Hampton Toyota
Louisiana Dealership Helps Raise Thousands to Fight Leukemia and Lymphoma
Sept/Oct 2018
Heart to Heart
Fran Hampton (right) raised $50,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, in honor of her friend Marinell Hunt, who is battling blood cancer (left).
Fran Hampton (right) raised $50,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, in honor of her friend Marinell Hunt, who is battling blood cancer (left).
When Fran Hampton was asked to join the fight against leukemia, lymphoma and other blood cancers, it was a no-brainer.
Hampton is always eager to help give back where she can. But this time, she had bittersweet motivation: lifelong friend Marinell Hunt. The two have been friends for decades, going back to their years in nursing school. In 2014, Hunt was diagnosed with blood cancer.
“We had plans to take a trip for some rest and relaxation,” says Hampton. “Then she called me and said ‘life is what happens when I make other plans.’ She told me about her diagnosis, and it was so hard to understand. So I decided, if my friend is going to fight for her life, then I can fight alongside with her to raise money for a cure and end this terrible disease.”
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society recently invited Hampton to compete in its Woman of the Year campaign. As part of the challenge, Hampton set a goal to raise $50,000 in 10 weeks for blood cancer research. She competed against several other women in the community – all in the name of saving lives.
The dealership sponsored the contest and donated $10,000 to kickstart Hampton’s campaign, which she eventually won. She hit her goal, too, raising $50,000 that will go toward a grant or scholarship in Hunt’s name.
“I always like to be involved with things like this, that help our community,” says Hampton. “No matter what the cause is, our customers like to see us get involved and give back. But it was especially sweet to raise this money and, at the same time, help a friend so close to my heart.”
As for Hunt, she is in remission. She lives each day to the fullest, and enjoys spending time with her four children.
To learn more about the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, check out lls.org.
Hampton is always eager to help give back where she can. But this time, she had bittersweet motivation: lifelong friend Marinell Hunt. The two have been friends for decades, going back to their years in nursing school. In 2014, Hunt was diagnosed with blood cancer.
“We had plans to take a trip for some rest and relaxation,” says Hampton. “Then she called me and said ‘life is what happens when I make other plans.’ She told me about her diagnosis, and it was so hard to understand. So I decided, if my friend is going to fight for her life, then I can fight alongside with her to raise money for a cure and end this terrible disease.”
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society recently invited Hampton to compete in its Woman of the Year campaign. As part of the challenge, Hampton set a goal to raise $50,000 in 10 weeks for blood cancer research. She competed against several other women in the community – all in the name of saving lives.
The dealership sponsored the contest and donated $10,000 to kickstart Hampton’s campaign, which she eventually won. She hit her goal, too, raising $50,000 that will go toward a grant or scholarship in Hunt’s name.
“I always like to be involved with things like this, that help our community,” says Hampton. “No matter what the cause is, our customers like to see us get involved and give back. But it was especially sweet to raise this money and, at the same time, help a friend so close to my heart.”
As for Hunt, she is in remission. She lives each day to the fullest, and enjoys spending time with her four children.
To learn more about the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, check out lls.org.
