Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) - Cancer Science

What is the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS)?

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is a charitable organization dedicated to fighting blood cancers, specifically leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Founded in 1949, LLS focuses on funding research, providing patient support, and advocating for policies that accelerate the development of treatments and ensure patient access to care.

What types of cancers does LLS focus on?

LLS primarily focuses on blood cancers, which include three main types:

Leukemia: A cancer of the body's blood-forming tissues, including the bone marrow and the lymphatic system.
Lymphoma: A group of blood cancers that develop in the lymphatic system, which is part of the body's germ-fighting network.
Myeloma: A cancer of plasma cells, which are a type of white blood cell found in the bone marrow.

How does LLS support cancer research?

LLS is one of the largest funders of blood cancer research in the world. It provides grants to researchers working on cutting-edge treatments and therapies. The organization also funds clinical trials and collaborates with pharmaceutical companies, academic institutions, and other organizations to accelerate the development of new treatments. Through its Therapy Acceleration Program (TAP), LLS invests directly in companies that are developing promising new therapies.

What patient support services does LLS offer?

LLS offers a wide range of patient support services, including:

Financial assistance to help patients cover the cost of treatment-related expenses.
Information and support from trained specialists who can answer questions about diagnosis, treatment options, and coping strategies.
Support groups and peer-to-peer connections to help patients and their families navigate the emotional and practical challenges of a cancer diagnosis.
Educational resources, including webinars, workshops, and publications that provide up-to-date information on blood cancers and treatments.

How does LLS advocate for cancer patients?

LLS engages in advocacy efforts at both the federal and state levels to influence policy decisions that affect cancer patients. This includes advocating for increased funding for cancer research, ensuring patient access to affordable and high-quality care, and supporting legislation that protects the rights of cancer patients. LLS's Advocacy Network mobilizes volunteers to engage with lawmakers and raise awareness about blood cancers and the needs of patients.

How can individuals get involved with LLS?

There are several ways for individuals to get involved with LLS:

Volunteering for events, fundraising activities, or patient support programs.
Participating in fundraising events such as Light The Night, Team In Training, and Leukemia Cup Regatta.
Donating to support LLS's mission and programs.
Advocating for policies that benefit cancer patients by joining the LLS Advocacy Network.

Conclusion

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) plays a crucial role in the fight against blood cancers. Through its research funding, patient support services, and advocacy efforts, LLS is making significant strides in improving outcomes for patients with leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. By getting involved, individuals can help support LLS's mission and contribute to the ongoing battle against these devastating diseases.