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The Central Florida Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Association recently presented United Space Alliance volunteer Steve Leonhard with the Jefferson Award for his outstanding work leading USA volunteers in raising funds to fight cancer.

“Steve Leonhard has been a longtime friend and advocate for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. He truly put his heart and soul into raising community awareness and improving the Brevard County area in every way that he can,” said Laura Kraubetz, Campaign Manager, Light the Night Walk and School & Youth Programs, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

The Jefferson Awards is a prestigious national recognition program honoring community and public service across America. As a recipient of the local Jefferson Award, Leonhard will automatically be a nominee to the national Jefferson Awards.

“Doing something positive gives us all a reason to have hope,” said Bill Pickavance, Vice President Launch and Recovery Systems and Florida Site Executive. “Steve personifies the dedication that our employees exhibit to help provide a fighting chance to demolish this disease from all our lives.”

Kraubetz cited Leonhard, USA Pad Operations Chief, for maintaining an active and consistent role in the community for several years with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and his volunteer service with several other organizations.

“Steve’s spirit and dedication to helping others truly makes him stand out from all the rest and brings happiness and hope to people less fortunate,” Krabetz said. “We could all learn something about the true power of ‘giving back’ from such an amazing person.”

Leonhard’s other community activities include volunteering with Habitat for Humanity for the two USA sponsored houses; the Juvenile Diabetes Walk-to-Cure fund-raisers; Toys for Tots and Thanksgiving Food Drive point of contact for the Launch Pad offices; involvement with the USA Leadership Association; and member of the USA Volunteer Council.

“I am humbled by this recognition and grateful that I’m capable to get out and be involved,” Leonhard said. “My family and fellow co-workers have personally been touched by cancer, illness and misfortune over the past several years, and the need to prevail drives me to seal the bond between the volunteers to continue the battle together.”

Leonhard and approximately 100 USA employees presented close to $27,000, raised by the group, plus an additional USA corporate check for $3,000, during the annual Central Florida Chapter’s Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night Walk at Riverfront Park in Cocoa Village in September.

“We all play a part on the team, and the goal is to win for those stricken by misfortune to give families and loved ones hope for a future together, Leonhard said.