As part of our SP Cares charitable giving initiative, we are proud to support Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). A global leader in the fight against blood cancers, LLS funds lifesaving research, supports patients and families, and drives policy change. We're also honored to be a sponsor of Light the Night, a signature event that unites communities, honors those affected by cancer, and advances the mission to cure blood cancers. We recently spoke with Brandi Orcutt-Velez, Campaign Development Director, to learn more about LLS’s transformative impact.
Solomon Page:
LLS has been at the forefront of the fight against blood cancers for over 70 years. Can you share some of the advancements that LLS has made in research and patient access during this time?
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society:
LLS is proud to have invested more than $1.8 billion in cancer research since 1949! More specifically, we have helped advance 70% of blood cancer treatment options approved by the FDA since 2017. We are committed to funding life-saving blood cancer research around the world, provide free information and support services for patients and their families, and being the voice for those seeking access to quality, affordable, and coordinated care.
Solomon Page:
Light The Night is such a powerful and emotional event. How does this campaign serve not just as a fundraiser, but as a community-building experience for patients, survivors, and supporters?
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society:
In addition to being an incredibly impactful fundraising event, Light the Night serves as a beacon of hope for the community – uniting families, friends, and colleagues to celebrate, honor, and remember those affected by blood cancers. Patients and survivors are given the iconic white lanterns and a special Survivor shirt as symbols of strength and resilience. During the ceremony, a mission speaker shares their personal journey with cancer, and all patients and survivors are invited to come together in the Circle of Survivors—a touching moment that shows those in the fight that their community is standing with them.
Solomon Page:
One of the key pillars of LLS is patient support. What are some of the unique resources the foundation offers to individuals and families affected by blood cancers?
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society:
LLS offers many free resources for blood cancer patients and their families! One key offering is our Information Specialists, who are available Monday through Friday, 9am – 9pm ET. These highly trained oncology social workers and nurses provide one-on-one support to help navigate treatment, manage financial and social challenges, and offer accurate, up-to-date information on disease and support options. All Information Specialists are based in the United States and can be reached at 800-955-4572. To learn more, visit: lls.org/support-resources/information-specialists.
Solomon Page:
Mentorship and support networks are extremely impactful when it comes to advocacy and recovery. How does LLS foster mentorship and peer support among patients, survivors, and caregivers?
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society:
We are very proud of our Peer-to-Peer Support Program, the Patti Robinson Kaufmann First Connection Program. This free program connects patients and their loved ones with trained peer volunteers who have personally experienced a similar cancer diagnosis. Matches are made based on diagnosis, age, gender, and other factors to foster mutual understanding and ease of communication. The program gives patients and family members the opportunity to share experiences with someone who can relate and obtain valuable information about LLS and the other resources available to support them. To learn more about all of our support resources, visit www.lls.org/support-resources.
Solomon Page:
Looking ahead, what major goals or initiatives is LLS focused on in the coming years, and how can the public get involved?
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society:
LLS has recently shared our Bold Goal. By 2040, we hope to enable patients with blood cancer to gain more than one million years of life. This means more birthdays, more graduations, more cherished moments and memories with family and friends. We're looking to the future, evolving, and strengthening strategic investments in critical areas to accelerate our impact and broaden our reach. In alignment with our new Bold Goal, we have implemented an organizational strategy guided by five strategic imperatives: accelerating cures and treatments, supporting everyone experiencing blood cancer, galvanizing communities, developing breakthrough capabilities, and empowering our people.
Stay up-to-date on SP Cares by following our blog, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook to learn more about how we are supporting communities worldwide.