The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

Amy Lane is a very incredible lady. She gave me the tools and the knowledge to talk to my doctor's and push for a meeting which I got done in one day thanks to her and her knowledge keep up the great work amy!!!

Welcome, how are you? Are you well? I am from Morocco and I have chronic lymphocytic leukemia, which has caused me to be unable to do anything. I want material and moral help. Thank you very much.

My name is Laura and I am 56 and I was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic lukiema on January 1st 2020. And I also do volunteer work for the lukiema and lymphoma society. I live in newyork and will be participating in my first volunteer event called light the night.

The first time that my daughter got leukemia, they did NOTHING for us; We never received ANY funding from this organization whatsoever! NONE. And this second time around they are giving me a hard time to just provide $500 in urgency funding. They Are RATS, just like ALL "charitable" organizaitons in the USA.

Keep in mind that I am a Single mother who is ALONE with a Special Needs Child who ONGOING CHEMOTHERAPY for leukemia for a Second Time in Life, and The LLS has done NOTHING for US. They has never helped us with ANY expenses, Not even for transporation. They want me to PROVIDE PROOF OF INCOME, as if someone who has INCOME would NEED their MISERABLE CRUMBS. MOTHER F*CKERS. And the Beech who answered the PHONE WHEN I CALLED is another MISERABLE BLACK BEECH.

I’m always amazed at the speedy helpful information that flows from your organization.
Not only informative but seems to provide enough information to hit the nail on the head no matter how varied the inquiry.
I’m planning on becoming one of your contributors

I was so appreciative of the support provided by the information specialists and the follow-up support and direction to resources on the web site. When a family is dealing with cancer, information is power, but it can also be overwhelming when you start to read every article that pops up through an internet search. The resource LLS provides of experienced and empathetic medical/social worker experts standing by via chat or phone was critical for our family (both caregivers and patient alike) to feel more confident in our path forward. Special thanks to Sharon C. who took a great amount of time on the phone to address all our concerns and followed up with a thorough and thoughtful note full of resources to guide our next steps.

I was pleasantly surprised when I called the LLS support number and spoke with an amazing representative by the name of Amy Lane. Amy took the time to explain so much about what this organization offers and the support it provides. I was recently diagnosed with polycythemia vera(PV) and have been trying to connect with the right specialist for my diagnosis. I am so glad that I made that phone call and that I was fortunate enough to speak with Amy. The wealth of information that she sent to me is very helpful. I was given the name and contact number for a specialist in my area who came highly recommended with very good ratings. It is comforting to know that there are organizations like the leukemia and lymphoma society and people like Amy Lane who are there to offer amazing support in such times of uncertainty and to know that I don’t have to go through this alone.

In my quest to be of use to a very close cousin, who had a reoccurrence of lymphoma a few months ago and who has just finished six chemotherapy treatments, I called The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society today and had the good fortune to speak with a specialist named Regina Solomon. The adjective "amazing" is probably overused, but in this case, I have to say Ms. Solomon was truly amazing! She was patient and encouraging and never tried to move me along before I was done speaking, even if I was struggling to find the right question or description. She did something that many people have trouble doing: she allowed for silence while I gathered my thoughts. I kept repeating what she had just told me to make sure I understood it correctly, and I asked her to repeat certain things, and she acted as if it was a pleasure to do so, and it wasn't an act. She was quietly kind and sympathetic, never intrusive, which assured me that my concerns were heard and also felt.

In addition to all this, Ms. Solomon was professional and highly competent and was able to answer all my questions about resources for my cousin, who needs all the help she can get right now. Whenever I asked Ms. Solomon how to go about securing a particular resource, she'd give me a phone number and explain what to expect, what paperwork would be asked for, etc, so I or my cousin could be prepared.

After speaking with Ms. Solomon, I felt less alone and better equipped to help my cousin. I didn't mention that my cousin lost a son to suicide recently (and got the news while receiving chemotherapy), and I only mention it now because I just realized that I had been feeling paralyzed as to how to help her. The follow-up email is my "bible" as to moving forward.

I feel much gratitude for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and for Ms. Solomon, who made all the difference today.

The words "thank you" feel insufficient, but I'll say them anyway: Thank you so much for all you do.

Linda Hillringhouse

LLS Invests in its patients, survivors, caregivers, and families again and again.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has helped countless patients and families diagnosed with a blood cancer! The organization not funds research but offers peer to peer support, financial aid, and travel assistance.

Dear Leukemia & Lymphoma Society,

I am writing to express my gratitude for the amazing support and resources that your organization has provided me and my family during my father's cancer journey. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has been an invaluable resource in improving my father's care and quality of life.

I cannot thank you enough for the caregiver materials and resources that you sent me. Your willingness to help and provide me with information has been truly admirable. Your dedication to assisting those affected by cancer is a testament to the wonderful work that you do.

I am incredibly impressed by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's commitment to providing the best quality patient services. Your organization has exceeded my expectations, and I am grateful for all that you have done for me and my family.

I would highly recommend the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to anyone in need of support and resources. If you find their information to be helpful, please consider writing a review to help others know that they can trust the LLS to deliver the best quality in patient services.

Thank you once again for your kindness and assistance.

Sincerely,

Brooke Williams

The society is a wonderful place to be a part of they took care of me when I was down on my luck I became homeless while I was in the hospital due to being sick and was not able to return to work they have showed me wonderful love until I could get a new place to live Thank you guys much love and respect to the society I greatly appreciate it

I received the call from this organization when I needed it most. I am the caregiver for my mom and my husband, and I was informed that I had CLL/SLL. I haven’t had anyone to talk to who knows what I am dealing with, but Abigail, my social worker contacted me and was so understanding, encouraging, and knowledgeable. Just to hear her encouraging words that LLS will be there to help me go through all of this was so comforting. I thank God for allowing me to find this organization. I have already been blessed financially with their help. In addition, they are mailing me some educational materials and other resources, including peer support information. Also, I received an email of additional financial resources.

Having a dual caregiving role and fighting my own cancer battle sound difficult, but with God and the LLS team in my corner, I have no doubt that I am gonna be okay. Thank you for just being there when I needed you the most.

I was at a loss on how to help friends navigate a difficult diagnosis and Amy at LLS was AWESOME, compassionate, clear, kind and supportive. Thank you!

I am a caregiver for my brother recently diagnosed. But reading all of the materials helped me to understanding the disease better and the caregiver information is amazing. I wish there had been more information on using the TPN for feeding through the chemo port, but everything else was great to gain knowledge. Thank you LLS

Lls helps me with financial and peer support.They have provided fast and secure response to any extra crisis that follows cancer.It's a tough fight.Lls takes a bit of sting off the heavy hits we take.

Very helpful, good attention and updated treatments

Very helpful information provided. Thank you for all those details, resources, and information.

Me siento satisfecha ‘al ponerme en contacto con esta organización
Porque es como una especie de aliento de saber que no se está solo en este proceso tan difícil
Me contacte con ellos a raíz de enterarme del Cáncer de linfoma de mi hijo de 18 años y me dieron información muy valiosa las cuales serán de mucha utilidad


Gracias

Wonderfully helpful information to assist with the challenges of my son's recovery from Lymphoma. The material was informative and promptly received.

Dear Leukemia & Lymphoma Society , Thank you for fantastic , very knowledgeable and kind Ms. Kristina Lopez , MSW . I was very impressed and learned a lot . Ms. Kristina is treasure for the company . Thank you so much again !
I really appreciate that !
Sincerely ,
Jana Cerny

I was interssted in finding an Oncologist that mainly focused on treating patients with CLL. This organization gave me support and resources to help with that need.

I called the LLS information specialist line and spoke with Jennifer. She was wonderful. I felt like a load of bricks had been taken off my shoulders. She talked with me for a long time and emailed so many information resources.
Among the resources was a link to an online chat with other people in similar circumstances. It was great to chat with others about Covid risks and how they are dealing with this "new normal" or life 2.0.
I've also been part of a clinical trial to study immune response to vaccines for people with leukemia. They've kept me up to date on the research relating to my condition and sent me for antibody tests. I've been so impressed with this organization. I'm so happy that I contacted them.

I contacted this organization for information for a patient's son (I'm an OT specializing in lymphedema). My patient has metastatic breast cancer due to a genetic mutation. She recently learned her son has Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. I wrote to ask for information & Amy Lane responded the next day, happy to mail me a packet. I inquired about peer support from someone who has gone through this type of cancer & she provided me to links to reference. I appreciate Amy's quick reply & her resources (not to mention there's no charge for the mailing). Thank you.

I love this non-profit!! They do such amazing work for cancer research.

As a mom of a SOY candidate from North Jersey, I can tell you that we have had a wonderful experience working to raise funds for LLS. A large part of our time together came from the counselors we worked with who continually provided timelines and positive reinforcement to raise the bar on the amount of money we collected. For our family, we were so grateful to see our son so motivated, send out a great message and help others along the way!

I have had nothing but exceptional experiences with LLS for the past 10 years. I have participated in several Light the Night Walks and various fundraising initiatives. The staff is exceptional--very caring, thoughtful, and mission based. I have also volunteered with the Students of the Year Campaign for the past two years. It has been quite rewarding working with both the staff and the students during this time!

I have been living with CLL in the background for about 7 years but it has moved to the forefront with COVID 19 when I became aware of the limited effectiveness of the vaccine. Thanks to two virtual conferences on Blood Cancers sponsored by LLS I have learned much and have been directed to various educational resources which have helped me make personal decisions. It is easy to slip into thinking that one can move about with less restrictions but being reminded of the reality and nature of the diagnosis is exceedingly helpful.

LLS.org has been phenomenal in the several personal interactions I have had over the past 10 years! My family members have been affected by 3 different types of blood cancers and every single time I have sought information, support, and assistance from this organization I have been significantly helped. Consistently I have received skillful, professional and personalized information along with caring listening to my story. There are not enough words of appreciation for this organization.

I've been going through chemo for three years off and on. I now need a bone marrow transplant from acute lymblastic lymphoma. I've maintained 3plus jobs with this terminal cancer and I've had no pain meds. Except here and there. I'm tired I'm going to lay off work for a while. So I can fight this cancer and maintain my pain and try to find happiness in the meantime going through such. God bless have a blessed day.

Being diagnosed with a blood cancer was certainly devastating and unexpected. Having the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society by my side has made such a difference. Jennifer Wilson spent an hour last night talking with me about my condition (Waldenstrom's) and all of the ways that she and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society could help me on this journey. After our conversation, I felt such a relief knowing I could call her anytime with questions or to request help. Thank you, Jennifer, and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society!

This group is one of the most responsive organizations I have ever experienced. Whether by telephone or email, they will respond to your request professionally and in a timely, caring manner.

I recently was faced with a decision on whether to start taking a bone strengthening medication. I had read about some of the side effects, so I was hesitant. I reached out to LLS for help. They sent me a lot of up to date information that will help me reach a decision. Of course, I have been meeting with my physicians, too, but ultimately the decision is up to me so I want to research all my options. I am so grateful for the help LLS provided.

TRYING TO FIND OUT HOW SOMEONE WHO DONATED TO THIS ORGANIZATION CAN CONFIRM HIS DONATION. I POSTED IT ON FACEBOOK IN HONOR OF MY HUSBAND WHO PASSED AWAY ON OCT 22 FROM THIS HORRENDOUS DISEASE. CAN SOMEONE PLEASE DIRECT ME TO FINDING THIS INFO OUT..THANK YOU IN ADVANCE.

JEANNE BRODKORB
jbrody022@aol.com

My dad was recently diagnosed with CLL. It's been such a scary time, not only because of this cancer diagnosis, but because of the pandemic, too. I read a study that COVID-19 vaccines have little to no effect on people with blood cancers (because of treatment medications or because of the nature of the cancer) and that prompted me to reach out to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society with a question about the study.

The next day, a woman named Jennifer called me and spent over thirty minutes on the phone with me. She explained the study, answered all the questions I had, talked to me about my dad and how to protect him from Covid as an immunocompromised person, and sent me an email full of information - not only about the study and vaccine efficacy, but with links to patient support chats, caregiver support chats, in-person support groups, educational videos, podcasts, links to nutritionists, tips on how to manage CLL, helpful apps, financial aid, a local contact, an educational booklet, and a YouTube education channel. She also sent me some things to give to my dad through the mail (a pill organizer, book of information, blanket, and a few other things to help with managing CLL treatment).

I am so heartened by the love and giving that a complete stranger (and this organization and countless donors) showed me and my family. This is a scary and sad time, but I'm very grateful for people like Jennifer and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. If my dad has to go through this, I'm happy that there are people out there like this who can help him.

The Leukemia society has been extremely helpful to me in navigating through a very complicated disease, and help with a very complicated insurance industry.
Their support has greatly assisted me with help , with information, guidance, and support with financial services.
For this I am humbally, internally greatful.
From the bottom of my heart thank you so very, very much !
Mr. A. nathan L.

I called LLS with a specific question about whether I was immunocompromised as a result of TKI treatment for my CML. I talked to Regineak Ruffin and she was fantastic. She listened carefully to my concerns and indicated that she would get back to me. The following day, she responded with a detailed answer to my question. Thanks to all at LLS for what you do.

George Christiansen

I have been involved in a lot of charities over the years, but none compared to LLS. I have been riding and raising money as part of the Scenic Shore 150 for 5 years. The experience has been no less than amazing. The Volunteers and Staff works relentlessly to ensure the 1200 bikers are safe, fed and feel like royalty. Most inspiring has been the large number of survivors that have been help by LLS riding along side of me with the biggest smile. Over the last year have become an official Engagement Lead for the Upper Plains, which has been the same consistent respect and appreciation for my help. I would like to single out Kelsey Kidd, who has been so patient with me teach me my role and tasks. Finally, the story after story of how LLS has help the Cancer patients make me so emotional. I have several folks I personally know who has been helped and is now survivors and in turn help others through LLS.

I relocated to El Paso, Texas all the way from Hawaii in December 2020. After getting acclimated to my new surroundings, I thought to start volunteering so I could get to know my community, but of course Covid pandemic made that difficult, and so, I browsed online to see if there were any volunteer opportunities and the volunteer website led me to LLS website, filled out some information about myself and submitted the application, and Lisa Ball was my go to person. She is so knowledgable and inspiring to me, sharing her story and listening to my needs as I expressed how I wanted to volunteer and help where I could. I never looked back and this was in April 2021. Initially I felt I wanted to with the children in the hospital, but then so much restrictions due to Covid, but luckily Lisa said that I could volunteer remotely from home and support the LLS Desert Region behind the scenes and I met my new LLS family. Awesome bunch of ladies, so glad I reached out.

I am a story volunteer for LLS and it has been the most pleasant and integral volunteer experience I have had. Their volunteer managers are resourceful and supportive. This org, their mission, and all of the people behind it are amazing.

Very frustrating organization to deal with got approved for copay assistance and every time I send for rembersment it’s one hurdle one hoop after another to get them to pay

I just happened across LLS website that I could possibly receive some help with medical bills from you. I emailed you and Amy Lane promptly responded to me what could be available. I had no idea this was available possibly with all the extreme bills we encountered fighting off this Mantle Cell Lymphoma Diagnosis. Thank you so very much for everything. I lost my job due to this illness and am hoping someday to return to what use to be my somewhat normal life. I just applied so hoping I can get approved. You all are wonderful and I am so happy I found you. Thank you for all you do for us battling these diseases.
Warmly, Kevin Niles

Every time I need information I call them and they provide me with the latest information they have. They can also identify local specialists and hospitals by zip code. The had great information on Covid Vaccines this time.
I wish these organizations could provide with doctor advice as well. Sometimes people need to make desicions and by getting information it helps patients to make wiser desicions.I am very grateful for their services.

Reached out to LLS by email for information on mgus. I received an extremely helpful and quick response. Very thankful.

I recd. excellent CS from a rep in Va. named Amanda. She was thorough & very helpful/professional aiding me in a time of need. She walked me through Fin aid process & I'm grateful for any/all resources I'm referred to. Many thanks to Leuk/Lymphoma society for kindness.

I spoke with Ms. Sharon Cohan. She was unbelievably caring and helpful, directing me to a plethora of resources I was not aware of.
When the call ended I was feeling very much encouraged as well as grateful for being heard.

Their information specialist are knowledgeable and helpful to patients who have blood cancers.

I recently consulted the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society because I am a longstanding chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) survivor, and was startled to learn from an article in The New York Times ("Vaccines Won't Protect Millions of Patients with Weakened Immune Systems") that the 2 doses of the Pfizer vaccine I received, meant to shield me against COVID-19, might not be effective in preventing the disease. I then contacted the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for additional information, particularly concerning the safety of international flights to visit family members. The LL&S representative who promptly responded to my query was as thorough as could be, based on current knowledge, sensitive to my needs, and underscored how important it was for immuno-compromised individuals of any sort to continue to take extra precautions (social distancing, mask-wearing, and hand-washing) to protect their health. Heartfelt thanks for her considerate response.

A friend of mine with cancer suggested I get in touch with LLS because my wife was diagnosed with AML a month ago. What a pleasure it was talking with Nikki. She is everything someone would want that is starting out trying to navigate this road. Nikki was kind, knowledgeable, comforting, caring and genuinely a pleasure to start on this journey with.

I am a semi-retired Nazarene pastor in Greeley, CO. I was recently diagnosed with T Cell LGL Leukemia. Took about 2 1/2 months to finally get my diagnosis. One of my MD's suggested chemo with a med that has 33 bad side effects!! Yep: Aye Caramba! No thank you! In my research to try to find a less toxic med, I found you-LLS. I spoke this am with Amy Lane. Mega-Wow!! She is above primo! She helped me SO MUCH!! Great info and links including to the leading MD on LGL Leukemia in the US., Dr. Loughran. You should DOUBLE her salary!! What a wonderful lady! And a tremendous asset to LLS! I am so very grateful to her and to you! Keep up the great work!
Sincerely, Jim Schisler, Greeley, CO.

I am a CLL patient and about to start treatment. I had a number of questions and Kristina took a great deal of time with me. She answered each question and made it very understandable. She gave me resources and help and connected me with a Nurse Clinician. She was terrific and I'm very grateful that LLS exists.

Linda West

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) has the most comprehensive and current Information and resources for a newly diagnosed blood cancer patient, one who is undergoing treatment and beyond. A perfectly healthy woman hit with an advancing NHL lymphoma diagnosis needs knowledge and guidance fast. LLS Information Specialist social workers responded quickly with information that has helped me every step of the way. I have a personalized volunteer advocate I can turn to; a local, on-the-ground social worker who helped me navigate a host of issues; chat and support groups, and more. A worthy organization helping patients every day in every way.

I have volunteered with LLS for several years. LLS is an amazing organization with an important mission to help those with blood cancers. Through research, patient care, and advocacy they are making difference in the Blood Cancer fight.

In early 2017 I was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. I spent about 70 days over three separate visits at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. The folks at HUP told my wife and I about the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. They have been a Godsend. They have supported us with grants to help with my medical treatment co-pays and the other associated costs of my treatment and regular checkups. When I recovered enough to volunteer with them I have, as often as I could, in a feeble attempt to pay back what they have done for my wife and I.

I volunteered with LLS in the Student of the Year fundraising event. This nonprofit is very reliable, unwaveringly committed to its purpose of continuing to fight for blood cancer patients and their families, and consistently communicates with its volunteers, such as me. They always answered any questions we had, shared resources to aid us in our fundraising efforts, encouraged us via emails, and hosted valuable opportunities like webinars on how to increase our outreach. I even got to meet inspiring role models like King. I would definitely volunteer with this nonprofit again.

On September 15, 2017 I was diagnosed with Acute lymphoblastic Leukemia while my wife was 7 months pregnant at that time.

It all began when I thought I injured my back when I was working out at the gym. I started to have lower back pain. Within days turning into weeks with the pain, I would end up going to 2 emergency rooms and 1 visit to urgent care. All resulted of not sure what was causing the pain. Until I was referred to an orthopedic surgeon and got x rays and MRI done To see the root of the problem. I wasn’t sure if it was a herniated disk or pinched nerve. At first it appeared to be lump around it. Around the same time, I had an annual check up . My pregnant wife at the time was very concern for my health. I would appear pale, fatigue, my heart racing, and anemic symptoms. Furthermore, I would blame myself for not being care while working out properly, and not being in adequate health for my unborn child soon coming to this Earth. On September 15, 2017 I get a call from my primary doctor where I did my annual check up and requested me to go to the emergency room to get checked out; my doctor said I was severely anemic. She highly motivated me to go to NYU Langone Brooklyn hospital, the nurses immediately took me in as they were expecting me. They did regular check ups and withdrew about 8 tubes of blood for further test. I didn’t think nothing of it. I wasn’t sure what was going on with me., I just felt very fatigue and weak. While I was in the emergency room I called my wife as I have told her during the process that I was at the emergency room and will continue to keep her updated. Little did I know, within minutes of me being there laying down in an emergency room, I was seen by a specialist and told me the most breath taking news of my life. “It appears you have what it appears to be leukemia.” I moments later my wife calls me and asked me if everything is okay and should she head to the hospital. I didn’t tell her what i just found outs i was calm and collective and told her yes. She should come. She asked me what’s wrong , i didn’t want to worry her as I knew she would be driving from the Bronx to Brooklyn and wouldn’t want her to get into an accident. communication on what was going on.

Moreover, my wife finally arrives looking for me and I had to break the defeats ring news of my life. That’s where my long year and half journey began...

I was afraid of not knowing the future. I wasn’t sure if I would see my unborn son, or would I survive this; live or die? The only thing I had left was my faith onto God and trusting His will that everything will fall according to his perfect will and purpose over my life. “I had to trust the process. “It was the most difficult season of my life. The day I was diagnosed I stayed in NYU Langone hospital for a week , where I had to endure the unknown. The doctors and nurses had to insert me a chatterer on the left side of my arm where I would receive my first rounds od chemotherapy and stay in the hospital for a week. During that time, I had reassurance : love and support from my friends and family that woukd visit me. The support was outstanding and unmeasurable. Nurses and doctors were surprised on the amount of love and visitors coming to visit me. In addition, all the prayers from my church family and loved ones. I even had my personal barber give me a haircut during my stay. It was very emotional journey. I had determination and focal point was to be there for my wife’s and my soon to be born son. Mind over matter as they say. Through my journey , it was a painful roller coaster. Many changes and transitions. going through several chemotherapy sessions. In the midst of my process, I was diagnosed with type 2 Diabetes due to the steroids I had to take I was able to to at pause my chemo sessions to have time to enjoy my wife’s pregnancy and be strong for her pregnancy and have some normalcy. After 2 weeks worth of non stop chemo, I was able to rest. That very next week my son came to the world on December 5, 2017. My son Noah Jose Gomez was born. I was able to count his 10 toes and 10 fingers. My journey didn’t end there. Furthermore, after almost 2 months of Normalcy. I had to start my chemo sessions after 2 months. My sessions began again at NYU outpatient clinic. And soon after, being prepared to possibly have a bone marrow transplant. My wife and I weren’t ready to endure another nightmare and after our son being born it felt some normalcy. We were afraid and wasn’t sure what to do? After time to think and pray we made the decision to go for it. It meant I would have to live for the next 30days or so in a hospital room for the entire process. In addition, after the transplant, I would be different. Needing someone to be a caregiver, monitoring me, having a diet change. I would have no immunity. I would be very fatigue and tired all the time from the process. My wife and I had to be mentally prepare on what would come to us. This would save my life but yet another challenging journey. I knew I had to be there for my son and he was my focus and motivation. “ i was ready to take up the challenge, I made it this far.” This also meant, more chemo and take radiation, 2x a day for 5 days.

When the time came, I had to say bye to my son because I would have to live in the hospital for a month. It was again another Challenging moment to endure. I had many people praying for me. I want able to touch my wife and not have as many people to come visit me due to me having no immunity, and be in isolation from the world. Altogether it was an emotional , physical and mental 30 days. Moreover, I eventually had my bone marrow transplant in which my brother was a 50% match. He donated more stem cells than normally taken. The bone marrow was a huge success. During my stay, I would loose over 50 pounds, loose my hair though I was bald, and I would still hug my wife though I was recommended to touch no one so I won’t get sick. But nothing more precious than human touch as part of my healing and recovery process. My wife and I are one at the end of the day,; my rib my life partner and best friend. Her too a warrior; my Wonder Woman. After my long stay, I I would then later recover at home and had my family supporting me and taking turns in taking care of me. I would soon be in full remission soon after that. I would stay home for several more months, gain my strength and immunity again. I would also be a stay home dad, as I bonded with my son at home and it would be part of my recovery and healing. I was proud to say I was fully healed and cured. And oh yeah, I no longer had type 2 diabetes.
As of today I am almost 3 years free of cancer and no diabetes.

my name is Rebecka and i am 35 years old. i am an artist and am a single mother of one beautiful 11 year old daughter and just moved from california to georgia last year. I got a job working at a grocery store and everything for us was going so smooth. all of a sudden, i had a weird growth on my neck and i convinced myself that it was a thyroid problem and just kept on working and doing my schedule. One day at work my boss saw the growth on the neck and demanded i go to urgent care on my lunch break. i laughed and went because i was forced. since that day i found out i had stage 3 hodgkins lymphoma and started chemo immediately and had to take time off work. i had no imcome, no family, no help. the nurses told me about this society and i got financial help as well as emotional help anytime i needed. honestly, it has been a life saver and i feel confident and strong and now im almost done. thank you for whomever started this to help others. I am truely grateful

Excellent list of resources Thanks for your help.I have already made an appointment with a dietitian.

In 2002 my 17 month old daughter was diagnosed with stage IV Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia of the Pre-B Cell. She followed a 2 year protocol of chemotherapy that included oral, IV and intrathecal (spinal tap) delivery. She had ups and downs. Set backs and triumphs. One day while sitting in the waiting room at the Rose Cancer center one of the other mom's was reading a Team In Training pamphlet... and the rest is history. My baby would cross the finish-line of treatment and ever since then I have been swimming, biking and running and fundraising over finish-lines to support cancer research and patient care. LLS has been a support for our family as well as an outlet to give back and help in the fight to end cancer! There is no finish-line until there's a cure! Catie Jane is now a 16 year survivor thanks to the research efforts of LLS!

TINA L. NELKIN
HODGKIN’S LYMPHOMA

In 2003 I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
Treatment included Surgery and 6 months of Chemotherapy.
In 2004, I was in Remission !!

2004, I participated in the
“Light The Night Walk”.
In 2007 I joined The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s
“Team In Training : Hike Team”.

In 2015, I Earned my Team in Training“Triple Crown“ by completing 3 Team Sports.

Later in 2015 I developed a Life-Threatening Pneumonia, Respiratory Failure, Ventilator and Induced Coma.
Following my discharge from the ICU & Hospital, my Long road to recovery began with relearning how to walk.
My determination to continue with TNT and Support from my TNT Friends, gave me the motivation to rebuild my strength.

7 months out of the hospital, I hiked in the Grand Canyon with TNT.
I Cried in Triumph at the Top of the Canyon with my Teammates ������
TNT keeps me Strong & Inspired.

My Fundraising for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has totaled over $90,000 for Research and Patient Services.
I am also a “ First Connection ” advocate for newly diagnosed patients.

I want to thank the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society : Team In Training,
Family, Friends, Medical Team and Blood Donors for helping me to regain my strength.
I am now 16 years in Remission.

Thank You From A Survivor.
Tina

I have High Risk Multiple Myeloma.
I was diagnosed 6 years ago. My only symptom was being unusually tired. So, I was shocked! to say the least. Things for me moved very quickly since it was determined that I had High Risk MM. I had my first Transplant using my own cells 4 months after diagnosis. My doctor knew this was only a temporary thing to do until a donor could be found. I had a Donor Transplant 4 months after that. Not an easy thing to go through!!!!
That was 5 years ago.
On top of the medical issues, I was so stressed out due to money issues. Overnight, my income changed! I had to leave my job. Leaving my job meant not only would my paycheck cease, so would my health insurance, when I needed it most! I was panicking since COBRA was very expensive. When I voiced my concerns to the Psychologist/Social Worker at the cancer center I was being treated at, she help me apply for assistance to LLS. She said that they were the best! She was absolutely right! Their assistance took so my pressure off me & my husband. They enabled me to face my Stem Cell Transplant a bit more relaxed & allowed me to focus on empowering myself to get through what I would be facing physically .
I am happy to still be here & count every day as a Blessing.
Lots of ups & downs-chronic GVHD, especially respiratory issues.
LLS was & still is truly a God send. I am so grateful for their continued help.

I am a chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patient/survivor. I am also a volunteer with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society First Connection program. This program connects newly diagnosed CLL patients with people like me, who have been through treatment and can offer our perspective on life with CLL. It is an incredibly powerful program. Often the newly diagnosed CLL patients are terrified because they have just been told that they have cancer. Based on my experiences I am able to comfort them and help them to understand that being diagnosed with CLL is not necessarily a death sentence. Below is an example of the kind of impact that I can have on a new CLL patient.


“This is so promising to read, and I so appreciate the conversation that you took the time to have with me this past week. ... It meant more than you know to speak to someone who has dealt with, and is currently dealing with the same. “

Helps Greatly with Medical Information:
Also Helps with Financial Information
Very Helpful in Many Other Ways:

As someone who has volunteered to help raise money to fight against cancer, I can be proud to say this charity organization provides all three: hope, compassion, and love to all. Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is genuinely invested in creating a better future not just for cancer patients but also for those passionate about helping. When I found out about my role and how I can help, LLS provided me and a bunch of others like me, a platform to be heard and raise awareness. I looked forward to each meeting where we brainstormed creative ways to fundraise. As members of the Student of the Year team, we were provided with caring supervisors who encouraged our contributions and helped make all our efforts possible. LLS has helped inspire small individuals like me, band together, and help create a difference in the world of cancer. Words cannot truly describe the amazing experience and community that LLS has provided. Therefore, I encourage everyone to reach out and be a part of something truly amazing. Join Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in their journey to help fight cancer today!

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is a great organization to be a part of! I was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia when I was 23 years old and my family relied heavily on the educational materials published by LLS. I have also benefitted from their events that provide an opportunity to meet other blood cancer survivors and navigate life after cancer.

I've also become an active volunteer with their fundraising event, Light the Night. It's been a wonderful experience networking with other volunteers, getting connected with others who have been affected by blood cancer, and raising money to help combat these diseases!

When I first contacted the society I was greeted with such enthusiasm i was amazed. I found someplace that was able to assist me and they were happy to help. I was treated respectfully and courteously. The young woman was professional and kind. All these skills were hreat combinations for me.

I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma at the age of 40. It has been tough navigating the process of treatment, working part time and going to school. I have 3 kids, ages 6, 4 and 2 and my wife was not working at the time. Surviving was tough, money was very limited and getting around was hard due to high price of gas. The help that I got from Leukemia and Lymphoma society was a huge break. The 6 month gas fee was like a manner from heaven.
I want to thank the Leukemia and Lymphoma society for their kind gesture. They are truly God sent and I appreciate them for all the good works that they are doing for our society. May God bless them richly.

LLS is invaluable to our family. Living with CLL nearly 20 years which has recently progressed to rare marker 17p. I am now 67 and have a short window of energy daily. I am on treatment consistently, now on Imbruvica, until it doesn't work and then on to the next new drug out there to keep me alive. I may have to get a bone marrow transplant in the future. I am grateful for all the new oral targeted therapy drugs always coming out. I also receive IVIG immunoglobulin infusions every 8 weeks to help me fight infections and stay healthy. I am mostly in self imposed quarantine. I get outside to walk when weather permits and I practice yoga. My husband is my caretaker. He grocery shops, cooks and takes care of the household. We are on a fixed income and with the help of LLS I am able to get the treatments required to keep living. I am very grateful for LLS

LLS has always been there for me. I have chronic leukemia, for 11 years know. They have helped with education on my disease, provided financial assistance, given me a platform to share my story, an app to track my health, and to help me connect with others so I know I am not alone. LLS keeps me going, engaged in my community and treatment, and provides the 1:1 support when needed. Nothing is more meaningful than when you call someone will pick up the phone and do their best to help you. That is a blessing!

They didn’t just help me through my Stem Cell Transplant. But they helped my oldest son and daughter with their Transplants. They also have helped my family dealing with the idea of know that we are the only family in the United States and the second family in the world to have a mutation that causes a family to have Cancer. They gave us education and strength to get through this.

The Pennies for Patients campaign that is held every February at Marvin Sisk Middle School is one of the most educational, and worthy public service opportunities for my students. Guest speakers, relevant educational and program guides make this campaign easy to manage. Our students enjoy this annual campaign to showcase students and families in our district that are impacted by Leukemia and Lymphoma. We have taken the next steps with Be The Match to further our impact. The support we receive or questions we have are just a phone call away.

I really enjoyed the fundraiser. I was happy that we had the opportunity to help kids and need.

LLS. What a great resource and ongoing support system.
The LLS is a readily available multi-faceted well staffed organization.
Thank you for being a comforting presence.

My Oncology Hematologist recommended the leukemia society for the treatments I needed. Very, very expensive treatments, I might add, but they picked up the expenses and I only had a small copay. Signing up was very informative, very smooth and over all these years, they have kept me informed of any changes, any new information regarding my treatments.

I am so very grateful to this organization. Had it not been for them, I would still be doing blood transfusions, which I would have had to stop because of my fear of COVID-19 and possibly tainted blood.

Thank you to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for being there and for helping me.

B.Stewart

Lls has been very generous in helping me! When I found out I have MDS which is a blood disease, I didn’t have the kind of health insurance that paid for good doctors so I called LLS and they gave me a $7,000 grant to pay for my Medicare insurance and a better advantage plan so I could see better doctors. They have also given me $850 for other things like car expenses which I used recently for a new battery for my car and gas and valet parking when I go for transfusions 1 to 2 times a week. I don’t know what I would do without the help I have received from this organization that is dedicated to helping people with the expenses of treating our diseases and hopefully keeping us alive longer

I was diagnosed with ALL when I was three years old. My family was able to get involved with LLS through the Light the Night program, which I loved And still do. Now I’m 15, and I’m volunteering as the New England Honored Hero for the Students of the Year Campaign. I’m so excited to keep working with LLS. Every person working at LLS that I’ve met with has been amazing, and I really love that I can help contribute at such a young age. It’s amazing!

After going through my first round of chemotherapy, I contacted LLS for assistance in understanding what other treatments could be available to me. I found the nurse educators and other staff to be so knowledgeable, compassionate and practical with their assistance. Not only that, LLS was a Godsend in terms of helping me financially with support. They have helped me more than once with care issues and finances as well as they continue to contact me as a follow-up to see how I am doing. Additionally they have put me in contact with other patients as part of a support group. I am truly grateful that they exist and that I got in touch with them.

I developed a lump on the right side of my neck. For years my family doctor insisted that it was a cist. About 3 years went by. I wasn’t feeling well, my sister said to me you don’t look well. I had to go to the VA for my yearly checkup. I had a new doctor who asked about my lump. I told him that it was a cist. He wanted me to have a biopsy. A few days later the results were that I had non Hoskins lymphoma. I was sent to an oncologist who did a PT scan. When those results came in I had Lymphoma throughout my body. I was told there was nothing they could do for me! I was basically told to go home and die. For a few days I never left my house. I cried and felt sorry for myself. Then I got mad! I was to young to die! I contacted the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Then in turn hooked me up with an experimental treatment program. They saved my life! I’ve been in remission since 2006. Every day is a new lease on life for me! I’m so grateful for the LLS! I’m walking proof that they save lives! Donate to this wonderful organization! Do the walk benefit! Thank you for helping!

Committed to funding leukemia and lymphoma researchers through a competitive peer review process

Dear LLS!
You do wonderful things for people! You help not only us, leukemia patients, but also give a peace of mind to our caregivers and family members.
I have a leukemia with FLT3 mutation. I had a bone marrow transplant. I am taking a very expensive drug, XOSPATA, and without LLS’ help I couldn’t afford it.
My prognosis was very grim at the beginning. But with your help I was able to celebrate my transplant’s first anniversary.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Diagnosed with CLL in January 2017. First it was a great shock to know that I even had cancer. There's were so many questions and we didn't even know what questions to ask. LLS put us in touch with one of the leading experts in Miami at UM Sylvester to guide us through this process I underwent chemo. LLS advised us that we could apply for assistance which we did to help us with the financial burdens we had. Thank God for that as we are elderly and older citizens only on Social Security. Right now I am on what they call remission but know that LLS will always be there to guide us through our next steps. Their blood conference each year in March has been invaluable. We couldn't have asked for a better organization and mentorship to support us through this tough time

Hi
This is Edith and I would like to take this time out to let you know that I have multiple myeloma all of you who don’t know what that is it’s a blood cancer and bone marrow cancer.
I have had this for 4 1/2 years the type of cancer I have never goes into remission so therefore I will be on maintenance chemo therapy for the rest of my life one of my infusions is $19,500 sometimes I go four times a month now I only go twice so just think about that ,that’s a lot of money times four and it’s also a lot of money just for one but I Thank God For LLS they not only help me out with grants to help me pay my bills but they also help me emotionally by the wonderful people that are on the other side of the phone for me five days a week that I could speak with talk about my cancer talk about treatments ask of my bills are being paid and who is being paid to I follow Up through I probably talk to them at least once a week they become my best buddies they give me a great incentive to beat this cancer up before it beats me up and then tell me What a Great attitude I have and that’s what you need to stay well with all this treatment They are so thoughtful and wonderful and keep us abreast of everything they even gave us $250 for the Covic they cover us for transportation it’s very expensive for me to get into the city I have a separate grant for that I just can’t begin to tell you how wonderful to know that this foundation is out there helping me out looking over me and the other many of thousands of people who have the same disease or similar I thank you LLS for being there not only for me but all of us God bless all of you and thank you for helping me stay strong . And most of all I would like to Thank my doctors an my PAFor always figuring out a new cocktail and keeping me stay here she is the best I’ve been with her team four an half years so God bless them all with out my multiple myeloma oncologist at Weill Cornell medicine I don’t know if I would still be here!!!







Thank You LLS
Edith

My husband and I have been walking the leukemia road for almost 20 years. In the past 10 years our finances have become strained from trips to the cancer center, hotel costs, unexpected prescriptions that are vital in order to keep him from walking that heavenly road just yet. We are so thankful for LLS and their unlimited source of information, financial help and the opportunity to give back to help others when we are able. We praise God for this organization and for their vigilance and vision to to help everyday people like us. I know full well that the number of my husband's days are known only to God but we are so grateful to have the support and encouragement of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. This is an organization that can be trusted and who wisely distributes help with discernment and compassion. We are thankful to be both recipients and givers in this battle. G & E, Florida

I am very satisfied with the assistance LLS has provided for me. There was a time when my co-pay was quoted to me as being $10,000.00 a month for my oral Chemotherapy medication. I was in a panic. As a matter of fact it was earlier this year shortly after the quarantine.
With the quarantine, pandemic and a 10-day supply of medication left I felt lost. Finally I reached out to LLS and was able to get the financial assistance I needed to get the medication I needed. Thank you very much for all the donors and supporters of the LLS Foundation.

I was diagnosed in September 2018. I went from a healthy, individual to one with cancer. I was working as a RN for a home care agency. My supervisor kept telling me I look so tired. I was but I didn't think much of it. My husband and I took a quick vacay to Colorado. September 4th I had an appointment with my new primary care provider. I thought about rescheduling but something told me I needed to go. My new primary care provider drew a bunch of labs since I was new to her. The following day, she called me and told me my Creatinine was 6 and some other labs looked wonky as well. She asked me to go to the lab and have my labs drawn again. She called me that evening that my Creatinine remained 6, other labs were wonky. She told me to go to the ER. While there I met my kidney doctor who looked over my labs and told me I had cancer, Multiple Myeloma to be more specific. He wanted to get me in treatment asap. I did a couple of months of dialysis. My creatinine had come down to acceptable level so he took me off dialysis. I was seeing my Oncologist each week for treatment and blood work.After several weeks of chemo I was in a kind of remission and I could go forward with a Stem Cell Transplant. That is when I met my MM oncology physician. It took a few months for me to get to the transplant but May 15, 2019 I received my transplant. The chemo they gave me made my hair fall out so I had my husband to shave my head. The recovery from the SCT was long and difficult at times but when I saw my MM Oncologist, he told me I was in complete remission. That was music to my ears and my husbands. I still go for chemo (Velcade) each week and once a month I get a bone strengthener called Xgeva. I am so grateful to my Oncologist for going after my cancer so hard and my MM Oncologist who did my transplant. I feel healthier than I have in years. But I take a lot of precautions which means I really don't get out of the house with exception of my trips to doctor' s appointment, chemo, grocery shopping, and trips to the pharmacy.

As a CLL patient for 13 years, with a brother who had MDS/AML, I am so grateful to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for their support throughout the course of our respective diseases.

The LLS is how we have gotten much needed support and information pertaining to our leukemias. The various conferences and webinars put on by the Society provide excellent resources for new and established patients to find out about the blood cancers they have, and their respective treatments.

The grants available through the Society and its donors have helped to relieve some of the financial burdens that have come with living through a blood cancer and its treatment.

In my case, the Society is an ongoing resource for publications and programs that give me the latest information on my disease and its treatment. In my late brother's case, the Society provided him much needed information to make informed decisions as to his treatment protocols, and what to expect from his diagnoses of MDS and AML.

I can't express enough thanks to the LLS and their donors for their help through our diseases. I only wish my brother had survived to join with me in expressing our thanks to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Thank you Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, your staff, your volunteers, and your donors!

Our diseases would have been so much more difficult without your help.

William Barker
Westminster, Colorado

I never know about LLS until I was diagnosed with Leukemia almost a year ago. An old colleague reached out to me after being diagnosed. His amazing son was participating in a fundraiser with a few other high school kids to raise money through a program that (I believe) the school does every year. He came over to my house and interviewed me to learn my story and some of the struggles that I faced. I could tell in his face that it was really hitting home. This wasn’t something that happens once in a while to people you never know, it can happen to anyone. He did a wonderful job raising money for your organization and raising awareness. I was very proud to be a part of his campaign.

I do the pennies for Patient at Rivervalley. Also have been affected by Cancer. My step son is in Remission of Lekumia. Lost Sister to Cancer lost Dad to Cancer now my Sister just Diagnosed with Cancer. Lost a family member just yesterday to stage 4 Cancer Stomach. My good friend lost her daughter on the 16th of this month to Cancer. I Hate Cancer

LLS has been a valuable resource during my journey with blood cancer. When I was first diagnosed in 2011, they armed me with a basic understanding of CLL/SLL so I knew what questions to ask when seeking a hematology oncologist. When I was told I had chromosomal abnormalities which made my disease aggressive and more difficult to treat, they pointed me towards support groups in my area to help me with the emotional and mental cancer rollercoaster. During my initial chemo treatment, their nutritionist helped me so I was able to stay healthy and manage the side effects, and LLS’s financial assistance programs made it possible to fight my battle without the worries of paying for my medicine. When I relapsed in 2018 and my oncology team suggested a clinical trial, I once again turned to LLS for information and financial assistance. But the most dramatic benefits of my relationship with LLS, was from the research they helped fund. Since my first remission in 2012, advances meant a bone marrow transplant was no longer my only hope; in fact, it wasn’t even provided as an option! The new targeted therapies, combined with the clinical trial I chose led to deep remission with no measurable residual cancer and I was able to discontinue all treatment. Thank you, LLS for being there every step of the way!

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is my go to site for information on every aspect of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. From the resources, I have learned about diagnostic tests and treatment options. After reading everything available, I check the website frequently because the updates give the latest information about new treatments. It is reassuring to know work continues in the search to defeat this disease. This helps me better understand discussions with my hematologist. I have also been very thankful for the opportunity to call the Information Specialist who explains any question. Another helpful service is the online support group. Meeting with these new friends who share their experiences is encouraging.

LLS is an amazing nonprofit. While I was working with them their mission was clear: help the most we can the best way we can. The work that the employees and nonprofit does is extremely tough but I was able to see how they helped people and gave hope back to families who needed it. Through the efforts of donors, volunteers, directors, and many others, the organization is able to do work that is of the upmost importance. I was very grateful to be able to work with an organization so dedicated to a worthy cause. Please help out in anyway you can for those who will benefit from The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

when i was first diagnosed with CLL last year the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society helped me a great deal by providing lots of informative information to me via booklets and over the phone assistance. I was stuggling with no insurance and very limited funds. LLS was able to find ways for me to receive assistance and get the care I needed. The group chats they host too are really good. Thank God for LLS.

Three years ago at age 39, I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. My world came to a crushing halt. I was spinning out of control and didn’t know where to find answers. My son was young and needed his mother. My husband was devastated at the thought of loosing his best friend. It was in this time of need that I was pointed in the direction of LLS. LLS was a lifeline. They helped me understand my diagnosis. With understanding came calm. While there is no cure, I have found a support system of people who understand. LLS has provided emotional support and financial support that has helped my family and me greatly on this journey. Without LLS I don’t think I would be where I am today. Thank you to everyone at LLS for your kindness, support, and friendship.

My husband's jaw was broken in two places by a dentist that pulled his last four teeth. He has had an ongoing infection for over a year and a half and they need to do major surgery and take a bone out of his leg and put it into a jaw with a titanium plate. He has a hole going from the inside of his mouth and coming out where the top of his chin is. Everything that goes into his mouth, comes out the hole. It has been extremely difficult for him and for me as a caregiver.

In preparing him for surgery with the surgeon, we found out that he has a rare blood disease named CMML-2. It is rare form of leukemia and he can't have the surgery until we get the white count cells in his bone marrow high enough to have the surgery so he can heal.

LLS provided $100 for us which may not seem like much too many, but dear reader, financially we have been struggling. LLS set us up with a dietitian and she helped me to understand how to increase my hubby's calorie intake because he was losing so much weight.

They are saying stem cell replacement is his only cure and LLS had someone call me and my husband who had that done the same age as my husband to answer any questions and give support.

The LLS staff are so kind when you call, they go above and beyond to try to help you because they know you are struggling.

Everyday I go to the website because there's a general fund of $500 that is closed right now ... hoping to see an opening. It would help so much, When my husband is finally ready for surgery before he does the stem cell replacement, I will be sleeping in my van, because the hospital is 7 hours round trip and we don't have the funds to pay for a hotel.

Most don't realize how hard it is until you're in the situation. I'm not only a caregiver, I am total home maintenance (we just purchased a little cabin a little over 1 year ago and my husband has been down since then), I am the housekeeper the dishwasher the cook and the secretary to all this medical paperwork that is going on.

There are families who have their children and Children's Hospital that usually would be staying at the Ronald McDonald house but because of the colvin thing they are sleeping in their cars as well.

Dear reader, we need people like you to help because when you have nothing left, it's the only thing to rely on and it gives hope. Thank you so much if you've helped in the past and if you're thinking about helping and you can, please do.

From our heart to all of yours,
Stay well and be happy.
Debra L. & Thomas L.

I was diagnosed with NH lymphoma, stage IV, in 2017. The “trusted” resources from the Leukemia and Lymphoma were of tremendous help. Their weekly chats help connect patients and caregivers with a trusted host. I keep emphasizing “trusted” because it is important for patients to have an reliable anchor in the midst of incorrect information. The LLS booklets, written for the new patient and the patients on continued maintenance were key in helping me understand.

And so, it begins. About a year ago I began to develop a rash on my chest. It did not itch or otherwise bother me and my cardiologist believed it was caused by some of my medication. After switching the meds back and forth several times, nothing worked. Life rocked on. I don’t go to the beach and don’t have a fit muscular body to show off to anyone, so I thought who cares about a rash.

Beginning in January, the rash took on a life of its on. At first it only mildly irritated me. And, as the weeks went by the rash became increasingly worse. It reddened and began to intently itch. Not a regular itch, but an uncontrollable one coupled with burning one. It felt like someone had pressed a lit match not my flesh. At night it would wake me up. Normal topical ointments did not work.

Finally, my family doctor referred me to a dermatologist. She began treatment and gave me cortisone shots and a compound ointment. It helped, some. She performed a biopsy and reported she did not know what the rash was only what it wasn’t. Go figure. More months passed and the rash was no closer to being resolved. Finally, she sent me to an allergist who performed a complete battery of bloodwork. “Mr. Teel”, the allergy doctor said. “This is Dr. Rosenblatt. I need to speak to you about your bloodwork. I don’t like your blood.” This made me pause. No one ever told me they didn’t like my blood.

A year ago I had a kidney infection and my urologist told me he did not like the looks of my urine. I looked him in the eye and said, “Doc, I am almost seventy years old and this is the first time in my life anyone ever told me they didn’t like how my piss looked. I am hurt.” He started to laugh and laugh and so did I. “Mr. Teel, no one ever said that to me”. He answered.

The allergist wanted me to see a hematologist/oncologist. That got my attention. I wasn’t not worried only concerned. People say the word “concerned” as a step down from “worried”. Worried is a step down from “scared”. So, I was at the concerned stage. One bad thing about having an illness is not knowing. The great unknown. Knowing is power and healing and relief. In a real sense I looked forward to meeting the oncologist and learning what was wrong. Dr. Yates is caring and honest. “Well, you have T Cell Lymphoma”, he calmly told me. And the next thing he said was greatly welcomed. “It is entirely treatable.” I wonder if he heard my sigh of relief? He went on to say he was sending me to an expert in the field for an evaluation.

As I drove to the second expert’s office I did not know what to expect. His office was efficient and pleasant. Dr. Raza’s first words were, “Do you know what you have?”

“I was told it was T Cell Lymphoma”, I answered.

“That’s right.” He went on to to explain what that meant. It is a form of cancer of the blood and bone marrow. Unlike other forms of leukemia, the disease begins on the skin not in the blood and it migrates to the blood. I did not know that. He looked me over carefully and sat back and explained he will be my primary expert but my treatment will be supervised by Dr. Yates in Oxford where we live. I will see Dr. Raza every three months and can drive myself to treatments locally. Since the treatment facility is less than fifteen minutes from home this is a good plan. I will have an infusion of chemo once every three weeks. Dr. Raza ordered a bone marrow biopsy and. PET scan and explained the purpose was to ascertain the markers in my blood which can be used as a guide to attack the cancer cells.

I must admit I was apprehensive about the biopsy. Not because of the results but the pain that might be involved. The process takes several hours. First, you report to the lab for the PET scan. The technician/nurse injects you with a dye containing sugar water and a radioactive material. Then you sit for an hour while the substance works it’s way through your system. You are placed in a tunnel device such as a CAT scan or MRI. For over an hour you entire body is scanned. The machine moves you in and out, in and out until it has completely its work. The technician explained the PET scan sliced up your entire body. Sliced and diced.

The bone marrow biopsy is invasive. You report to the lab and don that skimpy open in the back hospital gown. You lay on your stomach and are numbed in your hip area. They give you an IV which places medication in your system to relax and calm you. It works. Then the doctor takes a long needle (I never saw it) and he inserts it in your hip bone and extracts bone marrow. This is subsequently tested. To my great surprise it was not painful only mildly uncomfortable at best. Did I mention the gallons of blood they take during the initial diagnostic process? Yeah. Lots of sticks. Lots of blood. But, I have plenty.

When I returned for my follow up with Dr. Yates he told me I needed a port installed in my chest to facilitate the infusions. Frankly, I was relieved. I take blood thinners for my heart (an infarc, triple bypass, stents, afib) and whenever I bump myself, even slightly, it leaves a nasty bruise.
Getting a port is no big deal. Back at the lab again. You wear the hospital garb, get sedated mildl through an IV, and off you go to the surgical unit. The doctor used some sort of X-ray device to perform an incision in your upper chest. A port is just a tube that intersects with your vein in your neck. A round like object is under your skin. This is where future IVs are inserted. It causes little pain and is far better than having an IV in your arm week after week. For me this is a good thing. Being hooked up to a bag of drugs dripping in your system may as well be semi comfortable.

On my first day of chemo now and back home. I found the process simple and comfortable. Everyone in my doctor’s office and the Baptist Hospital Infusion Center is nice and caring. A person can always tell the difference between being a caring person and just going through the motions. I was pleased the center has a 24 hour fully maned emergency contact number where you can report any problem and get an answer back quickly.

The procedure is as follows. Report to the doctor’s office. Have the port checked and flushed out. Then they draw blood fro the port not my arm. What a relief. Then you walk down to the infusion center and pick a nice comfortable lounge chair. You have more flushing and wait for the blood test results to come back. Then when the nurse gets the all clear you get a bag of saline and then the medication. Mine is Adcetris also known as Brentuximab Vedotin. There are side effects. Primarily fatigue and nausea. More are possible, but I won’t go I to these possibilities because I don’t want to jink myself by discussing them. You begin by taking orally Tylenol, Benadryl, and an anti nausea med.

All went well today. I leaned back and read my iPad. Checked the mail. Threw out more articles about politics, checked the local obituaries (my name didn’t appear), and generally relaxed. So far, so good. My wonderful granddaughter dropped me off and picked me up on this test run. Next time I will drive myself. I can do this.

I will always be extremely grateful for the financial assistance that was given to me while undergoing treatments for CLL. It certainly helped to ease the anxiety of not only knowing you have leukemia but, also reduces the stress of worrying about the mounting medical bills. Whenever I can, I will donate to this wonderful Society and I have encouraged others to do so, also!

I’ve been retired since 2008. I was diagnosed with MDS two year ago. When I was told about LLS By a nurse friend I applied for help. They were more then happy to help me with my insurance payments and travel assistance. They have been a blessing.

LLS has been a huge support To my family since my son was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 13 months. From printed materials to financial and emotional support, we are so grateful for the help.

The Leukemia and Lymphoma society has provided me with invaluable information throughout my battle with lymphoma. I have a 1 year old son and had to stop working throughout treatment for almost the past year. We qualified for some financial assistance provided by the LLS which was hugely helpful and we are so grateful for.

I was completely blindsided by this disease and had no idea how to deal with the cancer physically or financially. LLS helped me get thru both. I don’t know what I would have done without them. The weekly chats and other services have been so informative as well as comforting, allowing me to share and learn from others with the same cancer as I.

My husband was recently diagnosed with pcns lymphoma. I never heard of LLS prior to his diagnosis. They are full of information and are helpful with funding to get you through a tough time. Most of my questions were readily answered by the numerous publications they provide. The social worker at the hospital recommended them to me and I'm grateful she did. I can't say enough good about LLS.

If it were not for the LLS, I would not have been able to get the necessary treatment to get my Multiple Myeloma under control. My first award was back in 2009 when I finally found a doctor who cared enough about me to tackle this beast. After 4 1/2 years of treatment it was under control and dormant enough for me to take a 5 year break from treatment. Now, it is active again. Thankfully, the LLS is there for me again, doing a phone interview and working with a wonderful young man, my application was submitted and approved! I start treatment this Wed, and though I would rather not, I am very grateful that I can, and work to get the myeloma back under control. Thank you LLS for helping me to do this, and be here for my children and grandchildren!

I was diagnosed with incurable CML July 28, 2018. One of my CML group members told me about LLS & help they offer for us patients. During the pandemic LLS provided me a $250 debit card, $100 check & $500 Travel Card for expenses during this crisis. Thank you for your kindness and help during this difficult times.

Sincerely,
Matthew A Martines

They helped me a lot with my financial hardships. I’m on a fixed income; Social Security, 82 yr old, living alone, with Non Hodgkins Lymphoma.

Hello,
My name is Johnathan Manning. I am currently an eleventh-grade student at Bishop McDevitt High School, and I am honored to be a candidate for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Student of the Year campaign of 2020. I am writing today to ask for your support in my efforts to help LLS in its mission to ensure access to cures and treatments for blood cancers. For seven weeks at the start of 2020 (January 16th to March 6th) students across the country will be raising awareness for research, programs, and advocacy being conducted through LLS, in addition to raising funds to support the mission to cure blood cancers. Several Student of the Year candidates, myself included, are competing in Central Pennsylvania, and we will each put our best fundraising foot forward in honor of all those fighting blood cancers. While childhood leukemia has the highest cure rate of any blood cancer, it is still the top cause of death by disease for children and young adults under the age of 20. This needs to change and I know that as we come together and partner with LLS we will find a cure.
I chose to run for Student of the Year because of the great number of losses I have experienced throughout my life. In July of 2018 a very close family friend of mine, Natalie, was diagnosed with cancer. Knowing the impact that Natalie made on my life, and seeing her impact on everyone she touched, inspired me to want to share her story. Losing both of my parents at such a young age has horribly affected my life, but I've managed and lived through it. Seeing people I care for struggle to fight against disease and ultimately lose has given me the inspiration to take that next step: to raise awareness, hope, and money for LLS. I want to help as many families affected by blood cancers possible and I cannot do it alone.

Being diagnosed with leukemia is very scary and you might even feel alone, people don’t understand all the things we need to get through the battle. It’s not like a cancer with tumors that can be removed it’s an every day battle for the rest of your life and it’s not cheap. The leukemia and lymphoma society has been a wonderful help to me, not just helping with expenses but also with moral support. To give to this nonprofit organization is giving Support and virtual hugs to the people who suffer from leukemia and lymphoma.

The experience with leukemia & Lymphoma Society was very helpful with getting my travel Visa card for gas since my drive is 80
miles around trip I’m going on 39 infusions
at the Clovis cancer Institute Clovis California thanks for all your help
Bobbie Mills USAF Veteran

I am an elementary school teacher and coordinator for our annual Pennies for Patients campaign for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Years ago, we decided to participate because we had a student at our school who was a leukemia survivor. But it became much more than that. We were touched by the stories of other survivors and the families whose lives were made better through the work of this organization. To date, our small elementary school has raised over $50,000 and it has changed the culture of our school! Students approach me months in advance to ask me when our campaign starts and to let me know that they have been saving their coins for a year! Our students truly can sense that they are a part of something greater than themselves, and that is why we will continue to participate in the years to come. Thank you so much for the incredible, life-changing work that you do!

I really don’t know where I would be without the LLS COPAY ASSISTANT PROGRAM!!! I was diagnosed at age 45 with Lambda Light Chain Myeloma. The team at my Cancer Center informed me of the services so I applied and was accepted. I have now being fight for 16yrs. I have had 3 Autogolous Stem Cell Transplants, numerous types of chemotherapy treatments over the years. Just dealing with the disease is enough on a person and their family not to mention the financial aspect. This program with some work on my end... proof that I have paid the bills helps me get reimbursed for Medicare premium, my secondary that picks up what Medicare doesn’t pay, my drug plan & also gives me a drug card through them that picks up medications that are covered under a formulary. I cry every time I go to the mail box and receive the reimbursement check. I pay almost 500.00 out of my pocket for all of this coverage so whatever I get helps my husband and I. I am on disability and get 1338.00 a month so the insurance comes off the top. I think many time GOD what have I done that you would be so kind as to help me in this manner. As of today I just found a few days ago that I am out of remission again but this time is different Lytic Lesions are now involved which has not been the case in the past 16 yrs. I have a big lesion on the head of my femur and others in my pelvic area on the left and right so I am now having to walk with a walker and suffer with constant pain. BUT yeah I can still walk, be with my family & friends I SM BLESSED!!!!
All I can say is the comfort of knowing that LLS is here for me and a multitude of others is overwhelming!!!! I hope that just reading a little of my story YOU will know beyond a shadow of a doubt that YOU supporting ALL OF US means more than you could ever fathom!!!!

I donate to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society on a regular basis and am so inspired by all they do to help people. This is truly a great organization!

It all started in July 2011. I started getting short of breath just walking in a store.
I then nicked my neck shaving and couldn't get the bleeding to stop easily. Then one morning taking a shower I notice large brushes on my legs groin and arms. The next morning I went to my VA hospital. They took blood and had it analyzed. Results came back that my wbc was extremely high (may be wrong how I describe) Dr said normal was around 10000 my was 157000.
They transmitted slides to a specialized co in coloroda to define what it was.
They reported it is APL leukemia. Then two doctors came in to tell me this type has a 85% favorable out come.

I was immediately transfered to University hospital in Cincinnati. (The rest is not pleasant to read, but I feel the end message can be comforting to some) Almost immediately i had a team of doctors who would visit me everyday. I was diagnosed with DIC and DVT. Dic is brain bleeding and dvt is blood clotting. They told me they couldn't treat the two because one treatment would complicate the other.
They put an iv filter in the artery in the stomach to filter clots. APL's characteristics are internal bleeding. I was bleeding internal alot, so I had many blood transfusions for this.
I was given a wonderful drug , Atra. It was developed in France by observing how the Chinese where treating APL which i believe was vitamin A. The French eventually were instrumental in developing Atra. I was also started on chemo.
I had all of the awful side effects, but the doctors did everything possible to make me comfortable. I was discharged 5 weeks later in remission. Had to go to a nursing home for a while to get back to physically stronger. I had to give myself two injection everyday of Lovenex in the stomach fat. Really was not that bad. The needle is very short and thin, really doesn’t hurt.
I then had 52 visit to an out patient oncology clinic for more chem, IV Arsenic Trioxide.
This is when all my skin peeled off in sheets. Also all my nails started falling off. One good side effect was it killed off my toe fungus.
This w a s not a difficult time.

Overall it took about 30 months to get back to normal. Gained back the 50lbs I lost.

My message to people with APL is it is highly survivable. I considered it another bump in the road of life. I never never thought of not fighting it or giving up. I believe it gave me an insight on how vulnerable we could be but knew technology was on my side.

It's been 9 years and the only symptom that MAY be related is peripheral neuropathy in my feet. But medication is available for this.

That's about it, keep faith.

I am both a client served and a volunteer. My son Reilly, died of leukemia at age 17 in 2017. He had an extremely aggressive form of T-cell leukemia and I turned to LLS for information and advice. I want LLS to continue their good work, so I have done volunteer work for my local chapter as well. It’s a fantastic organization working to fight a horrific disease.

I have been fighting Stage IV Non-Hodgkins since 2012. In my bone-marrow and spleen. The Leukemia,& Lymphoma Society has been so wonderful and kind to me. I am 73 years old and their financial support has taken a lot of worry off my mind. My Medicare and AARp United health care, and Silver script are almost $400.00 a month. Without LLS I would be in dire straights. I have had 46 Chemo treatments , This cancer is treatable, but not curable so you need good insurance. Thank You LLS. for all your help.

I'm malichai, my school did a fundraiser for the leukemia and lymphoma society. This meant so much to me because I lost my auntie Lexi during her fight with leukemia back in 2016. To be a part of something to help those in need during their battle with leukemia, lymphoma, any cancers, or life threatening diseases meant so much to me. So with the help of my momma and her reaching out to her friends and our family, we were able to raise more than $200 for the cause. It felt so good know it could bring comfort or happiness to even one person struggling. Thank you to the leukemia and lymphoma society for letting me be a part of it all!!!

During the darkest time and days filled with anxiety and fear this organization gave accurate,scientific,current information of the highest caliber. I attended one of their symposiums and learned first hand from the foremost practitioners in the world. They also are a source of financial support for some and emotional support for all. This organization makes a very tangible contribution to the patients and families and there is no way I can say enough about them.

My daughter was diagnosed with Pre-B Cell Accute Lymphoblastic Leukemia when she was just 6 years old.

Her father was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.

During the most difficult times of our lives,, our family has thrived thanks to the compassion shown by LLS. With every walk, every support platform they offer; even down to the reading material provided, we've come to feel very cherished by the foundation.

We will forever consider LLS part of our family.

Now with two amazing cancer SURVIVORS, we hope to help support LLS the way they've supported us.

LLS is a amazing non-profit.

They combine a focus on fighting to save people’s lives with a fundraising approach that meets supporters wherever they are, whether you are an athlete, a survivor, or a business person wanting to be sure the most important good is done.

We have participated in the Annual Light the Night walk for 4 years, starting as my sons Leukemia treatment started. One if the most powerful aspects of this walk is it allows you to be drawn in to your comfort level. The first year friends and family joined us, but we stayed on the periphery of the crowd, not really sure.

Last year, we were invited to join a team by the clinic where our son was being treated, we were drawn all the way into the middle, fully participating in the Ring of Honor, and it was deeply moving.

LLS funds research, but at the same time they build a community. Definitely an outstanding organization.

Way back in April of 2011 I was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia or CML. My oncologist recommended that I could get my best information from LLS. That fall my daughter and wife formed our first LLS Light the Night Team and then dragged me to my first LTN event (I was still very angry about CML). They brought about 8 of my closest family and friends and I've never looked back. All the informational materials and activities from LLS were and are FREE. Our first LTN Walk brought tears of joy to my eyes. The stories shared by the honorees were just what I needed. Currently my CML is completely under control thanks to the medication that was developed through support of LLS and the genius of Dr. Druker. I am an active chat member through LLS' CML Chat, am captain of Team zLightful for LTN, I've been trained as a First Contact. LLS helped me find my way through this difficult journey. If you have a blood cancer or are a caregiver LLS is here for you.

I had the privilege of working with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Oklahoma chapter. I worked on a team during the Man and Woman of the Year campaign. The campaign kicked off shortly before the COVID pandemic. I was amazed at how well this organization was able to shift their fundraising efforts to a virtual campaign. Since blood cancers don't halt during a pandemic, the work of this organization is truly essential to so many.

Last spring I was given the amazing opportunity of working with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and raised awareness and support for all they do. I truly enjoyed working on the Student of the Year Campaign as a Team Member because every single person was there to benefit others. I thought it was a great way to get the youth of today active in supporting the fight against cancer and educating everyone in what LLS does. It meant so much to me that I was able to care for others while at the same time doing it for my family members that have personally struggled with cancer. It was a wonderful experience that I wouldn’t change for the world! I learned so much by listening to our guest speakers, meeting our strong role model, Portia, and engaging with members of our community. This organization makes the goal of ending cancer seem that much more achievable and I am thankful I got to be apart of it!

I can’t believe how well they keep donors informed with life stories and advances in treatments.

I love helping this cause because they really care so much about those whom they seek to serve.

My name is Renee, I am a survivor of Multiple Myeoloma. I was diagnosed in August of 2014. This was hard and I was afraid for a moment; because my mother had died from pancreatic/liver cancer in 2008. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has truly been my help and life saver.
This organization has provided resources for me to help with my mental health, assistance with my expensive medication that I am told that I have to take everyday for the rest of my life. I have been blessed to be here to witness the birth of my newest grandson and have the opportunity to be here for other 4 grandchildren. This year they helped with a grant for food because I was furloughed from my part-time job due to Covid-19.

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is a God send and I am so grateful for the many people who provide donations to this organization.

God bless you.

My son Braden was diagnosed with ALL in December 2017. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has helped us financially and informatively. For that we are forever Thankful. It's one of the Best nonprofits hands down!

I was diagnosed with Plasma Cell Leukemia (an aggressive form of Multiple Myeloma, an incurable blood cancer) in December of 2019 and began chemotherapy on January 30, 2020. Because my daughter had a friend who volunteered with LLS, she learned and passed on to me that LLS provided financial assistance as well as educational information from top MM specialists throughout the country. I have recently been made aware that my MM was likely caused by agent orange exposure during military service in Vietnam. While I have been undergoing treatment, the services offered by LLS have greatly benefited me and my family. I am currently in remission awaiting a stem cell transplant and can’t say enough about this great organization!

For many the idea of donating bone marrow is a very scary proposition. Fortunately
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and groups like theirs, really do a great job of walking potential donors through the process. They fill-in the knowledge gaps and make you as comfortable with the process as possible. Beyond that they really bring home how important your donation is to not just the recipient, but the recipients family as well. second only to the day I became a father, the day I donated my bone marrow was one of the the most humbling of my life. Everyone of us has the potential to save a life, sign-up and help The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society continue to do this most important work.

Started with DLBCL lymphoma in 2013. Received RCHOP and was free of cancer for 6 years. DLBCL has come back along with CMML leukemia. Currently 2 weeks into CAR-T therapy. Wondering who else has had CAR-T and how it worked out. Also wondering who has had any experience with CMML?

As a leukemia survivor myself, I feel like the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society does so much to not only support patients through some of the most difficult times in life but help their caregivers navigate through understanding their needs and condition. They work tirelessly to fund research which in turn helps patients get the latest and greatest of care. Thank you LLS!!

My experience has been in participating in the walk the last two years. My 34 year old daughter is a two-time recipient of bone marrow transplant and is doing great. I thank God for LLS because of all you have done finding cures and treatments for people like my daughter. It has been amazing seeing all the ways my daughter’s life has been saved. It has been a miracle seeing so many caring, kind, compassionate, knowledgeable people involved in helping my daughter, from doctors and nurses to chaplains and patient services. Thank you LLS!

The highest standards at the service of the noblest of causes, research and support to families that are victims of cancer in the Leukemia and Lymphoma forms. And behind the caregivers that help support all of us.
Kudos for the wonderful work and bringing hope to all of us !

When my husband was diagnosed with multiple myeloma we called the cancer society to be basically told there were lots of programs but not for us since we had income!
At the suggestion of friends I called the LLS who could not have been more helpful and supportive. We did not need a handout. We needed a person who understood and could give us info and keep us calm. They did. They actually called once a week to check up in us until we left town for his treatments. They still touch bases every so often to make sure we are ok.
We are surviving and getting back our lives. And a good portion of our sanity and state of mind and heart is due to the volunteers at the leukemia & lymphoma Society.

This is the best non profit I ever known ,they help me more than I can ever imagine. I wouldn't be able to afford my cancer medication without them. I praise the Lord for that foundation.������������������������������������������

Research news keeps me informed of latest trials and study results for Multiple Myeloma. It gives me an arsenal of hope when current treatments slow down or fizzle out. It's encouraging to know I have a strong advocate in my corner. Thanks for your hard and dedicated work!

I first heard about the LLS Light the Night walk about 20 years ago and have been participating every year since. My dad passed away from Leukemia i 1985 before there were options to treatment. I am so glad to help out any way I can so that future generations can get the medications they need and possibly put an end to blood cancer. Our local chapter has been extremely helpful with materials that I need, advice, and I was part of a team that brainstormed ideas to promote the walk. I would not have been able to raise money and awareness without my local chapter!

My name is Anthony Russo and I work for Bayer Pharmaceuticals in Whippany, NJ. During my first week of employment back in august 2019 I attended an LLS event in one of the showrooms at our office and I was immediately hooked in. Bayer already had a Bayer LLS team so I joined without hesitation. My wife and I attend the Night the Light event in Morristown and it was just a wonderful event with so many success stories and stories that tugged at your heart string. Ironically on 6/12/20 of this year I myself was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma and am currently undergoing my treatment plan. Everything happens for a reason and I'm grateful more than ever for joining the Bayer LLS team and helping such a worthy cause.

Thanks you.

I was diagnosed with myloplastic leukemia and given 6 months to live I had a bone marrow transplant. I survived 17 years then found out I had AML 40 % of my marrow was infected with cancer in 2019, I was given 3 months to live, i had a stem cell transplant in November of 2019 it has been 9 months and I am 100% leukemia free.

I was so fortunate to learn about LLS when I was diagnosed with AML leukemia atWVU Hospital. Besides my health I was worried about the financial burden I was putting on my husband! At 70, I am not wealthy. Because of all the contributions of supporters, the financial aid has been a God send! Now I can concentrate on getting well. I thank everyone who helps me! Medical bills, transportation costs, and many other expenses! God Bless you all!

Saved my sanity after 2013 diagnosis of MCL and following chemo and radiation. Still here and under control.
Grandpa

It has been an amazing process, LLS has a great staff and being apart of the student of the year program. It is amazing seeing LLS enabling these high school students to do incredible things. Setting them up with leadership, and networking skills. Something That no other program teaches high schooler. I love this nonprofit and am greatly invested in is movement.

I contacted LLS to learn if they had a position on Roundup. I received the statement and other contact information. I administer a Facebook support group for patients with Mantle Cell Lymphoma and their caregivers. We have 614 members. This information will be very helpful for them when the lawyers begin their second round of badgering for business. Special thanks to AnaPortillo for such a quick response. Thank you, Ana.

P.S. I am also a patient of MCL, Blastoid Variant.

The information I received from LLS helped me prepare for Survivorship: I was able to organize and consolidate my questions and send them to my oncology team before my appointment. This helped maximize time spent face-to-face with my doctor and get all the answers I wanted, so I left the appointment with peace of mind and armed with the confidence to move into successful Survivorship.

Needed some help with getting information regarding a personal CLL problem.
Spoke to Kristin Scheeler, who was exceedingly helpful.
Emailed a ton of excellent information to me.
Was very pleasant and well informed.
5 stars plus!!

Speaking to Amy Lane this morning was delightful. She was kind, unhurried, and full of excellent information and advice. Her kindness warmed my heart!
Thank you very much!!
Melanie
Embrun, Ontario, Canada

They don't help Indians but I'm happy for the people to whom they helps...... Doing a great work.....

The conference "Understanding the emotional effects of cancer" was excellent and Dr.
McFarland was empathetic in his manner. My niece age 41 had Non- Hodgkins Lymphoma, stage 1 then stage 4. At age 41 she was addressed by herself. Her parents were not part of the information. It is vital that caregivers are prompted about what to expect in this way. The process is so painful, it may be very helpful. Only at Sloane were the parents helped-not at other hospitals. My dissertation was on kids who survived 1989 and so much is new,I hope all those in the field are well caught up. Your work is needed.

I want to thank the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) Information Center, especially Nikki Yuell, for the time and effort she put into furnishing me with such a comprehensive resource list. I can hardly believe they were able to provide so much information to me so quickly! I'm really impressed with the amount and variety of resources there are for cancer patients and their families and caregivers. I also appreciate Nikki's comments, which help me make sense of and prioritize, according to each family's situation, all the resources that are available.

Also, I want to thank Nikki and the LLS Information Center for helping me so much over the past several years. The resources they provided and explained to me in our telephone conversations regarding CLL, clearly saved my life. Because of this wonderful team of Information Specialists, I was able to find an excellent CLL specialist and get on Imbruvica when I needed treatment. That was over three years ago and my health is much better, as long as I stay on this medication.ul

Aside from the information itself, which was extremely helpful, the calm and caring demeanor of LLS Information Center staff and management, provided real comfort and support during a very stressful time in my life.

With much appreciation,
Nancy E.

Thank you Becky for your kind efforts in helping during this difficult and stressful time. Cant begin to Express how valuable people like your self and organizations like Leukemia and Lymphoma Society are to the many people having to face the hardships of cancer and the many trials that come along with it. My heart goes out to you and the LLS organization. God willing I to will be able to contribute to this noble cause someday soon. Blessed be your hearts. Many Thank Yous.

I want to thank the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for the very rapid response to my quest for information about a very rare form of cancer found on my removed thyroid. The researcher sent an extensive list of studies and information for me to better understand the diagnosis and the implications.

Your Society has opened a window of opportunity to my Father and myself..Thank you all your support .

Only about 40% of the contributions go to helping those with leukemia of lymphoma or for research. Salaries and other expenses are too high.

My brother is diagnosed with Leukemia and needs a bone marrow transplant. We are from Ethiopia and none of the hospitals in Ethiopia gives that treatment. He needs to go outside if the country immediately and gets the treatment
Please help me save him as he has two children underage and all dependent on him. He is an assistant professor at the biggest university in the country with a PHD from a Canada and Masters in Sweden, biologist specialized in fishery.

https://www.gofundme.com/blood-cancer-treatment-cost

I am in remission from AML. I read one man who felt the woman disappointed with receiving no assistance fro, LLA was ungrateful. Realize it take money to receive treatment, just as it does to finance research. If I can't afford gas to get to my chemo then how beneficial is the chemo. If I can'afford food, let alone healthy food,' how well will my treatment work. Research is a huge part of where donations go, but so are the needs of the patient, I have been in those shoes as a patient....disabled receiving government assistance. We lost everything, even became homeless, due to the expenses incurred. One doesn't prepare for cancer when every penny goes to just living.

Chapter manager NY/VT engages in breach of privacy. Corporate unwilling to help directs to chapter manager. Very unorganized and unprofessional.

The organization is one heap of a mess, with years of neglect, turnover, and is facing huge financial challenges. At the end of FY14 (June), the company announced a $30 million deficit at the national level, a regional restructure (resulting in more deficits), and severely reduced staff support across the chapters. The operations of the organization is atrocious, from finance to IT to HR, and the overall culture lacks work/life balance and fairness.

When I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma I was afraid and thinking the worse. My family and I did not have any idea what the diagnosis meant for the long term. My doctor and his staff were excellent and they were focused on the treatment plan. I found a copy of the LLS booklets on Lymphoma, Understanding Lab and Imaging Tests, and the Lymphoma Guide. For the first time I was beginning to understand the cancer and treatment. This information gave me comfort and confidence. I contacted the folks at LLS and they recommended online education and chat rooms. I did both. It was have been extremely difficult for me to make it through my treatment without LLS. I found their printed material easy to read and understand for a non-medical person. I also found their staff to be professional, caring, informed, patient and understanding. I would highly recommend them to anyone who needs information on blood cancers (patients, caregivers, family, medical professionals), anyone who wants to volunteer for a world class organization, and anyone who wants to donate to a charity that is extremely worthy of your trust and donation. Thank You LLS for helping me and my family, I will never forget your kindness and support. Tom W.

I used to work for them for years and the direction the CEO is taking the organization is atrocious. Their Patient Services department has now been dismantled and taken over by Advocacy. The 3 things that matter to them: money, research and advocacy, not patients. They have now gone to a regional structure, hired regional people with no patient outreach or program experience, only advocacy or fundraising experience. At the local chapter level, where they used to hire professionals with a masters degree to do the patient and educational programs, they now hire just about anyone. The new people are rude, abrasive, real losers who otherwise would not have a job. The previous CEO started the patient services programs because he cared, the CEO there now 4 years does not care for patients and his board backs him up. Also, the head of fundraising, George Omiros is a tyrant along with his people, including one of The CEO's previous lover, who continues to be promoted. Give to another org.

LLS is and always will be a charity that's close to my hard. I'm a firm believer in the great work they do. The focus is on blood cancer, but the research benefits other cancers. The treatments they've funded have often gone on to benefit other cancers.

I became involved in 2008 when my 25 year old brother was diagnosed with AML. LLS was there right away for him to help a bit financially but more importantly to help him understand and cope with his illness.

To the comments related to patient support...that is a goal of LLS. They support and educate patients and their families AND support research concurrently. That said, the focus is and should be on research because that's what will save the most patients in the future. Within patient services, I'd argue that emotional and educational support are much more valuable than a check for medical expenses anyway.

My brother lost his battle to leukemia in 2010 and I've been team captain of his Light the Night Walk team since, raising about $38,000 to date. I serve on the fundraising committee for our local walk and have had exposure to nearly every employee at the Maryland chapter. The people who work at LLS are amazing because they are so committed and vested in the cause. It's not a job to them; it's their life work.

With regards to the comments about the CEOs pay...please don't let that deter you from donating. The fact of the matter is this: CEOs at private companies make a lot more. The CEO of a nonprofit has the same skill set and he/she chose to take a considerable pay cut to work for a charity because they believe in the cause. We can agree that they shouldn't have the same pay as for-profit CEOs but at the same time, like it or not, you have to pay if you want to attract top talent. I think John Walter has done a great job as CEO since his appointment in 2008. He deserves every penny he's paid.

LLS is just an amazing charity for a great cause and I'll continue to support them until cancer is cured.

I felt compelled to make a comment after reading a patient's review below. She was upset that she did not receive financial help from LLS while she was going through her treatment. This organization's goal is NOT to give financial aid to patients. Their goal is to fund blood cancer research. So, while they may not have given you money to help with your medical bills, how would that have helped the thousands and thousands of others who are suffering from blood cancer? They can do the most good and help the most people by donating their money to research to find a SOLUTION to the problem...not funding medical expenses the problem creates. This is not to sound callous - this is a fact. The push for money is to fund research, it's that simple.

I saw the 1 star rating by Jessica Simpson whereas I give it 4 stars as the only problem I see with the LLS is that their fundraising costs are a bit high but administrative costs are very reasonable for an organization this large. Her contention that the director was getting paid 3.6% more than the director of the American Red Cross didn't sit too well for her and she has decided to cross the LLS off her list for donations.

That is regrettable!

My daughter has Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and has directly benefited from research funded by the LLS as well as received some minor funding for medical treatment. If you look at this page, http://www.lls.org/aboutlls/researchsuccesses/, you'll see that Rituxan is one of the drugs that came from research funded, in part, by the LLS and it is one of the drugs that has helped my daughter.

I participate in a local Light The Night Walk campaign in honor of my daughter and see the direct work of LLS workers. Many of them have family members who have blood cancers so it's just not a job to them.

So please do not let one bad review for a minor disagreement stop you from contributing to one of our great charities.

This is my ninth year as an active TNT volunteer, and in my opinion the organization does an excellent job. Not perfect, but none of us are. Have many friends who are Blood Cancer survivors, some who have not been able to survive. The work of LLS with patients and their families is superb, and the support of new drugs and therapies is outstanding.

My "family cancer" is pancreatic, and unfortunately there has been less success in that arena. My wife and I work with LLS in part because we see success, and also hope for cross-over to other cancers.

I contribted to this organization on and off for about 10 years. However, I recently began using Charity Navigator to screen and filter my contributions. Upon reading the reviews for LLS, I was drawn to the compensation of the director, which is at $519,000.00. Now, as a comparsion, I looked up the compensation for the director of the American Red Cross, at $501,000.00. Not only does the American Red Cross pay their director less, but the scope of services provided and scope of responsibility for the ARC cannot compare to LLS. I have decided to cross LLS off my list.

I have lymphoma, have attended the local LLS support group for blood cancer (the only one around), am a first connection volunteer who has called newly diagnosed patients, have attended the excellent Highlights of ASH (annual blood cancer conference) shindig in San Francisco, have visited local political representatives with the organization, and am a multi-year Team In Training (TNT) participant. I recently spoke as a patient at Stanford Hospital - where many doctors are supporting and speak highly of the organization - they have a Stanford hospital TNT team.

The local San Jose office staff are great in my opinion. The organization is the major blood cancer advocate in my area.

TNT is a good thing. I don't like asking for money and have felt guilty about benefiting from LLS sponsoring trips to potentially far flung locations. That said, most of my events are local (Wildflower), I drive to them, and sleep on the ground in a tent, but I also went to Hawaii. I also donate and my company matches, participants can donate their own $'s if they feel bad about administrative overhead. I guess 25% overhead is normal, but I'd like non-profit overhead to be 0% like everyone else, but we have to live in reality, local staff don't seem overpaid. I'm also not enamored of high CEO salaries, but I'd probably have to say that most CEO's in Silicon Valley have better salaries, but they're not running non-profits.

Best for TNT is that in addition to helping patient, it also get participants off the couch, into good shape, and significantly improves participant health. So they help patients, raise money for research, whip participants into shape, etc. What's not great about that!

One of the other reviewers is correct, you can't swing a dead cat in the Bay Area without hitting a TNT'er. Go Team!

They've improved my life. I brought my entire family to Hawaii (on my dime of course) and hence even my wife and kids are heartier, healthier, and sexy as hell:-) Now my 16 year old son is biking with me and will go to Wildflower (I'm paying) with me this year. He's wearing an old TNT jersey of course - his only biking top!

I've been a TNT honoree (cancer survivor) every year I've participated. My blood cancer isn't curable, but it seems to be stable. I hope to participate for many more years.

I'm not a charity expert, but I have worried about this, did my own investigation (e.g. reading all these reviews) and my take is:
* LLS is as about good as most charities from an overhead standpoint
* Of course training and sending loads of people to events is overhead, but it's really good overhead.
* Most of my friends are going to donate to charity (Go Friends!), LLS is as good a choice as any

I judge things in life by the rule would it be good if everyone did it or no one did it. By this rule littering is bad, spending more time with your children good, and TNT good. If everyone did TNT we'd all be in better shape, live longer, and health care costs would go down - that's before any of the funds raised go to research and patient services.

It's not easy to get fat Americans off the couch. I know my couch is pretty comfortable. As soon as I ask my family/friends to donate to my TNT fundraising my fate is sealed, I have to do it. That's the kind of positive peer pressure we all need. I ran to work today, without my TNT event looming over me I would never have done that. My big, fat, gas guzzling SUV sat in the driveway all day. I should park it on the couch:-)

I have donated to this charity from time to time. I would like to help those with CLL in particular. I don't want to contribute to the half million dollar salary the CEO is taking. I'm glad I found out about it. Good grief. I'm going to look for a better place to donate.

In reading the posts on LLS, it does not surprise me a bit. I am a former employee of LLS. Just over three years ago, shortly after the current CEO was put in office, the company made an about face and overhauled the company nation wide. The corporate office let many of the staff go and re-hired new staff at many of the offices throughout the country. In many offices, entire staff were treated terribly and all were let go. New employees pushed hard to get money out of patients families and local businesses. Empathy appeared to go out the window with the management change. In my office, I personally witnessed Godly people who truly cared about suffering patients and their families get replaced by cold money grubbing staff who followed the new direction of demands sent down by corporate office; to fundraise fundraise fundraise. The push to raise money was suddenly NOT balanced with putting the money raised back into the community to meet the patients needs. I personally witnessed the financial aid program and other programs get slashed to the bone while the new staff pushed and pushed families, donors and businesses to donate large sums of money. The new focus was not on the patients but on fundraising. Watching programs get demolished before my eyes and patients being deceived was unbearable. . I have worked for non-profits most of my professional career. I was very proud of LLS and their professionalism when I first began to work for them. However, it was extremely painful to watch a good agency fall apart in such a short period of time after the new CEO took office. I cried....not because I lost my job, but for the patients I was helping that I knew were being cut off from deserved services.

I have volunteered & participated with this organization for several years, each time expecting, hoping for something better to come out of their research and fundraising events...but it all seems to be going downhill. I'm also an avid marathoner and have noticed that a lot of there Team in Training events have not been up to par with their competitors. Many other organizations (The American Cancer Society (DetermiNation Campaign), have a much superior presence at the same events and I don't feel the that same "special feeling" to be a part of The Leukemia &Lymphoma Society. My friends and I are now choosing to donate ($ and time) to other organizations and are saddened that the organization has lost so much over the years.

I used to contribute to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society until I learned some facts. For those of you who feel your contributions and Team in Training efforts are helping to "cure leukemia and lymphoma" please check the publicly reported compensation of the CEO John Walter with other not for profits. For example, the CEO of Save the Children had total revenue of $540 million to manage. And, 90% of all expenditures went to Program Services. The CEO of Save the Children earns a base salary, according to the filed (and public) 990 form, of around $390,000. John Walter of LLS earns a base salary of over $500,000, which it reported lost $3.7 million last year and has total revenue that is hundreds of millions less, with around 70% going to “Program Services”. Recently the LLS Board ended the role of the SVP Marketing and Communications because of the poor results. Why hold only one person accountable for these results? These poor decisions started at the top. Maybe it's now time for the LLS Board to hold Mr. Walter accountable for running this once fine organization into the ground. I feel cheated. An outrageous base salary for a losing effort?? You might want to consider where your money is going too.

I was incredibly disappointed with this organization. I have ALL and have participated and fundraised for this group and will NOT continue to support this organization. When I relapsed after my first umbilical cord transplant, it was such a burden on my family that I sought out assistance through their website for the "Copay Assistance". I was told "you have the wrong kind of leukemia. There is no funding for that type." Are you kidding me? I didn't get to choose my "type" of leukemia. After being told this by their main headquarters, I called the local branch and received was told to apply for the $125/year they offer to patients. Since I was not able to receive disability (didn't qualify due to I was a stay at home mom for 12 years trying to raise my kids and told we made more than the $1000/mo allowed to qualify). I have not personally seen any of my cancer friends "helped" from this organization. I've only seen the money flow in from all the Team in Training and fundraising for all their events. I, being a leukemia survivor, do not see that they help the patients as stating they do. I've gone through this twice and was deparate (I am a very proud person that would NOT ask for help if I do not need it and would prefer not to ever need it) at the time I was trying to reach out. I would give to the local blood banks or to the American Cancer Society or to a smaller non profit doing good in the community. Every time I get a call from them for fundraising, I explain in detail WHY I cannot support their organization. I wish I could. I am currently working with my local blood bank and will give back to them. I see the benefit of the works of the blood bank far more than the LLS.

My son was 49 years old when he was diagnosed with AML. He was told he had a 25% chance of survival. He underwent severe treatment to get him ready for a bone marrow transplant. Luckily his own bone marrow was collected and harvested after his hard sharp treatments with chemo. It worked for him!! He has passed the 5 year mark, and is considered cured!! He is now 55 years old and feels that the research done prior to his experience with leukemia at least gave him a chance to live. He wants to give back to the people now going through the tough times with blood cancer treatments, and the research being done every day. SO YOU WILL FIND HIM, A SURVIVOR, AS A MEMBER OF TNT FOR A 100 MILE BIKE RIDE. He has been harshly training twice a week since February. He is a very generous man to do this. It is also very hard to ask for donations from friends, but he believes in LLS, and knows that some day they will come up with the answers to cures and even prevention, and hopes for patients and their families. (I wonder if you have statistics on how many participants are actually survivors of blood cancers.)

I work in cancer research and I have walked for LLS fundraising. I also send in change for my kids at their annual Pasta for Pennies fundraising school wide. However in recently looking for a cancer charity to donate to, I was shocked to see that the CEO of LLC takes in half a million dollars! That is outrageous. Their overhead is also high. I will definitely look for another cancer charity to donate to, perhaps something like Alex's lemonade stand. To me, if you are earning that much $, probably topping pediatric oncology surgeons, something is not right.

If you do go to the website that Mr. Sergentakis suggests, you should also be aware that he is a convicted felon who continues to victimize this organization and its CEO with lies, libel and fiction created in his mind. Do your own research. Read about the cutting edge approaches, in fundraisining as well as research, that LLS is using to eradicate this group of deadly diseases. If you do go to this website, take in the rantings of an unstable man, then take note that he has posted things there that prove his guilt.

Our experience with Team in Training and by extension the LLS was great. My wife was diagnosed with CLL (Chronic Lymphocidic Leukemia) 15 years ago. Today, she is still very healthy and active and her CLL is in remission. We attribute much of this to chemo treatments using what was newly developed technology about 10 years ago. We believe efforts like TnT contribute substantially to this and other cancer/disease research. If it takes people to engage in a personal endurance challenge to motivate them and their supporters to contribute to this, we see no problem, in fact having seen it up close from many perspectives, seeing the results, we think it is terrific. This is true not only for LLS/TnT but all similar endurance based fund raisers for charity.

AFTER my wife was diagnosed, we participated in 3 Team in Training running events to both improve our health (thus fighting my wife's disease) and help raise funds for research and treatment. TnT raises many millions that got to fighting and treating blood based diseases.

Surely in participating, was some fun and friendship but that was not the purpose but just a byproduct. The time and work involved to participate far outweighs social and financial benefit for participants. IT IS NOT EASY.

We remained active in TnT for 15 years, assisting at many group meetings and promotions, mentoring/coaching others, and donating to many others TnT campaigns.

While there are clearly social and personal health/achievement benefits to participating, the work and effort involved in training and fund raising is substantial. Anyone who participates is to be commended. It is hardly a free vacation. As to 'repeat' participation as an imposition on friends, it is up to them if they want to donate again and again. It is equally difficult for many participants to 'ask' again. They do it through belief that they are helping others and that their friends agree. Most people will donate to some charities every year. Hopefully most people realize that the participant is (again) making a substantial effort in fundraising and training/participating and find it not easy again and again. It is NOT easy for most people to ask for financial support from others.For many/most the fundraising is even more difficult than the VERY difficult training and participation.

I think Team In Training is a terrific concept and it has been cloned by many other charitable organizations to the good of millions of participants, patients, families, research facilities, and treatment centers. I doubt the bottom line funding of these charities would be as good without these endurance training organizations and their many many volunteers and participants.

There are different types of non-profit organizations - some are strictly foundations collecting money and others are businesses funding research - LLS raises a lot of money, serves patients and their families AND funds real research...this is a multi-million dollar business with a great track record, results in research, and services provided...the question is, how much do you pay someone to lead an organization that is actually working to cure cancer? You might just get what you pay for...

My nephew had lymphoma. I thought it would be good to
donate to this organization. I think that something needs to
be done about the CEO salaries because when you donate to an organization you want the money to go to the cause not to an overly large salary for the administrators. What about a limit of $200,000
which is pretty much stretching it. Too me is it sad that I feel
like I should not donate to organizations because the CEO is paid too much because you know there are people out there who need the
help the organization provides. Maybe someone needs to start
and alternative organization with a CEO with a reasonable salary.

While I have witnessed many great things come out of the fronting organization (Team in Training), I have also witness personal greed. I used to be an ardent donator to anyone in the group who was "raising" funds. It finally dawned on me that first timers were serious. They had a goal, a family member, or someone close who had been afflicted by the disease. It was true and personal to them. These people came and went, usually for a one time shot. I started to wonder if it was really a check on their bucket list that ended up being the motivator, or loneliness, the need to feel part of something). In either case, most raised, ran and disappeared. Then there were the groupies, the ones that repeatedly raised for LLS. How could they do this I thought? Surely, friends and relatives were getting burned out by donations. I started to observe that the reason for joining in the first place was gone. It was now about "asking people to donate, so TNT can pay my way to an event that would cost me $$$$ of my own". What a gimmick...I ask people to donate, feed them a sad story, I raise my limit, they send me on a vacation. All I have to do is run, actually I don’t even think you need to finish, LLS already got their money. Do they care if you finish or not?

It is at this point that I stopped cold turkey and have never donated to LLS again and have lost respect for some individuals along the way. Hey, I wouldn't mind raising $4,500 to go to Dublin from the generosity of my donors!

But I can't, I cannot ask for people to donate money and have it in reality benefit myself. That’s not what it is for. Do my donators understand I will get a "free" trip out of the deal? Do they know they are paying for me to take a vacation? I think not.

Don't get me wrong, I believe in the mission of LLS, my mother died from Leukemia, so I understand the plight. I don't understand the mindset. If you want to raise money, then do it for the cause, give something back. Don’t make it a check mark on your bucket list, or a cheap way to fund your running travels. Donate your time to a cancer floor, to Ronald McDonald house, or something. But do not ask me to fund your trip!

Do you want to be my hero and earn my respect and my donation? Then turn down the trip and tell them it was for the people who have suffered and not for you. Tell LLS, you will pay your own way and have it be YOUR donation

I am a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma survivor, the third in my family. I am grateful for the drugs that LLS has helped to develop but I question the absence of prevention in their mission statement. They have pulled risk factors for blood cancers from their website. And my third concern is that they hold fundraisers in toxic minefields of herbicides, pesticides and fungicides. In Orange County in California, they parade thousands of survivors and genetically-at-risk relatives past a Major League Baseball field while dozens of chemicals are still in their toxic half-life state. Hurray for the treatments the help create. Shame on LLS for ignoring the science on the chemicals that put people at risk for blood cancers. Where is their next fundraiser, Fukushima, Japan? And shame on the CEO salary. He can get paid that when he is done preventing and curing blood cancers. For now he is failing at his job by putting more people at risk for blood cancer.

Though I respect the LLS charity goals, I must say that they employ phone tactics that have annoyed many, many people--which is wrong. They (according to them) employ an auto-dialer which calls homes--often later than is legally allowed--and the household member hears nothing when they pick up the phone. They do this over and over in one night. They tell me the reason is that they have too few people to handle the auto-calling mechanism. Stupid, intrusive and plain wrong. I would not donate to an organization that employs such annoying practices. There are many, many others. (The Internet is packed with complaints about this practice of LLS)

This Charity Honestly doesn't deserve any stars in my opinion. They used to give patients $500 a year towards transportation reimbursement and now it's $150, this is a 75% drop!! And yet they are still raising more money then they did last year. While I understand that there are more survivors of blood cancer now, then there were perhaps 3 years ago, the fact remains that not all of them need this additional help.

I was extremely upset to also find out how much the CEO John Walters takes in as a salary! $558,000 is exuberant and if he really wanted to aid those of us who have or have had cancer, he would take a lower salary and use the excess money to help us all. Unfortunately this organization has turned to greed and what they can get out of others!! Calculate how much he and his board make every year! Do they really need all this money?

I refuse to support this cause and if you are thinking of helping them, I suggest you look into the sites that provide you the facts!!

www.leukemiascandal.com
www2.guidestar.org
www.charitynvigator.com

Research the Charity Prior to donating!!! And make sure you know where the money goes, because God forbid you or someone you know get's diagnosed with this disease, you will see the truth of how little assistance you will get from this charity!

This non-profit acts like a creditor. This charity acts as if I owe them money. After providing a large donation, I've received 2 "hang-up" calls a day, 6-7 days a week (to my answering machine) for the past 4 weeks. They finally reached me on a Sunday evening; I was clear with the representative I would NOT be "calling or sending a letter to 12 of my friends & neighbors to solicit donations for LLS." I resent their constant calls and their method of fundraising is ridiculous and unprofessional in my view. I plan on contacting my local chapter to let them know I wont be supporting them in the future. Too bad as my company matches funds.

I'm a lymphoma survivor and a five time Team in Training participant. Everything I see tells me that this is a good organization. I do think $500K is too high a salary for their CEO for a charity. However, the local people I see are underpaid from what I see and the hard work that they do. Plus none of the volunteers are paid and we put a lot of time into this. Any charity is going to have 20-25% of their revenue going into admin and fundraising, and LLS is no different. If it were 30-35%, I'd be concerned, but not 25%. I disagree with most of the negative comments that I read. Nothing is perfect but the mission of curing blood cancers is a very difficult one, and progress is being made.

The reason for using this site is to look at what they do with the money. They raised $510 Million in 2 years. They gave $175 million in grants. Where did the other $335 million go??? How about $160 million in salaries and benefits, $120 million in raising money and office expenses - pretty good offices, $12 million for flights and hotels.

WHY ARE YOU GIVING TO THESE PEOPLE???? WHY DON"T YOU JUST LOOK AT THE 990s???

I'm very troubled about what has happened to LLS.
Their purpose has changed: from great to personal money.
see: www.LeukemiaScandal.com

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is an excellent organization that funds research of blood cancers. The Society's funding has helped researchers make break-throughs in the fight against blood cancer such as the creation of Gleevec. The Society also supports patient education and offers support to blood cancer patients and their families.

Never give to this charity if you don't want to be stalked with phone calls to your home, usually at dinner time. I gave to them once, and they asked for my phone number. They literally call my home number every day with solicitations

The NYC chapter has made my ongoing battle against AML a less-stressful and more hopeful one. I have been a grateful recipient of financial assistance for transportation and an inspired teammate of Team in Training. Rock on LLS!

I'm giving LLS and TNT four stars. This is my first year with Team in Training, so I will come back and revisit my review once the season is over. So far it has been a great experience.