This is a monumental time for blood cancer patients. As someone who has been fighting this demon for 30 years, I want everyone to know that the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) has always had my back.
This organization has been an essential part of my life and my fight to stay alive. LLS is very much a family. While it’s never easy going through this frightening journey, there have been so many positive moments. My cancer battles have made me a better person, and LLS has made it all so much easier to navigate.
From the moment I reached out to them after my first diagnosis in my 30’s, they have guided me and helped me move forward. I don’t think I would still be here without them. The oncologists, doctors, nurses and so many other experts at LLS have been lifesavers for me and so many others. They have given me tons of advice about how cancer works in my body, how to navigate clinical trials and much more.
And now the big news: LLS will officially announce that the organization is changing its name to Blood Cancer United, which reflects their commitment to all blood cancer patients, including those who were diagnosed with a blood cancer that is not a leukemia or a lymphoma.
The new name will become official on August 28, which is just before the beginning of Blood Cancer Awareness Month in September. It is a time to celebrate this because it will ring so much stronger to all those other blood cancers.
The time for a name change has come. With more than 100 types of blood cancers, including myeloma, myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), and myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), LLS gathered extensive feedback from across its network and determined that now is the time for an evolution—to better reflect the work and unity at the center of its mission.
“We are at a pivotal moment—not only for our organization, but for our community—when funding for cancer research and access to treatment and care are at risk,” said E. Anders Kolb, MD, President and CEO of LLS.
“Patients and researchers are telling us they’re worried about the impact these changes will have for anyone dealing with blood cancer, so there’s no better time for a resource that helps us reach more of the patients who need us.”
Dr. Kolb added, “The word ‘united’ is transformational and inviting. I believe in the power of bringing together patients, families, scientists, volunteers, donors, business leaders, and health systems under a shared purpose. Blood Cancer United reflects who we are today and who we aspire to be—a unifying force advancing progress for every person impacted by blood cancer. When more people can be reached, the organization can get closer to its bold goal. By 2040, to enable patients with blood cancer to gain more than one million years of life.”
New Name, Same Mission
While LLS is evolving its name, the organization will continue to directly help patients by funding promising research, advancing innovative treatments, offering free support, and advocating for policies that help people access quality healthcare.
“We want all blood cancer patients to know that we are here for them,” said Gwen Nichols, MD, chief medical officer for LLS.
In an exclusive interview for this article, Dr. Nichols told me, “There are more than 100 different types of blood cancers, our new name is now inclusive, showing that we’re not just for patients with leukemia or lymphoma. Having the words ‘blood cancer’ in our name is a big opportunity to reach more patients and families. It reflects our mission, vision and purpose, and opens the door to people who don’t know us but need our programs and services.”
She added, “Blood cancer is hard enough for patients and their families, and obstacles like rising healthcare costs and inability to access care make it even harder. Blood Cancer United is committed to reducing barriers to quality affordable care through our health services research and our advocacy at federal and state levels. Now is a particularly critical time. We are fighting against Medicaid and Affordable Care Act cuts—programs that are lifelines for patients.”
Nichols explained that this is much more than a simple name change. “It’s a call to action that’s more important than ever to ensure that every patient is seen, supported, and given a chance at life,” she said.
According to LLS, “Blood Cancer United reflects the strength of an entire community, working together to ensure every person with blood cancer can live a longer, better life – people affected by all 100+ types of blood cancer, beyond leukemia and lymphoma. It sends a powerful message: We are here for you. No blood cancer patient has to go it alone.”
Just in time for Blood Cancer Awareness Month this September, LLS will publicly unveil its new name on August 28. It promises to reach and unite the blood cancer community and ignite momentum. A new brand identity and campaign rollout will coincide this fall.
About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the global leader and innovator in creating a world without blood cancer and the largest nonprofit funder of blood cancer research, investing more than $1.8 billion in the most pioneering science worldwide since 1949.
The LLS mission: Cure blood cancer and improve the quality of life of all patients and their families. LLS is focused on accelerating research, providing free support and services, and advocating for policies to ensure access to quality affordable care.
For more than 75 years, LLS has been helping blood cancer patients live longer, better lives. To learn more visit WWW.LLS.org. Patients can contact the Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET.
