Originally Published in The South Florida Sun-Sentinel
March 9th , 2008
Name: Nancy Pugh Later, 44
Residence: Wellington FL
Birthplace: Born in Philadelphia, grew up in Ashaway, RI
Career: Horse trainer
Family: Parent Mickey and David Pugh of Mystic, CT and Loxahatchee Groves FL
Cause: the Palm Beach Area Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, a national non-profit organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education and patient services. Their mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life for patients and their families.
Question: Describe your volunteer role.
Answer: I work with other members of the equestrian community to help organize events and fundraisers for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Last year, we designed and sold T-shirts for the Equestrian of the Year award and dinner auction. This year, we designed saddle pads to sell during the event.
Question: What is the Equestrian of the Year award?
Answer: It’s a fundraising campaign where equestrians of all disciplines and levels compete against each other to see who can raise the most money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Question: Why did you decide to volunteer for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society?
Answer: I trained a girl who had children’s leukemia, and one of my friends was diagnosed with lymphoma. I was inspired by their courage, and how much both were able to accomplish, even when faced with such difficult circumstances. The girl I trained is in college now and has a super life.
Question: Aside from money, what does your organization need?
Answer: We always need volunteers willing to take an active role, and we’d like to raise awareness about the disease, and how important groups like this are to the individuals fighting it. All ages benefit from this program, and 100 percent of the money our Wellington group raises is donated directly to the organization.
For information about the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, go to www.leukemia-lymphoma.org or call 1-888-478-8550.