hartin said his goal is to bring hope to and meet the financial needs of those in the community who are fighting blood cancer. “Each of us has the power to bring hope and light to families walking through the isolating and financially draining season that cancer causes,” he said.
The goal is personal for Dr. Hartin, as he lost his mother to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma when he was 11 years old.
"Had my mother not died of leukemia when I was 11, I would not be in Mobile and would not be a doctor," he said. "Having a career where I get paid to fix children and love every minute of it, I consider myself a winner already. Expanding further on this victory, I get to work alongside the brightest, most caring, and nation's best collection of pediatric specialists, hospital staff and nurse practitioners."
If his team raises $50,000, the LLS will fund and name a research project after his mother, Robajeen Richardson Hartin. "This would be a special honor for our family and another example of something positive being born of a tragic event," he said.
To donate or find other ways to get involved, visit Dr. Hartin’s Man of the Year fundraising page.
