Wainscott Man on Quest To Raise Money for Leukemia Foundation

Michael Wootton of Wainscott has thrown a hat in the ring for contention as the Long Island Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's "Man & Woman of the Year," a campaign where each candidate commits to raising a minimum of $20,000.

Wootton has 10 weeks to meet his goal, which he is doing in memory of his mother. “My mom passed away from pancreatic cancer approximately 10 years ago. I think just about all of us [sic] has suffered the loss of a loved one from cancer of some kind."

A swimmer and triathlete, Wootton has participating in events like "Swim Across America," which raise money and awareness for cancer research. "Some of my friends from the East YMCA Masters swim team are active Leukemia & Lymphoma Society supporters and inspired me to participate," he said.

Along with other candidates, such as , who declared his candidacy last month, Wootton has until June 14 to raise $20,000. Funds raised through the campaign are used for blood cancer research, financial assistance to cover patient expenses for transportation, medication and testing, free educational materials and events for patients and their families, local programs such as Family Support Groups and First Connection, a peer-to-peer counseling program; and comprehensive, personalized assistance.

The highest male and female fundraisers are then awarded the titles.

Wootton, a Chartered Financial Analyst, is a Senior Currency Trader for Kammas Trading, a boutique currency risk management company, where he trades precious metals and manages foreign currency risk in spot and options markets for broker/dealer web-based clients.

He lives in Wainscott with his two children; 12 year-old Carley, and 10 year-old Kesha.

For more information on how to support him, visit www.mwoy.org/li or contact Tennille Treadwell, a campaign manager of the Leukemia &  Lymphoma Society, Long Island Chapter at 631-370-7530 or Tennille.Treadwell@lls.org.