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Lehigh Valley, PA– Leaders from the Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the Leukemia Lymphoma Society (LLS), local patients and members of the medical community joined Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Pat Browne (16th District) in announcing the acquisition of $400,000 in state funding.
LLS will utilize the funding, which Senator Browne secured, to both provide support and relief for blood cancer patients in the Lehigh Valley and further vital research.
There are more than 13,000 patients living with or in remission from blood cancers in Eastern Pennsylvania. The everyday financial needs of these patients can be extremely challenging, especially for caregivers or patients who are forced to reduce hours or stop working altogether during treatment. This can create a significant barrier for those seeking receive treatment and care.
“We are grateful to Senator Browne for securing funding for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society,” said Pam Formica “His support helps LLS fund financial assistance and support for blood cancer patients. Together, we’re creating a world without blood cancer.”
LLS will use $200,000 for existing programs aimed at providing caregivers and families with the resources necessary to overcome the financial challenges associated with blood cancers. Programs offered include Patient Aid, Patient Travel Assistance and Urgent Need.
This is the largest state commitment specifically targeted toward direct relief of those afflicted by blood cancers in the Lehigh Valley.
An additional $200,000 will be used for furthering the potentially groundbreaking research of Y. Lynn Wang, MD, PhD, FCAP of The Research Institute of Fox Chase Cancer Center and Tomasz Skorski, MD, PhD, DSc of Temple University in their mission to improve treatment methods and, ultimately, find a cure for blood cancers.
“The generous support secured by Senator Browne plays an important role in bringing new cures and better treatments to people with blood cancer,” said Jenn Parrado, LLS Eastern PA Director of Advancement. “This unprecedented state funding toward innovative research is shaping the future of treatment for difficult blood cancers that affect Lehigh Valley residents and people across the country.”
The grants were secured as part of the FY 2018-2019 and FY 2019-2020 state budgets.
“For patients affected by blood cancers, the financial struggles and hardships that these diseases create can seem insurmountable,” Senator Browne said. “In supporting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s mission of assistance and support for those with blood cancers, we are sending the message that you are not alone in this fight. I am proud to help support the important work LLS does for Lehigh Valley families and in backing groundbreaking research for better treatment options as they work toward an eventual cure.”
Individuals, family members, or caregivers of those affected by blood cancers can contact The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Information Resource Center to speak with specialists who can assist them through cancer treatment, financial and social challenges and give accurate, up-to-date disease, treatment and support information, by calling: (800) 955-4572.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® (LLS) is a global leader in the fight against cancer. The LLS’ mission: cure leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world, provides free information and support services and is the voice for all blood cancer patients seeking access to quality, affordable, coordinated care.
Lehigh Valley patients are served by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Eastern Pennsylvania chapter.
More information on LLS can be found by visiting their website: www.LLS.org
Information provided to TVL by:
Matt Szuchyt
Deputy Director of Policy & Communications
Senator Pat Browne
Majority Appropriations Chairman
PA 16th Senatorial District
www.senatorbrowne.com
