The LLS has funded Dr. June’s work for about 12 years, investing $20M into this research. These types of breakthroughs certainly take time and dedication, but breakthroughs are happening! We wanted to share this very powerful video with those who support us to let you know that you are making a difference.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is the world’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education and patient services. Founded in 1949, they are relentless in pursuit of their mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.
Investing in blood cancer research: The Society has invested more than $814 million in research, $76 million in fiscal year 2011 alone. Programs like the Specialized Center of Research (SCOR), which brings together teams of scientists from different disciplines and our Translational Research Program, which funds research with a high probability of producing innovative patient treatments in an accelerated time frame, have directly contributed to many breakthrough cancer treatments. Research funded by the Society has led or contributed to advances in areas such as chemotherapy, bone marrow and stem cell transplantation and new, targeted oral therapies such as Gleevec.
Finally, the Society’s “TAP” Program (Therapy Acceleration Program) was launched in 2007 to move new treatments into pre-clinical development and clinical trials faster.
Providing critical information and support for patients and their families: The Society made 7.1 million contacts with patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals in fiscal year 2010, through its Information Resource Center (IRC), an award winning website and community-based patient service programs. LLS also put people together with experts through webcasts and teleconferences, and provided professional education through seminars, to extend the latest findings to a broader professional audience.
The need is critical: More than 957,902 Americans have leukemia, Hodgkins or non-Hodgkins lymphoma or myeloma. Every four minutes, someone new is diagnosed with blood cancer. Every 10 minutes, someone dies. Leukemia causes more deaths than any other cancer among children under the age of 20. Lymphomas are the most common blood cancers and incidence increases with age. The survival rate for myeloma is only 32.4 percent. Incidence is more than twice as high among African Americans as for all other races.
As a nonprofit, The Society relies on the generosity of individuals, corporations and foundations. Seventy-six percent of its total expenses support cancer research, education, advocacy and patient services. Major, annual fundraising campaigns include Team In Training, the Light The Night Walk, School & Youth Programs, Man & Woman of the Year, Shoot For A Cure and The Leukemia Cup Regatta.
Information on blood cancers and support is available at www.leukemia.org, or the above mentioned Information Research Center can be reached at 800-955-4572.