#BumpOutCancer

A new viral media challenge is on the rise with the sweetest face we've ever seen behind it all. You might not know his name, but you've certainly seen Liam Fitzgerald and his famous Bruins fist bump. Now he's capitalizing on his viral fame to “Bump Out Cancer” and is raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. A true inspiration to us all, Liam has Down syndrome, and at 9 years old has already beaten cancer, and is doing work to give back to a cause near and dear to his heart.

The challenge asks that five people take a picture or make a short video of them fist bumping, share that picture or video on social media and donate $5 to #BumpOutCancer, then challenge five friends to do the same thing. For the next 10 weeks every dollar raised through the campaign gives Liam one point toward being the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Man of the Year. The Bruins have jumped on-board giving Liam his own table setup at games where fans can be photographed or videoed fist bumping this amazing little guy! My sister was able to participate and loved every minute with Liam!

I am lucky enough to work with Liam's cousin, Samantha, who will be hosting a fundraiser this month is his honor. The goal of this fundraiser is the same as the challenge, to raise enough money in 10 weeks to get Liam the most points towards becoming the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Man of the Year. To date, these "Man & Woman of the Year" leaders have helped LLS invest more than $1 billion in research to advance breakthrough therapies that are saving lives today and helping us all achieve the LLS goal of a world without blood cancers. The funds raised through Man & Woman of the Year are used in many ways: the continuing research and development of breakthrough therapies, free blood cancer information, education and support, to support patients in their communities through our 61 chapters across the U.S. and Canada, to drive policies that accelerate the development and approval of new treatments, to advocate for blood cancer survivors and their families, helping patients navigate their cancer treatments and ensuring that they have access to quality, affordable and coordinated care.

Samantha has recently been certified as a Barre instructor and will be hosting two free classes, Saturday, April 11th and Saturday, April 18th at noon at The Energy Barre in Beverly. They ask that you please bring a minimum cash donation of $10.00 to help Liam reach his goal. For more information, or if you are not able to make it and would like to donate please go to: http://www.mwoy.org/pages/ma/ma15/sscarpa. Check out her event on Facebook.

The deadline to donate towards the Man of the Year title is Thursday, May 21st, 2015 at 6:30pm EDT. I'm asking all of my readers to devour the details of this challenge, whether you choose to participate in the picture/video portion, attend these awesome barre classes, or simply donate directly to this wonderful cause. Liam is one-of-a-kind and should be recognized for his great fundraising efforts and support of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Together we can and we will #BumpOutCancer!