The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society – Mid-Atlantic Region’s Mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. They do this through their three main pillars of research, policy & advocacy, and patient support.
A conversation with Katie Jones, Campaign Development Manager
Tell us about some of your fundraising and awareness campaigns.
Our campaigns, such as Western MD Light the Night, help fund our mission. Light The Night brings light to the darkness of cancer by funding lifesaving research and support for people battling cancer. Family, friends and co-workers gather together to celebrate, honor or remember those touched by cancer. Registration is free, but participants are encouraged to raise funds to support the mission. These efforts culminate in inspirational, memorable evening experiences filled with music, fireworks and empowering ceremonies honoring survivors and remembering those we have lost. There are 120 walks across North America.
How did the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society start?
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.
Headquartered in a small Wall Street office, the Robert Roesler de Villiers Foundation had only a few volunteers and a tiny budget. The task was daunting. Most leukemia patients, especially children, died within three months. Even by the mid-1950s, when the first-generation chemotherapy drugs began appearing, the disease remained a stubborn challenge. The Foundation reported in its 1955 annual report: “As of this date, Leukemia is 100% fatal. This is almost a unique situation among the many diseases to which man is susceptible.”
Driven by the de Villiers’ nearly boundless belief that leukemia and other blood cancers were indeed curable, the Foundation grew steadily, opening its first chapters in the New York City area. The organization, after changing its name to The Leukemia Society, was renamed The Leukemia Society of America in the 1960s to communicate a broad, national reach.
Dedicated to curing leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other blood cancers, we are now The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), the world’s largest voluntary (nonprofit) health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education and patient services.
Since 1949, we’ve invested nearly $1.6 billion in groundbreaking research, pioneering many of today’s most innovative approaches. We 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.
What do you like most about being a nonprofit in Frederick?
Western Maryland Light the Night, which takes place in Frederick, is such an incredible community event. We love the people of Frederick and working with the city. Frederick is such a special place filled with incredible people.
What makes the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society unique?
The Mid-Atlantic Region of LLS helps support cancer patients and survivors right here in our community. LLS as a whole is the world’s largest voluntary (nonprofit) health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education and patient services.
What do you wish people knew about your organization?
LLS has a variety of support resources for blood cancer patients, survivors, and their families. We offer financial support, Information Specialists, peer-to-peer support, online chats, and more.
What ways can people in the community support you?
The Frederick community can support LLS by participating in Western MD Light the Night on Friday, September 22nd at Carroll Creek Amphitheater in Downtown Frederick from 5:30-9pm! It’s a great way to get together and fundraise. Find out more and register here: https://www.lightthenight.org/events/western-maryland
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