Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Hosts Saint Valentine’s Day Luncheon And Fashion Show
By Cynthia Smoot Photography by Tamytha Cameron
THE SETTING: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® (LLS), with its 2022 St. Valentine’s Day Luncheon & Fashion Show, Make a Statement, welcomed more than 450 attendees to the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center for the 38th annual fundraiser. Artist Rolando Diaz entertained guests by creating an original work of art live onsite, which was then available for purchase in the silent auction.
THE STYLE: Mistress of ceremonies Lauren Przybyl, Fox 4’s Good Day Dallas anchor, led the program. Susie Barnett was then announced as the 2022 recipient of the Lynda Adleta Heart of Gold Award, given to a family or individual who is philanthropic in the community and has a “heart of gold” and a passion for LLS’ mission to help fight blood cancers. Dallas-native and renowned fashion designer Lela Rose was recognized with the 2022 ICON Award. The legendary Tom Landry was announced as the recipient of the 2022 Memorial Hero Award, which recognizes an individual in the community who has passed away and battled blood cancer. The Spirit of Tom Landry Character Award, given to a youth between 5–20 years old, who has battled blood cancer, was awarded to Amelia Dammen. She was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in 2021. The much-anticipated fashion show, produced by the inimitable Jan Strimple, featured models wearing this season’s fashions from Highland Park Village retailers.
THE PURPOSE: The luncheon’s chair was Lisa Loy Laughlin, and more than $570,000 was raised to support LLS’ mission of eradicating blood cancers. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® (LLS) is a global leader in the fight against cancer. The LLS’ mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and myeloma and improve the quality of life for patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research worldwide, provides free information and support services, and is the voice for all blood cancer patients seeking access to quality, affordable, coordinated care.
