Lenny Di Palma

Raised in Montreal by hard-working parents who emigrated from Italy more than a half century ago,  I’m grateful for the life I’ve been given and strive to emulate their core values of perseverance, humility and empathy.

Professionally, I transitioned from being a tax practitioner to project management, but my most meaningful and rewarding roles are as a devoted husband, proud father of four incredible children, and slightly outmatched owner of a 100 pound Labrador-Boxer-Great Dane mix, who always keeps us on our toes!

In March of 2023, my life took an unexpected turn with an MDS diagnosis.  Thanks to the extraordinary gift of a bone marrow transplant from my perfectly-matched brother in November 2023 — and the expert care I received at Hôpital de Maisonneuve Rosemont — I was given a second chance.  

Recovery has allowed me to rediscover some of the simple joys of life, like gardening, cooking (especially Napolitana Pizza), running and being the official family Uber!

My journey led me to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada, where I participated in the Light The Night event in Montreal in 2024.   There, I met the tireless LLSC team and became part of a powerful community of hope, resilience, and determination. 

This year, I am honoured to again be part of the LLSC team and am committed to helping raise awareness and critical funds that will advance life-saving research for new treatments and cures for MDS and other blood cancers. 

I run and advocate not just for myself, but for every patient, family, and caregiver on this path.