Frequently asked questions

Answered by a team member at Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

• What is your mission?

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

• How are donations used?

  Donations are used to further our mission to cure blood cancers and improve the quality of life of patients through research, patient access and support, and public advocacy for patients rights.

• What can be done with a $100 donation?

  $100 helps fund the training of Patti Robinson Kaufmann First Connection Program volunteers, who provide peer support to patients and their families around the country.

• What progress has been made already thanks to your donors?

  Since the 1960s, survival rates for blood cancer patients have doubled, tripled or even quadrupled. We've seen an average decline of 20% in blood cancer death rates since the 1990s. The five-year survival rate for children with the most commonly diagnosed pediatric cancer, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), has improved from 3% in 1964 to more than 90% today. We've also advanced oral parity laws in 43 states and the District of Columbia ensuring patients taking oral medications at home have the same health plan coverage as patients treated in a clinic.

• What is the history of your organization?

  The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) was born out of a family's grief following the death of their teenage son.

  Robert "Robbie" Roesler de Villiers, son of a well-to-do New York family, was only 16 when he quickly succumbed to leukemia in 1944. Five years later, frustrated by the lack of effective treatments for what was then considered a hopeless disease, parents Rudolph and Antoinette de Villiers started a fundraising and education organization in their son's name.

  70 years later we have seen significant improvement in the fight against cancer. We continue to work tirelessly to find cures and ensure patients can access the lifesaving treatments they need. When someone experiences the fear and uncertainty of a cancer diagnosis, we provide hope, compassion, education, and support. And we are making an impact in the cancer community.