The City of Cranston has produced lots of wonderful people throughout the years. But, when one native in particular steps up and volunteers her time, energy and dedication to help raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), and actually wins the Visionary of the Year, you know it's a special person.

And, to the LLS, Laura Lanni of Cranston is truly special.

"When I was just about 12 years old I lost my father to blood cancer.  My involvement with LLS began when Lasondra Pontarelli, owner of Zella Rose in Cranston, nominated me as her legacy candidate. Lasondra earned the title of LLS’s Woman of The Year in 2022," said Lanni.

Born and raised in Cranston, she attended Glen Hills Elementary School, Western Hills and Cranston West She was a  member of “That Falcon Band” throughout high school.

" I loved my experience in Cranston Public Schools, they definitely helped mold me into who I am today," she said.

Lanni attended Roger Williams University graduating with two degrees, a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.

"Throughout college I lost a significant amount of weight and learned my love for fitness and wellness. I studied and obtained my license to teach Zumba®️ Fitness (this really started it all!). I received certifications in group fitness, personal training, fitness nutrition and as a women’s fitness specialist," Lanni said.

After college she was a teacher for Cranston Public Schools from 2009-2015, working at George J Peters Elementary and Orchard Farms Elementary. She resigned in 2015 to pursue her passion which is working with women and helping them reach their happiest and healthiest life.

Lanni still lives in Cranston, Rhode Island with her beautiful family; her husband Giuseppe and two amazing boys; Pasquale, 10 and Marcello, 3.

"In 2017 (-present) I opened  Reflexion Fitness and Wellness located on Starline Way in Cranston. Reflexion is a fitness studio specializing in women’s fitness. We offer fitness and wellness classes, personal training, fat loss programs, nutrition counseling and much more. It’s a place for women of all fitness levels, abilities and backgrounds to come together with the common goal of becoming the healthiest we can be - mind, body and spirit. (www.reflexionfitri.com)," she said.

Running as a candidate for Visionary of The Year 2023 was one of the biggest honors of her life.

"I ran in honor of my father of course, but also for my mom who was the one who kept it all together for myself and my brother Anthony after my dad’s passing.  I ran this campaign with her in my heart every step of the way,"she said.

Lanni was appreciative for the opportunity to give back in some way.

"This campaign gave me a chance to turn a very hard piece of my life into something more positive. I was able to raise money while honoring my family and help many people and their families who are working through a blood cancer diagnosis.  I ran in honor of my father of course, but also for my mom who was the one who kept it all together for myself and my brother Anthony after my dad’s passing.  I ran this campaign with her in my heart every step of the way. The truth about dealing with a diagnosis is, not only does it change the life of the person who is diagnosed but also the lives of their family members. My mom, my hero, took over the role of mother and father the day my dad passed away," she said.

Lanni acknowledges that nothing gets done alone, and gives praise and thanks for her hardworking team.

"With the help of my team, family, friends and loved ones we raised over $93,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and I couldn’t be more proud. It was a tremendous effort, and earning the title of LLS’s Rhode Island’s Visionary of the Year 2023 is an honor that will stay with me forever. I am grateful and humbled and I will do everything in my power to continue giving all that love and support back to my community," she said humbly.

Lanni gave her team a huge shoutout.

"Team Lucky Penny: Elsa Tavares, Lindsay Dias, Daniela LoBuono, Jodi Manca, Sia Grammas, Michaela Lacerta Dju, Victor Kong, Rupa Datta, Giuseppe Lanni, Dana Hunt, Cristina Lanni, Rutuja Patil, Kara Badgley and Anthony Zinno as without them this wouldn’t have been possible. Together we held numerous events, including a Lego Stem Party with Lego Master Christine Blandino, a group reading with psychic medium Debbie Squizzero, my campaign kick off party at the District, an Art and Book Expo, a self defense class at Iron Faith, multiple Zumba®️ Fitness events and a dance event hosted by Dance BFF," she said.

Lanni had originally sent a letter out to people explaining her connection to LLS and the importance it holds in her life. As well as how the campaign works.

Below is an excerpt from her letter.

"The Visionaries of the Year campaign is a 10-week philanthropic competition where every dollar I raise is a vote counted toward my campaign. All funds raised support the LLS mission in its efforts to find a cure for blood cancers and to assist patients and families as they battle this disease.

I never expected to wear this hat. But here I am – and I am ready to rock this roll like never before. It’s MY chance – in honor of my father, my entire family, and 12-year-old me – to help put an end to blood cancer. My team and I have an ambitious goal of raising $75,000. When we reach this goal, we will be able to link our campaign back to an LLS funded research portfolio in my father's memory. This one is for you, Tony. I love you."

Together, the 2023 Rhode Island Visionaries of the Year Candidate Class raised a collective $361,293 for LLS.

To learn more about the LLS or the Visionary program, go to https://www.llsvisionaries.org/.