The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) announced that it has passed the $1 billion mark in research investment, a significant milestone in the cancer research landscape as LLS continues its 65 year pursuit of advancing breakthrough therapies, finding cures and ensuring access to life-saving therapies for all blood cancer patients.
This milestone announcement came during LLS's three-day conference in Washington, D.C., May 5-7, 2014, featuring a research symposium, "Bridging the Gap from Bench to Bedside: The Road to Cures" and a panel discussion titled, "What is a Cure?"
"For 65 years, LLS has been leading the way, moving us closer to a world without blood cancers," said Louis J. DeGennaro, Ph.D., interim president & CEO and chief mission officer, LLS. "While the one billion dollar research investment is helping to save lives today and extending survival rates for many patients, there are still few, if any, means for preventing or early screening for most blood cancers. More than one third of blood cancer patients do not survive more than five years after diagnosis. We can do better, and we must do better to save more lives."
LLS and "Nashville" star Charles Esten have teamed up to ask consumers to join forces and declare their support for the LLS mission. Esten's 14-year-old daughter, Addie, was diagnosed with leukemia at age 2 ½ and, thanks to advances in treatment, is thriving today. Because of their personal connection to blood cancer, Chip, his wife Patty, and the entire Esten clan are strong supporters of LLS.
"It was a dark and scary day when we found out that our Addie had leukemia. The first ray of light was the reassurance from our doctor that there was hope - there were medicines and procedures that could help our little girl. All that hope, and all that help, came from research...research made possible with funds raised by LLS and other organizations. That's why we're happy to help create awareness for LLS, so that anyone can join the fight to make the end of cancer a reality," states Esten.
Access to new treatments is also a focus of the LLS conference. Nearly 400 LLS advocates met with legislators urging them to support legislation that improves access to innovative blood cancer therapies and limits the use of "specialty tier" drug designations, thereby increasing affordability for patients.
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