Wainscott Man Earns 'Man of the Year' Honors

After embarking on a campaign over the spring to become the 'Man of the Year' of the Long Island chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Wainscott resident Michael Wootton earned the honor over the summer, personally raising over $6,000 to go toward cancer research.

Wootton and others – including the Woman of the Year, Sound Beach resident Cindy Aronastm, who raised nearly $25,000 – raised a combined total of over $60,000.

Funds raised through the campaign will be used for: lifesaving blood cancer research; financial assistance to cover patient expenses for transportation, medication and testing; free educational materials and events for patients and their families; local programs such as family support groups and First Connection, a peer-to-peer counseling program; and comprehensive, personalized assistance through the Society’s Information Resource Center.

Wootton lost his mother a decade ago to pancreatic cancer – though not Leukemia or Lymphoma, Wootton found the LLS a worthy cause nonetheless, and was inspired by friends he knew who were involved in it.

“My mom passed away from pancreatic cancer approximately 10 years ago," Wootton said. "I think just about all of us has suffered the loss of a loved one from cancer of some kind. As an avid swimmer/triathlete, I have enjoyed participating in a few ‘Swim across America’ events, which raises money and awareness for cancer research. Some of my friends from the East YMCA Masters swim team are active Leukemia & Lymphoma Society supporters and inspired me to participate.”

Wootton, a Chartered Financial Analyst, is a Senior Currency Trader for Kammas Trading, a boutique currency risk management company, where he trades precious metals and manages foreign currency risk in spot and options markets for broker/dealer web-based clients.

He lives in Wainscott with his two children; 12 year-old Carley, and 10 year-old Kesha.