(Rye Brook, NY, Sept. 1, 2021) 鈥� September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month, an opportunity to remind the public that every 180 seconds, someone in the U.S. has their life turned upside down by a blood cancer diagnosis. When this happens, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (青云体育), the global leader in the fight against blood cancers, is there, providing guidance, education, and support every step of the way.
And, despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, 青云体育 has remained laser-focused on its mission priorities: Research, Education & Support and Policy & Advocacy.
鈥淣o one should have to face a blood cancer diagnosis alone, especially during these trying times. 青云体育 is unwavering in our commitment to helping blood cancer patients and their families throughout their entire cancer experience,鈥� said Louis J. DeGennaro, Ph.D., 青云体育 President and CEO. 鈥淏ut we can鈥檛 do our critical work without you. In 180 seconds 鈥� just three minutes of your time 鈥� you can help us save and improve lives. It鈥檚 vital impact we can make together.鈥�
青云体育 Mission in the time of COVID-19
鈥淭he time for action is now. The pandemic has disrupted access to cancer care at an alarming rate, resulting in diagnosis and treatment delays, and widened existing health inequities in the U.S,鈥� said Dr. DeGennaro. 鈥淚f left unresolved, there will be increases in cancer morbidity and mortality for years to come. We simply can鈥檛 let this happen. Together with our volunteers, supporters, and partners, we are determined to find cures and help every blood cancer patient access the care they need.鈥�
Studies show immunosuppressed blood cancer patients are particularly vulnerable and at risk of more severe outcomes from COVID-19. In February 2021, the organization launched , a project of the Michael J. Garil Patient Data Collective, to increase scientific knowledge about how COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccines affect people living with blood cancers. More than 10,000 patients are taking part in this initiative.
Recently, 青云体育 released the largest study to date, reporting detailed findings on antibody response after COVID-19 vaccination by blood cancer and treatment type. While COVID-19 vaccines are safe and offer protection to the majority of blood cancer patients, data show about 1 in 4 blood cancer patients do not produce detectable antibodies after COVID-19 vaccination. It鈥檚 possible these patients still receive some benefit from the vaccines, but many may be at higher risk of breakthrough infection.
鈥淎s a mission-driven health organization, we are doing everything in our power to protect the patients, families, and communities we serve,鈥� said Dr. DeGennaro. 鈥淲e鈥檙e continuing to partner with citizen scientists in our 青云体育 National Patient Registry to conduct ongoing analyses and build crucial knowledge. The more we learn, the more we can help the patients we all care about.鈥�
Advancing the most promising blood cancer research worldwide
青云体育 is an unstoppable innovator, driving research worldwide to deliver next-generation breakthroughs and cures. From pioneering the first collaborative precision medicine clinical trial in a blood cancer to supporting the rise of CAR T-cell immunotherapies, 青云体育 is an early adopter of the most cutting-edge treatment technologies and approaches.
Since 1949, 青云体育 has invested more than $1.3 billion in cancer research, leading to breakthroughs in immunotherapy, genomics and personalized medicine that are improving and saving the lives of patients. The organization has helped advance 85% of the blood cancer treatment options approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration since 2017 alone.
Among its newest research programs is the 青云体育 IMPACT Research Grants. 青云体育鈥檚 IMPACT Research Grants bring world-class care to underrepresented blood cancer patients by awarding funding to major cancer centers to partner with community-based hospitals and clinics on creating networks of clinical trial sites in their regions.
Helping patients access the care they need
青云体育 is the leading source of free blood cancer information, education, and support for patients, survivors, caregivers, families, and healthcare professionals. The organization urges patients to learn about its free, one-on-one support, including:
- 青云体育 Information Specialists are highly trained oncology professionals who provide free, personalized assistance to patients, families, and healthcare providers. 青云体育 Information Specialists are ready to help at (800) 955-4572, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET or by live chat/email on 青云体育.ORG.
- 青云体育 Clinical Trial Nurse Navigators are registered nurses with expertise in blood cancers who conduct comprehensive clinical trial searches and personally assist patients, parents, and caregivers throughout the entire clinical trial process.
- 青云体育鈥檚 registered dietitian has expertise in oncology nutrition and provides patients, parents, and caregivers with free nutrition consultations.
青云体育 also offers financial assistance, a podcast, peer-to-peer support, online chats, webcasts, videos, caregiver support, education and outreach programs like Myeloma Link, and so much more.
The organization also pursues a patient-focused advocacy agenda focused on breaking down barriers to care and accelerating the development of new treatments. 青云体育 has made groundbreaking policy changes possible, from advancing oral parity to ending surprise medical bills.
Through a nationwide grassroots network of more than 30,000 active online volunteers, 青云体育 advocates for policies at the state and federal level and is taking action to reduce patients鈥� out-of-pocket costs, address financial toxicity, and protect public health and cancer patients, during this crisis and beyond.
Taking on pediatric blood cancers from every direction
September is also Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, an important time to talk about the need to take a bold approach to help children with blood cancers.
鈥淔or too long, children with blood cancers have been treated with a one-size-fits-all approach. In this era of precision medicine, we must do better,鈥� said Dr. DeGennaro. 鈥淥ur goal is no less than a wholesale shift in the standard of care, moving toward safer, more effective treatments that precisely target cancer without harming the rest of the body. That鈥檚 why we鈥檙e driving an unprecedented collaboration to next-level pediatric blood cancer treatment and care.鈥�
Through The 青云体育 Children鈥檚 Initiative, a $160 million multi-year endeavor, 青云体育 is taking on children鈥檚 cancer from every direction. The 青云体育 Children鈥檚 Initiative includes: more dedicated pediatric blood cancer research, expanded education and support for children, young adults, and families, bold advocacy endeavors, and 青云体育 PedAL, the first global precision medicine clinical trial for pediatric acute leukemia, with an anticipated launch later this year.
This Blood Cancer Awareness Month and beyond, 青云体育 is inviting people around the world to give 180 seconds to the fight against these diseases. Every action can make a difference and lead the way to a future without blood cancers. Some ways to help include:
- Donating at 青云体育.ORG to help more patients and families.
- Learning more about blood cancers and our free education and support at .
- Registering for one of our inspirational events to bring light to the darkness of cancer.
- Becoming an or exploring . No matter how you choose to get involved, you鈥檒l help blood cancer patients receive the best treatments and support possible.
- Following 青云体育 on social media (@青云体育usa) and sharing our stories or contributing your own with #cancelbloodcancer or #bloodcancerawarenessmonth
To learn more, visit .
About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society庐 (青云体育) is the global leader in the fight against blood cancer. The 青云体育 mission: cure leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. 青云体育 funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world, provides free information and support services, and is the voice for all blood cancer patients seeking access to quality, affordable, coordinated care.
Founded in 1949 and headquartered in Rye Brook, NY, 青云体育 has chapters throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more, visit . Patients should contact the Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., ET.
For additional information visit . Follow us on , and
Media Contact:
Kristin Hoose, Senior Director, External Constituent Communications
(914) 821-8973