The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

The mission of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

Founded in 1949, LLS funds research toward cures for leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and blood cancers. Through its 63 chapters nationwide, LLS offers a wide variety of educational and patient services. They include First Connection, which links newly diagnosed patients to a peer volunteer who has experienced a similar diagnosis; Meet the Expert on Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma and Meet the Doctor programs; teleconferences and Webcasts; support groups; information on the latest clinical trials and treatments; patient financial aid; workshops that address survivorship issues; and an award-winning Web site.

LLS connects patients, families and caregivers to oncology nurses and social workers through its Information Resource Center. In 2003, LLS made more than 445,000 patient contacts, helping people find lifesaving and supportive information through every phase of their illness.

With the help of major fundraising campaigns, including Team In Training, the world's largest endurance sports training program, and Light The Night Walk, LLS has supported more than $360 million in research since 1949.

Partnership Activities

LLS will work with CDC to develop patient and professional outreach for older adults and underserved populations. These efforts will address literacy needs, increase patient and provider education programs for the geriatric population and identify barriers, and develop outreach programs for underserved populations. Proposed activities include:

• Providing an educational symposium entitled "Strategies for Improving Older Adult Access to Optimal Treatment for Hematological Malignancies" at the Oncology Nursing Society's annual meeting
• Developing and delivering two national teleconferences for older adults and oncology professionals on clinical trials and treatment information
• Designing and distributing two educational booklets for older patients
• Developing an educational pilot program on emerging therapies for older adults with myeloma
• Reviewing the assessment of the Society's existing geriatric oncology initiatives to develop recommendations for national programs for later implementation
• Conducting a needs assessment of other underserved patients with hematologic cancers to identify key resource, education gaps, and examine the distinct needs of this population

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
1311 Mamaroneck Avenue
White Plains, NY 10605
Telephone: (914) 821-8869 (914) 949-5213
Fax: (914) 821-8943 (914) 949-6691
www.lls.org*

*Links to non-Federal organizations found at this site are provided solely as a service to our users. These links do not constitute an endorsement of these organizations or their programs by CDC or the Federal Government, and none should be inferred. CDC is not responsible for the content of the individual organization Web pages found at these links.