When McLean resident Siu Cheung was first nominated for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Woman of the Year and she began raising money, she had no idea of the journey that was ahead of her.
It was friend and business associate, Chak Wong, who served as Cheung’s inspiration during the fund-raising campaign. Known to be very healthy, it came as a surprise to family and friends when Wong was diagnosed with leukemia. Within a year of diagnosis, he had died. "He worked in the Philadelphia office. There were people that drove up there just to donate blood for bone marrow treatments," said Cheung, fighting back tears.
Siu Cheung’s team, Legacy, raised over $50,000 within a 10-week period to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. She did not have the help of professional fund-raisers on her team, just dedicated and passionate friends and family members.
"We were all rookies, but we did the best we could," said Siu Cheung’s boyfriend, Eric Hovanky.
"I wanted to support Siu. She always has great reasons to be involved; she’s very ambitious," said longtime friend Joy Cheung. The two met in high school at a math competition and have been friends ever since.
JUGGLING three businesses, family responsibilities as well as competing for Woman of the Year at times tested Cheung’s strength. "I stayed up sending e-mails past midnight most times," said Cheung. "When I make a commitment I do my best to deliver."
Cheung had the full support and help of her three children. "My kids prepared food, ran check-in tables at events and were the clean-up crew," said Siu Cheung. "They helped me through every aspect of the campaign."
Cheung recalls one instance when her children overheard her making calls to receive donations and was frustrated when the outcome was $200. "They saw my reaction and asked if it was OK for them to donate money from their savings accounts," said Cheung. They ended up donating more than $800.
CHEUNG’S TEAM recruited one corporate sponsor, World Financial Group, who donated $10,000. All other funds came from personal donations of friends, family, co-workers and the events that they held.
"I hate asking for money. I had to let go of that," said Cheung. "This isn’t about me; it’s something larger than me."
They held different events such as a wine tasting, casino night, a rooftop party in D.C., and a yard sale to raise money.
"You meet so many great people," said Cheung, as her support team nods in agreement. "My friends’ circle has grown and their generosity was amazing."
It was a common feeling among the team that there were many sacrifices made during the campaign in order to accomplish their fundraising goals. "There were a lot of sacrifices, but the rewards are far greater," said Cheung.
"I was just happy to participate. It snuck up on me how great it felt to do this," said Chad Laibly.
"It’s a great cause and you can tell that the Society uses the funds wisely," said Hovanky.