COLUMBUS – Columbus Crew goalkeeper – and Stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma survivor – Matt Lampson has been named the new local spokesperson for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Central Ohio. Lampson was formally introduced as the spokesperson to the Central Ohio chapter – which serves 38 counties throughout Ohio – at the Annual Gala on Friday, May 10, which raised more than $275,000 in conjunction with its 10-week Man and Woman of the Year campaign.
“From the moment I first met Matt Lampson, I could sense his passion for helping others through his simple, straightforward approach to talking about his own battle with Stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and his goal of doing whatever he can to ensure that others don’t have to go through what he went through,” said Tim Hamburger, Executive Director of the LLS Central Ohio Chapter. “Matt’s willingness to use what free time he has to generate awareness for lymphoma and other blood cancers tells you all you need to know about his commitment toward helping others battling blood cancers.”
Matt Lampson introduced as the new local spokesperson for LLS of Central Ohio
As the LLS Central Ohio Chapter’s new spokesperson, Lampson will serve as the Honorary Chair of the 15th Annual Light the Night Walk on Saturday, October 12 at Bicentennial Park in Downtown Columbus.
Additionally, Lampson will take part in the Light The Night Corporate Breakfast on June 5, the Light the Night Official Kick-off event on August 14 as well as the Pennies for Patients Assemblies and other official LLS community awareness events throughout the year.
“As a Lymphoma survivor, I hold this cause very close to my heart and I invite you to join us in our efforts to end blood cancers.” said Lampson. “Without these efforts, I certainly would not have been granted a second chance at life, and I certainly would not have been able to become a professional athlete. I hope that by partnering with Leukemia & Lymphoma Society we can ensure that all children have an opportunity to live out their dreams like I have.”
In 2007, the Crew Homegrown Player was fighting for his life after being diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin's lymphoma. Heading into his freshman year of college, Lampson beat cancer and overcame the physical toll extensive chemotherapy and radiation treatment had on his body to emerge as one of top goalies in the Big Ten while playing collegiately at Ohio State.
READ:Lampson to sport custom-made gloves for lymphoma awareness
Almost six years later and in his second year in Major League Soccer, throughout the 2013 season, Lampson is wearing custom-made lime green goalkeeper's gloves stamped with lime green ribbons, the symbol of lymphoma awareness.
ABOUT THE LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society ® (LLS) is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services. Founded in 1949 and headquartered in White Plains, NY, LLS has chapters throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more, visit www.LLS.org or contact the Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. www.lls.org. Central Ohio Chapter, 2225 Citygate Drive, Suite E, Columbus, OH 43219. 614.476.7194
