The Georgia/ South Carolina Region of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is excited to announce Susannah Downer as the 2024 winner of Visionary of the Year in Savannah, GA. Susannah, who also currently serves as Shoppe Manager for Emily McCarthy, spearheaded an incredible 10-week campaign that resulted in raising an incredible $173,884 towards the LLS vision of a world without blood cancer.

Over the past three decades, LLS's  Visionaries of the Year philanthropic competition has brought together thousands of dedicated volunteers across the country from diverse backgrounds and experiences who are driven to reach their own personal best. However, it’s proven to be about much more than individuals and teams winning a competition — it is about exemplary leaders stepping up and championing others to raise critical funds that help LLS carry out its lifesaving mission. The 2024 candidate class in Savannah collectively raised over $542,529 to further the LLS mission.

Sterling Seacrest Pritchard Client Advisor Caroline Gregory and McIntosh Realty Team Broker/Realtor Christy Marsengill served as co-chairs for this year’s campaign.

“I am beyond proud of what our team and candidates accomplished this year,” said Gregory. “The resilience, courage and community strength that these volunteers demonstrated shows that we can make a difference by standing together and fighting to find cures.” 

Since its inception 75 years ago, LLS has invested more than $1.7 billion in groundbreaking research in search of cures. Despite progress, more than a third of blood cancer patients still do not survive five years after their diagnosis. Proceeds also enable LLS to carry out its holistic, 360-degree approach in communities by providing patients, survivors, families, and caregivers free assistance, support, and resources, and by advocating for policies that give access to better, more affordable cancer care.