Meet
DIERDRE STRUNK
VICE PRESIDENT OF SPA, FITNESS & BEAUTY • CANYON RANCH SPA + FITNESS AT VENETIAN RESORT LAS VEGAS • LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
Strunk is known as ‘cupid’
at all the spas she has worked
for due to her track record of
successfully matching seven
marriages.“I just love love,”
says Strunk.
YEARS
30 STRONG
DEIRDRE STRUNK IS THE VICE PRESIDENT OF SPA, FITNESS &
BEAUTY AT A SPA THAT IS VERY FAMILIAR TO ATTENDEES
of the 2019 ISPA Conference & Expo: Canyon Ranch spa + fitness at the
Venetian Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada (where she also resides). Strunk is
known as ‘cupid’ at all the spas she has worked for due to her track record of
successfully matching seven married couples. “I just love love,” says Strunk.
Strunk is more than just a spa executive, though: she’s also a dedicated
philanthropist and advocate. “I am a passionate volunteer for the Leukemia
& Lymphoma Society,” she says. “In 2014, I competed for the organization’s
Women of the Year award. Seven men and seven women, nominated by
members of the community, competed by secret fundraising, meaning no
one knew anyone else’s totals as they raised money. I raised US$61,500
in 10 weeks and was named the Leukemia &
Lymphoma Society’s 2014 Woman of the Year. That was the
highest amount ever raised in Nevada to date. In 2018, I was
the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for Southern Nevada’s All-
Star Women of the Year.
“Additionally, I have personally secured two research
grants that I named in honor of my husband who is battling a
rare form of leukemia that is not treatable or curable. When
diagnosed, he was given anywhere from two months to two
years to live. I am happy to report he is doing well and even though
there is still no cure, he just celebrated his ten-year cancer anniversary
since his diagnosis on May 17, 2010.
“After joining the Leukemia Lymphoma Society Board in 2012 and in
2015, I became the President of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS)
Board of Directors for Southern Nevada. After serving 7 years, the LLS bylaws
state that you have to take a year break. After rolling off in 2018 and staying
involved, I have been invited back to serve again. It is my great honor to now
serve as Vice Chair to the Southern Nevada LLS chapter. I have raised more
than US$500,000 with the support of so many amazing people. We now
have four research grants that we have been able to name after my husband.
I am so proud of the work we do and the people we support. Our cure is
coming!”
Given all that Deirdre has accomplished in terms of fundraising, her
favorite quote carries even more weight than one might expect: “No one
becomes poor by giving.” n
62 PULSE ■ AUGUST 2020