LLSC chair receives prestigious award for exemplary volunteer leadership and raising over $1 million

Gilles Legault, CN's Senior Counsel, Global Legal Affairs, recipient of 2016 distinguished Dr. Kenneth B. McCredie Award

TORONTO, July 14, 2016 /CNW/ - The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada is pleased to announce that Gilles Legault, current chair of LLSC, has been awarded the prestigious Dr. Kenneth McCredie award.

The award is being conferred as part of an annual, high profile recognition and awards program of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS), the world's largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancers.

The Dr. Kenneth McCredie Achievement Award celebrates the long-term commitment of an individual who has been a major supporter of the Society for at least five years and has been instrumental in raising more than $1 million.

"Gilles involvement in numerous leadership roles with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in Canada, as well as the U.S. makes him deserving of this recognition," says Louis J. DeGennaro, CEO of LLS. "It is important that we recognize volunteer leaders like Gilles, who have made a significant difference in the lives of so many, helping to make someday, today."

"I am truly honored to receive this award, which I want to share with LLS-LLSC staff, managers, senior executive team and fellow board members," says Gilles Legault. "This achievement would have not been possible without the support of CN's Railroaders in the Community program, the CN Employees' and Pensioners' Community Fund and the thousands of volunteers, partners and contributors to our great cause." As a passionate contributor in the fight against blood cancers, Gilles first got involved with LLSC'S Light the Night walk in Montreal in 2008 after his father-in-law passed away from blood cancer. He has been chair of the LLSC Board of Directors since 2012, and a champion of significant organizational growth, resulting in increased commitments to research from $1.8 M to $2.7 M in FY15. Gilles finished his position on the LLS board in June 2016 and his LLSC chairmanship ends in October 2016. 

About Dr. Kenneth McCredie

Dr. McCredie was the Vice Chair of the Hematology Department at the renowned MD Anderson Medical Clinic in Houston.  He was a long time chapter board member and served on the National Board as Vice-President of what was then called the Medical and Scientific Affairs Committee.

About the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada

Approximately every 25 minutes, a Canadian receives a blood cancer diagnosis, making the disease the fourth-most frequent cancer diagnosis in men and women. New cases of leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma accounted for 10 percent of the estimated 191,300 new cancer cases diagnosed in Canada in 2014.

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC) is a voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. LLSC funds lifesaving blood cancer research across Canada, and provides free information and support services. The LLSC mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

National Office Location: 804-2 Lansing Square,
Toronto, ON M2J 4P8
Charitable Registration#: 10762 3654 RR0001

SOURCE The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada

Image with caption: "The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (CNW Group/The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160714_C2908_PHOTO_EN_734754.jpg

For further information: Angeline Mau, 647 253 5546, [email protected]