Heather Formica of Jim Thorpe is on a mission, one she began in 2002 when her brother, David Formica, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Heather and her family have worked diligently to raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. In 2006, David passed away at the age of 15. However, Heather Formica and her family continue their work for the society.

While usually working behind the scenes with the society, Formica decided to sign up for the Man & Woman of the Year campaign as a way to raise funds. The campaign lasts 10 weeks, which will end in June. The goal is to raise $50,000. Each dollar raised is a vote, and whoever raises the most money will be named “Man of the Year” and “Woman of the Year.” If she wins, Formica will be able to link to a research grant in honor of David.

“The Leukemia Lymphoma Society does a research portfolio,” Formica said. “In a couple of months, whoever links those research grants, you will receive a portfolio with all the information on a specific child your funding went to so you can see exactly what research was done and the information on it.”

The basket auction included more than 150 baskets and items that people could bid on, and went from noon to 3 p.m. in the Lehighton Recreation Center. Every dollar raised goes to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

“I want to thank everyone for the support; everybody who has reached out, who have donated, who attended any of our events in the last eight weeks,” Formica said. “The support has been absolutely phenomenal.”

One more event for this campaign is the Mix It Up to Kick Cancer’s Butt Exercise Class at Inner Strength Fitness Studio in Bethlehem, on May 31 beginning at 9 a.m. And closer to the end of the campaign in June will be an online auction on some large-ticket items. More information on that will be released later.

“We’re just grateful for all the support we have received; so far, it has been outstanding,” Formica said. “It means so much to us to be able to do this in his memory, to just keep his name out there and not let him feel like he’s been forgotten.

To donate and for more information, visit the website www.DoingItForDavid.com.