According to LLS, leukemia, Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, myeloma and myelodysplastic syndromes are cancers that originate in the bone marrow or lymphatic tissues. They are considered to be related cancers because they involve the uncontrolled growth of cells with similar functions and origins. The diseases result from an acquired genetic injury to the DNA of a single cell, which becomes abnormal (malignant) and multiplies continuously. The accumulation of malignant cells interferes with the body's production of healthy blood cells.
An estimated 138,530 people in the United States will be diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma in 2008. New cases of leukemia, Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma account for 9.6 percent of the 1,437,180 new cancer cases diagnosed in the United States this year.
LLS is the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education and patient services. LLS invested more than $600 million in research since 1949 - over $71 million in 2008 - specifically targeting leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Last year alone, LLS made 6.3 million contacts with patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals.
4 comments:
Cool charity. A former co-worker trained and ran the LA marathon, but instead of feeling great by getting in shape he got really run down and started bruising really easily. He went to the doctors who diagnosed him with leukemia, they said his intense training helped the cancer take hold! He was able to overcome his cancer, but it's an interesting tale of a 20-something trying to get fit who instead gets sick. Kudos on the charity :)
I believe L&L cancers are ones that will seriously benefit from the new administration's efforts to loosen up regulations on stem cell research. I think it's great that you're able to use your donation to support a friend - double-duty!
ooooh good one! i've been looking for a place to donate this month's money to also, so now i'll help your friend out too :)
thanks!
Hi there-a very worthy cause and a good choice for the month, well done indeed.
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