In an effort to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Lapeer Business Association president Mike Manchester traded in his suit and tie for a pair of hiking shoes. Manchester and his wife, Sharon, took part in the annual Hike for Discovery in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Manchester’s presence at the hike was important to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society seeing as he is the manager of First Preferred Mortgage Co., is a member of the Lapeer Area Chamber of Commerce, the local Realtor Association and the Lapeer and Upper Thumb Association of Realtors. Aside from the publicity he brought to the hike, Manchester says his greatest accomplishment has been standing by his wife and seeing her strength as she’s suffered through cancer.

Husband and Wife Team Up for a Good Cause

The Manchester’s decided to go on the hike after Sharon was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia in 2005. During 2006 and 2007 alone Mike helped raise more than $16,000 through the Discovery Hikes at the Grand Canyon and Yosemite national parks.

"As a husband I needed to have something I could do that was positive for my wife," explains Manchester. "I couldn’t cure her cancer, but I can certainly help raise money for the people who hopefully will find a cure someday."

Money Raised for Cancer Research

Like many victims of leukemia, Sharon has already endured two rounds of chemotherapy and receives 24-hour radiation treatments. This year, Mike set a goal to raise at least

$6,200 to fund leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and Hodgkin’s disease research. Combined, these fatal illnesses affect an estimated 712, 000 people living in the United States yearly. According to reports, Mike is currently only $2, 400 short of his goal.

“It’s blood cancer research we’re hiking for, but some of the programs they fund are applicable to other types of cancer as well, so helping this cause can have a positive impact for many people," said Manchester.

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