Smith named LLS Man of the Year

Fred Smith has been named the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Man of the Year for Birmingham.

Smith, a Realtor with RealtySouth’s Crestline branch, has been involved with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for more than 25 years. 

“I was 18 years old when a friend of my parents and a member of my sailing club, Stan Wrobel, died of leukemia,” Smith said.  “As a result of Mr. Wrobel’s death, Pine Harbor Yacht Club, now Birmingham Sailing Club, started the Leukemia Cup. This has turned into a worldwide fundraising event that I am proud to say I was a part of from day one.”

The Man & Woman of the Year candidates fund raise for LLS blood cancer research in honor of local children who are blood cancer survivors, the Boy & Girl of the Year. Whoever raises the most money in the 10-week campaign is awarded the title.

Smith raised more than $45,000 for this year’s campaign, which ended June 25. To learn more about his campaign, visit soldbyfred.com/lls-man-of-the-year-campaign/.

Will Haver, owner of Otey’s Tavern and Taco Mama, also campaigned for Man of the Year.