Mission: To cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families through a range of emotional and practical services that give support from diagnosis through treatment and recovery.

Research: Since its establishment in 1949, the Society has awarded more than $240 million in research grants to the best and brightest researchers in the world. In 2001, the Society is supporting more than 400 investigators at over 120 institutions in the United States and abroad. Now at 36 million annually, The Society funds more research in the areas of leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma than any other voluntary health agency.

Patient Financial Aid: Helps patients with financial assistance to cover a portion of their treatment costs; reimbursement of up to $500 per patient per year for some medications, transportation and procedures not covered by insurance.

First Connection: This peer to peer support program brings patients and survivors together on the road to recovery. The Society links newly diagnosed patients with a peer volunteer who has “been there” to share information and support. The Greater Los Angeles Chapter has access to a national database of trained volunteers. Family Support Groups: These free support groups are facilitated by oncology health professionals and are open to any patient, family member or friend who has been affected by a diagnosis of leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease or myeloma. The groups provide information and support, as well as to encourage greater communication among patients, families, friends and healthcare providers. Support groups are also offered for parents of children with any kind of cancer. Call the Greater Los Angeles Chapter for a listing of current groups.

The Trish Green Back to School Program for Children with Cancer: The Back to School initiative was designed to increase communication among healthcare professionals, parents, patients and school officials to assure a smooth transition from active treatment back to school and activities of daily living. Materials, videos and other printed inventory are available.

Advocacy Network: The Society serves as a voice on Capitol Hill for people with blood-related cancers. Chapters across the country, local volunteers and staff are building a grassroots advocacy network to rally the voices of patients and their families and to express their concerns to legislators. The Society’s legislative goals seek to ensure adequate funding for research and protection of patient’s rights as Congress addresses health care reform.

Information Resource Center (IRC): Provides the public, patients, families and health professionals accurate, up-to-date, disease related information and referral services. IRC Information Specialists are nurses, social workers and health educators. They are available 9 a.m. –6 p.m. EST at 1-800-955-4572 or via e-mail at infocenter@leukemia-lymphoma.org.