DOWNINGTOWN, PA — Twelve years ago, at age fifteen, Berry Woodrow McLaughlin fainted, hit her head, and was rushed to the hospital. Little did she know, the fainting spell was much bigger than a bump on the head. That day, she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) and was checked in to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia to begin her three-year stint of chemotherapy.
As a young teenager, Berry faced a daunting diagnosis with incredible courage and came out victorious. Now, as she approaches her 12th year of remission from ALL she is campaigning to become the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s 2011 Woman of the Year.
“For me, this is not simply a charity cause, it is my life as I endeavor to protect the lives of others,” Berry said. “I have set a goal to raise $100,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.”
Berry brings the same determination, positive attitude, and focus that she used to beat cancer with her to work, where she is the administrative assistant at Victory Brewing Company. Because of her dedication and commitment to her cause, Victory Brewing Company has joined her mission, signing on as the Presenting Sponsor of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s 2011 Man & Woman of the Year.
In an effort to help Berry raise funds for her campaign, Victory has offered up a raffle item to become a Brewer for a Day. Victory fans and beer enthusiasts can enter to win a once-in-a-lifetime experience for $20. The winner and a friend will come to Victory’s brewhouse, don the brewer blue overalls, and pitch in to create a batch of beer. At the conclusion of the day, the winner can invite five friends to enjoy a special beer dinner at the brewpub.
“Berry’s dynamic energy, attitude, and commitment make her a winner on a daily basis,” Bill Covaleski, Victory co-Founder and President, said. “We at Victory are supporting Berry and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in hopes of motivating others to join the fight to cure all blood cancers, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.”
Victory Brewing Company would like to thank the following companies for joining them to support Berry’s campaign:
Brandywine Print Solutions
Comstar Technologies
Craft Brewers Guild
E. Kahn Development Corp.
First Niagara Bank
J. Loew Property Management
Kevin’s Wholesale
Konrad Beer
Penn Distributors
Sysco Philadelphia
Zuckerman Honickman