OC Gazette Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

Every four minutes someone is diagnosed with a blood cancer. Every 10 minutes, someone dies from a blood cancer. An estimated 912,000 Americans are currently battling blood cancers, including leukemia, which causes more deaths than any other cancer among children and young adults under the age of 20.*

In 2010, about 133,955 Californians will be diagnosed with cancer. (This estimate does not include non-melanoma skin cancer and carcinoma in situ for sites other than the bladder.) This means that this year there will be more than 15 new cases every hour of every day.**

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the world’s largest voluntary health organization, and as such, leads the battle against blood cancers. The mission of LLS is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life for patients and their families. LLS raises money for cancer research by organizing fundraising events and charitable contributions (see sidebar). Since its initial founding in 1954, LLS has raised more than $680 million to fund research. LLS’ local chapter is based in Santa Ana and serves Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties.

In addition to large-scale fundraising, LLS acts on a very personal level to reach out to patients and families touched by blood cancers. LLS offers a comprehensive array of services to patients, including a call center, which provides up-to-date, disease-related information and referral services; a live online chat for community support; and the First Connection Program, which offers patients peer-to-peer telephone support from trained volunteers who have experienced similar situations. Additionally, the Trish Greene Back to School Program for Children with Cancer is designed to increase communication among healthcare professionals, parents, patients, and school officials to ensure a smooth transition from active treatment back to school and daily life. LLS provides countless other services, including financial support, family support groups, discussion boards, and cancer center resource guides. LLS is committed to providing support and guidance to patients and the health professionals who care for them.

The involvement of our community is essential in the battle against cancer; together we can make a difference and help safe lives. To learn more about LLS or to get involved with our local chapter, visit www.lls.org/ocie or call 888-535-9300.

*Facts and statistics from Leukemia, Lymphoma, Myeloma Facts 2009-2010, June 2009.

**American Cancer Society, 2010

{ BY ANDREA MICHEL & JULIA COHEN }

IF YOU LIKE THIS YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE...

Surfrider Gets a New HQ

Operation Homefront

Ronda’s Dream Center

Team In Training is LLS’ largest fundraising program. Individuals are trained to complete a half marathon, marathon, triathlon, hiking event, or 100 mile bike ride. In exchange for providing expert training, LLS asks each individual to raise funds for blood cancer research.

CONTACT LLS:

(714) 481-5600

888-535-9300 (Toll Free)

www.lls.org/ocie

2020 E. 1st Street

Suite 120

Santa Ana, CA 92705

Susi Q Senior & Community Center

Olive Crest

The Ecology Center

"Participating in the 2009 Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) Man & Women of the Year fundraising campaign is by far the most rewarding experience I have had in my life. After the sudden death of my father to leukemia and having my six-year-old nephew diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma just weeks after my father’s death, I realized just how important volunteers are in raising funds for research and patient services. Fundraising as a Woman of the Year candidate was a way to show my support for my family and for friends that have been impacted by blood cancers. I’m proud to call myself the 2009 Orange County LLS Woman of the Year, and the experience has inspired me to continue fundraising and giving back to an organization that has had such a positive impact on my family during an emotionally tough year."

The Man & Woman of the Year campaign is a fundraising competition among individuals in the community who, through their participation, vie for the honor of being the Man or Woman who raises the most funds during the 10-week campaign. Candidates run in honor of the Boy & Girl of the Year, who are local blood cancer patient survivors.

The Leukemia Cup Regatta: You can raise more than a sail to help fight leukemia, Hodgkin's and non- Hodgkin's lymphoma and myeloma by participating in The Leukemia Cup Regatta to benefit LLS. Some of the events include an Electric Boat Poker Run, Casino Night and Charity Auction, and Cruise for a Cure, which are all open to the public.

School & Youth Programs, Pennies for Patients and Olive Garden’s Pasta for Pennies invite students to join the fight against blood cancers. For three weeks between January and April, schools collect spare change in honor of local blood cancer patients. The Pennies programs educate students on blood cancers, while showing them that they can make a difference in the lives of others! All program materials are supplied free by the LLS.

Light the Night is LLS’ nationwide evening walk to celebrate and commemorate lives touched by cancer. This annual event is held in September during National Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness Month. Companies, sponsors, friends and families form teams and raise funds for research. Cancer survivors and supporters carry red, white and gold illuminated balloons, representing their connections to the cause.