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Explain the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s mission and how you got involved with the organization.
Courtney Petit: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and myeloma and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds research to advance lifesaving treatments, drives advocacy for policies that protect patient access to treatment, and provides patients and families with hope, guidance, education, and support.
My mom, Lanie, died of lymphoma six years ago. I spent a lot of time with her in hospitals and in treatments that helped keep her alive as long as she could hold on. Her care and the technology used to treat her can be directly attributed to the funding LLS raises. I wanted to give my time to the very organization that helped my mom.
Caitlin Wilson: I was impressed and touched by previous St. Valentine’s Day Luncheons, and I wanted to find a way to get involved at a higher level where I could magnify my voice for the greater good in our community.
Tell us a little about yourself and your background.
CP: I moved to Dallas 11 years ago with my husband and two daughters from Lake Forest, Illinois, where I was born and raised. I worked at Goldman Sachs and JLL for 25 years, and after retiring last spring, I launched my design firm, Courtney Petit Design. I have a passion for design and preservation, which is why I admire my co-chair and friend, Caitlin, so much!
CW: I am an interior designer with 15 years of experience in the e-commerce industry designing and manufacturing my own home decor brand, which is sold worldwide online. We also have a Dallas showroom and headquarters on Henderson Avenue. I moved here eight years ago after living all over the world, but I was primarily raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. My husband and I were looking for a wonderful place to raise our five children with a metropolitan feel. We found ourselves in Highland Park, and I was overwhelmed by how welcoming and warm Dallas has been to my family and me.
What makes LLS so special and impactful to the Dallas community?
CP: LLS is the largest cancer research agency focused on finding cures and better treatments for patients with blood cancer. With the work and research LLS is doing, others will live longer and have quality lives.
CW: LLS is an absolutely incredible group that jumps into the lives of people who are in need and can benefit. I am constantly impressed by the members and their level of involvement in the organization. Not only is the full-time staff meticulous and detail-oriented, but the members are compassionate and generous with their time and resources.
What do you enjoy the most about being a part of the LLS organization?
CP: I watched how brutal chemo treatments were for my mother and my family supporting her during her battle, so if there is a way that the dollars I’m helping raise can keep these treatments in favor of the patients and their loved ones, I feel my time is worthwhile. Anything to help improve the quality of life for someone battling blood cancer is valuable – and the St. Valentine’s Day Luncheon is a way to raise those needed funds while getting dressed up for a fun cause.
CW: I have so enjoyed meeting the beneficiaries of LLS and hearing their stories. It becomes so much more meaningful when you experience what exactly we are raising money for and that it truly saves lives.
How does support from community partners like Highland Park Village help LLS have a greater impact?
CP: Without the generous support of partners like Highland Park Village, LLS could not raise funds for their programs and research efforts, which are critically needed for patient care and life longevity. The generosity of HP Village is so appreciated, as the fashion show is what makes the St. Valentine’s Day Luncheon so fun! We are thrilled to have fashions by Carolina Herrera, La Vie Style House, Lela Rose, Lele Sadoughi, LoveShackFancy, Simkhai and Veronica Beard.
CW: I think it’s important to see partners like Highland Park Village putting forth effort to impact outside our area. It’s easy to get caught up in our culture of fine living and shopping, but when our dollars spent at these fabulous retail and fashion houses can benefit in a bigger way outside the neighborhood, it really encourages good and charity at a higher level.
What are some ways people in North Texas can get involved with LLS?
CP: This year’s St. Valentine’s Day Auction went live on February 4th, National World Cancer Day. Check out the amazing items and packages here, or make a donation in honor of this year’s awardees.
LLS couldn’t do its amazing work without volunteers. There are numerous events and campaigns that everyone in the DFW area can be a part of, like Light the Night in the fall and Big Climb in the spring.
CW: Simply just attending the events around the community is helpful, raising awareness through social media posts and contributing when possible financially of course.
Where would we most likely find you in Highland Park Village?
CP: Eating a pecan ball at my favorite restaurant, Café Pacific, after saying hello to my favorite sales associate, Marcos.
CW: Considering the proximity to my home and life, I am there almost daily! On the weekend, I love nothing more than having lunch outside at Honor Bar with a girlfriend! My girls always love a trip to LoveShackFancy or Roller Rabbit, but I’m most likely to be seen at Dior or FoundRae on a special occasion!
Highland Park Village is proud to spotlight our very own dynamic personalities and community partners in the Village Voices series. Get to know our past features.
