Cancer is a disease that’s so pervasive that it’s nearly impossible to go through life and not be personally impacted in some way, shape, or form by it. While the disease arises in friends, family, and coworkers, the pursuit of a cure by the world’s scientists and researchers is just as relentless. In order for these efforts to continue, it takes a tremendous amount of fundraising to enable these researchers to find a cure.
Since 2018, the PracticePanther team has worked closely with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) to raise money for the cancer research organization that’s closely impacted one of our own.
LLS was there for Sam Alkoubey, PracticePanther’s Head of Sales, as his younger sister, Racheli Peltier was diagnosed with Lymphoma and subsequently beat it after a hard fight. Today, Racheli is cancer-free and now works for LLS. We recently invited Racheli and her colleague, Kersten Haile, to share how their program is fulfilling their mission to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and myeloma while improving the quality of life of patients and their families.
About the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
Research for blood cancer treatments
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society exists to find cures, and ensure access to treatment for blood cancer patients. While LLS is primarily focused on researching types of blood cancer, the work that they do is translational. LLS performs research that often goes on to appear in clinical trials for many other types of cancer.
Since 1949, LLS has invested over $1.3 billion into research and is continually looking for new, better, more targeted, less toxic, and overall best lifesaving treatment options for cancer patients. From the introduction of chemotherapy in the 1960s to cutting-edge immune system research taking place today, LLS has had a hand in the ever-evolving cancer research space. LLS has helped advance 85% of the blood cancer treatment options approved by the FDA since 2017.
Supporting patients, caregivers, and beyond
The LLS mission extends past research into education and support for caregivers, whether that be financial support, or support with finding clinical trials, LLS works hand-in-hand with families in need.
Advocacy for cancer patients
LLS has a dedicated advocacy team who are there to be the voice of cancer patients. This team contacts elected representatives in Congress and at state legislatures to share with them the impact that blood cancer has on millions of Americans each year. The team advocates for the passing of responsible policies that will address the burdens of these diseases. Focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion is massively important for the advocacy team who work tirelessly for responsible healthcare laws because cancer affects us all.
How You Can Help the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
Volunteer
LLS relies on volunteers to drive their impact. LLS volunteers are part of a diverse community of supporters who represent all walks of life and bring different experiences and passions to drive the mission forward. From fundraising to political outreach, to providing support to those impacted by cancer, there are tons of ways for you to make a difference. You can see volunteer opportunities in your area at www.volunteerlls.org.
Donate
Financial donations are always welcome and an easy way to make a huge impact on the lives of many. You can even donate through Sam’s “All-Star Campaign” donation link as his team is working to fundraise a total of $111,215 which signifies the date of his sister’s last chemotherapy treatment on November 12, 2015. Sam’s team is coming up on the last few days of the 10-week push to reach their goal, you can donate here.
Attend
On June 18th, LLS is holding its Grand Finale Gala which PracticePanther is proud to sponsor. At the Gala, LLS will announce their fundraising campaign grand total which is sure to be an incredible moment. If you would like to attend, you can sign up here.
