FEATURE FRIDAY: Robyn Patterson’s Big Mission to Raise $100,000 to Help the LLS

NAME: Robyn Patterson

TITLE/COMPANY: Founder & President of Mack Media Relations

Robyn Patterson is on a mission to help. While her day job is founder of Mack Media Relations (MMR), she is now also aiming to raise $100,000 to support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).

The accomplished public relations professional—who also is known for a previous on-air morning radio personality—was raised in the Valley. She’s a proud Arizona State University graduate, she now balances the rewarding roles of entrepreneur and mom to two girls.

Here, she talks about the fundraising campaign, why it’s important, how to help, and the one thing Scottsdale is missing.

You were named a candidate for Visionary of the Year! Tell us what that means …

Visionary of the Year is an annual fundraising competition benefiting The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Each year, a dozen community leaders are challenged to raise money to support LLS, and the title is awarded to the candidate who raises the most in just 10 weeks. Every dollar raised helps to fund vital research and support for blood cancer patients and their families.

Why is The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) important to you?

The LLS mission is close to my heart—not just as a mom but as someone who believes in creating a better, healthier world for all of us. My campaign took on a deeply personal meaning right after I said yes to becoming a candidate. My client’s daughter had been diagnosed with stage one lymphoma just a few weeks before the launch.

I made the decision to dedicate my entire campaign to her courage and journey. Her diagnosis ignited my spirit. I’m also doing this in honor of my friend Traci Barrett, who watched her beautiful daughter Payson battle leukemia in 2020. Yes, during Covid when everything was shut down. Today, Payson is cancer-free, and her victory reminds many all why this fight matters.

As a mom, I cannot truly comprehend what these families go through. That is why I am doing this. To make a difference. To represent those who are fighting against blood cancer and to turn hope into healing.

Do you have a personal fundraising goal?

I do! I went big. I am hoping to raise more than $100,000. That number just seems so significant but regardless of what I raise, I know any amount is better than nothing. I hope we as a group (all the VOY candidates) can make a huge impact this year.

How will the money be used?

Every penny will be used to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society by:

• Funding cutting-edge research that leads to breakthroughs in immunotherapy, genomics, and personalized medicine, saving countless lives.
• Providing free education and support for blood cancer patients and their families, offering resources like personalized, one-on-one support and clinical trial assistance.
• Advocating for policy changes that speed up new treatment development and remove barriers to care.

Robyn Patterson. Courtesy Robyn Patterson

What are some ways you are raising funds?

Aside from personal asks and monetary donations through social media, I am hosting several fundraising events (which can be found on my fundraising page) and trying to get more sponsors on board for the upcoming gala. I’ve learned so much from this journey so far. Fundraising is HARD but I am persistent so hopefully that pays off.

How can someone help?

There are lots of ways to support my campaign and LLS in general. You can simply donate money. Every dollar helps! You can become a sponsor of the Visionary of the Year Finale Gala which is May 17 at Talking Stick Resort. Hosting a fundraising event is another great way to get involved. Or simply sharing my fundraising link with a friend or family. If anything, it brings more awareness to LLS and the strides they are making.

Here is my fundraising page to learn more: https://pages.lls.org/voy/az/az25/rpatterson

When you’re not at work on causes like this, we’d find you …

Working my real job or spending time with my cute family. I am planning a lot of trips this summer, which I am looking forward to.

Scottsdale is great because …

It’s paradise! What’s not to love? It has everything you’d want … except a beach. A beach would be nice.

Favorite book?

If only I had time to read more … I am a big fan of reading books that become movies. The books are always better in my opinion. I also enjoy a good self-help book.

Guilty pleasure?

Spa days. Having a vacation on the books. A nice glass of wine.

One thing you’d want people to know about you?

I don’t think I could ever go a day without listening to music. I always have something playing and I always have a concert to look forward to.

Robyn Patterson and her family. Courtesy Robyn Patterson