The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) was founded in 1949 by a family who lost their 16-year-old son to leukemia. His parents, wealthy New Yorkers, were frustrated with treatments available at the time and five years following their son’s death started a fundraising and educational organization. At that time, leukemia was viewed as fatal.

 

Due to their hard work, the foundation grew as did the belief that leukemia and other blood cancers, including lymphoma and myeloma, were curable. Since 1949, LLS has invested $1.8 billion in research and the survivor rates (depending on the type of leukemia and age of diagnosis) have soared, particularly for young people. Today the five-year survival rate for children diagnosed with leukemia is 90%.

 

In 2024 alone, LLS funded blood cancer research in 30 states and 12 countries. In addition to research for a cure, last year LLS helped 18,000 patients afford housing, utilities, food, and other necessities through its Urgent Need Program.

 

Over 187,000 people in the U.S. were expected to be diagnosed with either leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma in 2024. This figure represents almost 10% of all estimated new cancer diagnoses for the year. Forty percent of childhood cancer diagnoses are leukemia.

 

Because of the connection between blood and the lymphatic system, the research that LLS funds can also lead to treatment of other cancers, including breast, lung, and skin. In addition, the research has helped in treatments for autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

 

LLS has several fundraisers throughout the year to assist in its mission. Light the Night is an evening walk and celebration to raise money for LLS. Last year’s Atlanta event was held at Piedmont Park in October with a goal of raising $2 million. Cities across the U.S. compete to raise the most money. In 2023, Atlanta ranked fourth of 121 competing cities.

 

Students of the Year is a seven-week campaign during which high school teams compete to raise the most money for LLS. Team in Training is a program runners, bicyclists, and triathletes can join and raise funds for LLS while competing in a race.

 

Historic Brookhaven resident Meredith Kowal joined the 2024 Light the Night Executive Committee. Among her fundraising efforts were a Light the Night team at her firm Aprio, lemonade stands with her kids, and a Christmas mahjong event and fundraiser at the Capital City Club that raised $50,000.

 

SIDE BAR TO NON-PROFIT PIECE

HEAD = Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

Non-profit: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

 

Mission: To cure blood cancer and improve the quality of life of all patients and their families.

 

Contact: Call the Atlanta office at (404) 720-7900 or visit the website (lls.org)

 

How You Can Help: Donate (visit lls.org, click on the How to Help tab, and choose one of the Ways to Give). Volunteer (visit lls.org/article/volunteer-your-area-georgia). The organization needs help with general office support, event planning and logistics, and soliciting donations. You can also volunteer for many of their programs (Man & Woman of the Year), Team in Training, Light the Night, and Students of the Year.

 

Involved Neighbors: Meredith Kowal, Erin Harris