The LRF, in cooperation with Loyola University Health System and the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) hosts a FREE Treatment Options for Blood Cancer Patients Conference Saturday, May 11, 2013 for leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) patients and caregivers. The conference will be held at the Hilton Chicago/Northbrook, 2855 N. Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook, Illinois, from 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Parking, a continental breakfast and lunch are provided, free of charge.

This informational and educational program is specifically designed for blood cancer patients and their families. Attendees will learn more about their disease, current treatment options and emerging therapies; as well as have their questions answered by medical experts.

Find updated information, a detailed agenda, a list of participating physicians, and register for the program here.

A 5K Run and 3K Walk in Chicago’s Lincoln Park!

Registration for the 19^th Annual ABC 7 Jim Gibbons 5K is now open. The event takes place in Chicago’s Lincoln Park – 2601 N. Cannon Drive in Chicago (60614), adjacent to Diversey Harbor, on Thursday, June 13. Register at www.Gibbons5K.com. Proceeds from the event benefit the Leukemia Research Foundation (LRF).

Honorary chairpersons, for the 19^th consecutive year, are ABC 7 Chicago’s Janet Davies and Frank Mathie. The event was created to honor the memory of Jim Gibbons, a 25-year veteran investigative reporter for ABC 7 who succumbed to leukemia in 1994.

New registration and fundraising pages are available for participants this year. The online registration fee is $35 for adult runners who choose to be chip-timed, $30 for 5K fun run and 3K walk, and $15 for children (14 and under) 5K run and 3K walk. Discounted registration is available until April 1. Teams also register online at www.Gibbons5K.com.

Event sponsorships are still available. Contact Cindy Kane at Cindy@LRFmail.org.

The Leukemia Research Foundation thanks ABC 7 Chicago for its continued commitment to the fight against blood cancers.

Stay up-to-date about pre-event parties, packet pickup and more through the ABC 7 Jim Gibbons 5K page on Facebook.

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One can expect to enjoy live entertainment, celebrity appearances, a food and beer tent, raffles for tickets to the Big Ten Tournament Kick-Off Luncheon and Saturday night Big Ten Alumni Party at Navy Pier and much more!

Proceeds from the days' events help the LRF to achieve its mission to conquer ALL blood cancers by funding research into their causes and cures, and enriching the quality of life of those touched by these diseases.

Get more details here.

(Back row L to R) Dr. Rose Catchatourian, Dr. Parameswaran Venugopal, Dr. Ammar Hayani, Dr. Nobuko Hijiya and Nurse Karina Danner-Koptik; (front row L to R) Dr. Olga Frankfurt, Dr. Patrick Stiff, and Dr. Wendy Stock.

This past weekend more than 100 people braved freezing rain and sleet to get blood cancer information provided at the Leukemia Research Foundation’s Annual Town Hall Meeting.

Patients and family members questioned a panel of experts gathered at the Conference Center of LifeSource in Rosemont, Ill. The annual program hosted by the LRF was moderated by Karina Danner-Koptik, RN, MSN, APN from the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago. The panel included Rose Catchatourian, M.D. from the John H. Stroger Hospital, Olga Frankfurt, M.D. from the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Ammar Hayani, M.D. from Advocate Hope Children’s Hospital, Nobuko Hijiya, M.D. from the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Patrick Stiff, M.D. from the Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center at Loyola University Medical Center, Wendy Stock, M.D. from the University of Chicago Medical Center, and Parameswaran Venugopal, M.D. from Rush University Medical Center.

The panel addressed questions from the audience, touching on everything from the benefits of clinical trials, to emerging therapies, as well as long term outlooks for specific diagnoses of leukemia and lymphoma, myelodysplastic syndromes and multiple myeloma.

The next opportunity for Spanish-speaking patients will be on Saturday, March 9 when the Town Hall Meeting in Spanish is held in Chicago. This program is hosted in partnership with Gilda’s Club Chicago. Call Jeanette Santana at 312-464-9900, extension 17 or email jeanettesantana@gildasclubchicago.org for registration and information, or click here.

Patients and caregivers get answers to their important questions about leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma and myelodysplastic syndromes, at the Leukemia Research Foundation’s Annual Town Hall Meeting.

Medical experts will answer questions from patients regarding leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and myelodysplastic syndromes, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013, from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Leukemia Research Foundation’s Annual Town Hall Meeting. The meeting will be held at the LifeSource Conference Center, 5505 Pearl Street in Rosemont, Ill.

Attendees can learn the latest about their disease - and pose questions to a panel of medical experts in the field of hematology/oncology. This year the panel includes medical experts from each of these Chicago institutions:

Advocate Hope Children’s Hospital

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago

Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center at Loyola University Medical Center

Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University

Rush University Medical Center

John H. Stroger Hospital

University of Chicago Medical Center

Free parking and refreshments included. For more information about participating doctors and to register, call 847-424-0600 or click here to register.

Karina Danner-Koptik, RN, MSN, APN from the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago and Joseph D. Tariman, Ph.D., ANP-BC from the Northwestern University Myeloma Program have been selected as the 2012 Nurses of the Year by the Leukemia Research Foundation (LRF). The award will be presented at the LRF’s 66^th Annual Medical Awards Luncheon.

The Nurse of the Year Award, presented annually since 1996, was created to recognize hematology-oncology nurses who give their time, compassion, and heart each and every day.

“Hematology/Oncology nurses care for patients with cancer and blood disorders. These nurses are true heroes, said Linda Kabot, the Leukemia Research Foundation’s Director of Programs and Research Grants Administrator.

“The LRF recognizes their hard work and dedication each year with the Nurse of the Year Award.  These extraordinary nurses are devoted to providing the highest standard of care to the patients and families they work with. Often, that care extends beyond their physical health, to include emotional support and long term follow-up treatment,” Kabot said.

Nominations from hospitals throughout Illinois and parts of Wisconsin and Indiana are submitted annually by patients and families touched by blood cancers, as well colleagues and coworkers.  The Leukemia Research Foundation recognizes the important contributions of hematology-oncology nurses. For patients and families facing these life-threatening diseases, these nurses play a vital role in ensuring their medical care and physical comfort, as well as meeting their needs for information and emotional support.   

Karina Danner-Koptik has been a nursing professional for more than 20 years. She is the Advanced Practice Nurse for the STAR (Survivor’s Taking Action & Responsibility) Oncology/Stem Cell Transplant Survivor Program at Lurie’s Children’s Hospital in Chicago. 

She was nominated by Dr. Morris Kletzel who wrote:

“Karina is one of the most dedicated nurses I have ever worked with. She is not only an advocate for her patients; she does a tremendous job following their lead. She is truly committed to patients with disabilities and has worked very hard to make their lives better. Patients love dealing with her!”

Ms. Danner-Koptik performs annual comprehensive physical and psychosocial evaluations for all Oncology and Stem Cell Transplant survivors, performing comprehensive survivorship screening, coordinating their multi-disciplinary care, and educating them at five years from their diagnosis or two years post transplant.  She is also a leader in multiple local and national research endeavors, and was recently awarded grant funding for her research study, Vocational Screening in STAR Childhood Cancer and Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Survivors.

Ms. Danner-Koptik earned both her BSN and MSN from Loyola University Chicago.  She is a Certified Pediatric Oncology Nurse and a member of the Association of Pediatric Oncology Nurses, and the American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplant.  She is an American Cancer Society Relay for Life Team Captain, and enjoys being with her family & friends, singing in her church choir, gardening, spinning.

Joseph Tariman has been a nursing professional for more than 20 years. He is an advanced practice nurse at the Northwestern University Myeloma Program in Chicago.

He was nominated by two of his patients, one of whom wrote:

“Joseph makes every effort to manage, educate, and friend everyone in his care.  He is a very skilled nurse as exhibited by his ability to do a bone marrow biopsy much faster and with far less pain than any nurse or doctor I have ever had.  He is very knowledgeable and always willing to give his very limited time to his patients at any time of the day. He has gone way above his job description by receiving a Doctoral Degree.  Too bad we can’t call him Dr. Tariman!”

Mr. Tarriman edited and co-authored a groundbreaking nursing book on multiple myeloma, published by the Oncology Nursing Society in mid-2010. He has authored or co-authored over 60 published articles, abstracts, monographs, and book chapters on various topics including multiple myeloma. He is a member of several editorial review boards.   In addition, he serves as contributing editor for ONS Connect and is a column writer for Advance for Nurse Practitioners.

Mr. Tariman has years of experience of combined nursing practice, education and research. He received his BSN (cum laude) from University of the Visayas, Master of Arts in Nursing from Cebu Doctor's University in the Philippines, and post-Master's certification in Adult Health at the University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida. In addition, he received this Ph.D. in Nursing Science from University of Washington.

Mr. Tariman is a member of the Midwest Nursing Research Society, the Council for the Advancement of Nursing Science, the Sigma Theta Tau Honors Society, the Western Institute of Nursing, and the Oncology Nursing Society.

The winners receive a $500 grant for their unit as well as a $500 grant for themselves and a party in their unit.

For more information on the Leukemia Research Foundation’s Nurse of the Year program contact Linda Kabot, at 847-424-0600 or Linda@LRFmail.org.

Two LRF Medical Advisory Board members are part of recent study on rare leukemia.

Congratulations to John Crispino, Ph.D. and Jessica Altman, M.D., on their recent research concerning acute megakaryocytic leukemia (AMKL). Published recently in the journal Cell, the research concerns two promising therapies to treat patients diagnosed with this rare leukemia. Read more about the research and conclusions here.

Crispino is immediate past chairman of the LRF’s Medical Advisory Board and is the senior author of the study. He’s the Robert I. Lurie, MD, and Lora S. Lurie Professor of Hematology/Oncology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and a member of the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University.

Altman is also a member of the LRF’s Medical Advisory Board and is assistant professor in hematology/oncology at Feinberg and an oncologist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital – and a member of the Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Both Altman and Crispino have participated in the LRF’s Patient Education Series.

Leukemia Research Foundation Acknowledges Heroes for Hope

September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month. Throughout the month of September, the Leukemia Research Foundation (LRF) will introduce Heroes for Hope on its Facebook page – www.facebook.com/leukemiaresearch. Posts can also be viewed on the LRF’s web site at www.leukemia-research.org/LLAM.

Each day during September will feature a different person, group or organization that helps the LRF achieve its mission to conquer leukemia, lymphoma, and myelodysplastic syndromes by funding research into their causes and cures, and to enrich the quality of life of those touched by these diseases. Readers can meet a Hero on the Facebook, then can click to continue the story on the LRF’s web site.

Blood cancer patients are heroes.  Furthermore, patients battle their disease within a league of heroes – family, doctors, nurses, social workers, and many others.  The LRF know of many heroes and witnesses their impact every day. Visit the LRF on Facebook to meet just a few Heroes for Hope.

LRF-funded scientist Ulrich Steidl, M.D., Ph.D., led scientists who have made a gene discovery that could mean new treatment options for patients who have acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Doctor Steidl, assistant professor of cell biology and of medicine and the Diane and Arthur B. Belfer Faculty Scholar in Cancer Research at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, was funded by the LRF in 2008/2009.

According to Steidl and colleagues, the gene HLX is expressed in unusually high levels in AML patients, causing blood-forming stem cells to become dysfunctional. Read more about this exciting discovery and its ramifications in the press release distributed by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University.

“This work was initially started in 2008/2009 with the help of the new investigator award I received from the Leukemia Research Foundation at that time,” said Steidl. “I am very happy how this work developed and that we now have discovered a new gene which offers new opportunities to develop therapies for patients with AML.

“I cannot thank the Leukemia Research Foundation enough for its support in the critical early stages of this project and at a particularly vulnerable time as a newly starting investigator,” Steidl said.

The results of this ground-breaking research were published online in Cancer Cell August 13. A PDF version of the article can be found here.

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Registration is now open for the inaugural Barbara J. Timmer Memorial Walk. The event takes place Saturday, September 29, 12:30 p.m. at the Park Ridge Country Club, 636 North Prospect Avenue, Park Ridge, Ill. Register here. Proceeds benefit the LRF through its new Barbara J. Timmer Memorial Chapter.

Participants will gather for a walk throughout Park Ridge, Barbara’s hometown for more than 35 years. Registration is $50 for adults – free for children under 18 - and includes a T-shirt and 2:30 p.m. lunch.

The Barbara J. Timmer Memorial Chapter was formed in 2012. It was established in honor of Mom, Wife, Sister, Grandma and Friend, Barb Timmer, who was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML), M1 on October 5 and lost her battle with AML on November 7, 2011. The chapter seeks to raise awareness and funds for the LRF while remembering Barb’s amazing love and legacy.

Visit http://www.barbarajtimmerfamilyfoundation.org for more information.

Raffles and auctions will also be held at the Bob Chinn’s 10^th Annual Charity Golf Outing. Raffle tickets are $10 each and prizes available include flat screen TVs, IPads, restaurant gift certificates, sporting event tickets, golf packages, and more. Five hundred golf balls will be sold for the Helicopter Ball Drop at $20 each. The numbered ball closest to a target on the course wins.  The winner splits the contest proceeds with the LRF (maximum winning amount of $1,000).  Second, third and fourth place prizes will be awarded as well.

Information and reservation details can be found at www.BobChinnsGolf.com or by calling Steve Jirak at Bob Chinn’s, 847.520.3633 or the LRF at 847.424.0600.

About Bob Chinn’s Crab House
Bob Chinn's has been an institution since 1982 in Wheeling, Illinois.  For almost 30 years it has served some of the Freshest Seafood from around the globe - Alaska, Hawaii, New Zealand- just to name a few.  Specializing in seafood, it’s also known for its wet-aged prime steaks that are comparable to those at some of the best steakhouses.

The Leukemia Research Foundation (LRF) seeks nominations of nurses who treat adult or pediatric patients of leukemia, lymphoma, myelodysplastic syndromes, and other blood cancer for its annual Nurse of the Year Award. Patients who have been treated for these blood cancers, as well as spouses, parents of patients, caregivers, children of patients, coworkers and medical professionals, are all invited to nominate a nurse – or several nurses - for the award.

Nomination guidelines are as follows:

• Candidates must work in the state of Illinois or within 100 miles of Chicago, which includes some communities in southern Wisconsin, northwest Indiana and southwestern Michigan.
• Candidates must hold an RN or an LPN certification and care for or serve patients with leukemia, lymphoma, myelodysplastic syndromes or other blood cancers.
• Nominations must be submitted on the official LRF nomination form.

Nominations are due Friday, August 17. More Nurse of the Year forms and details can be found here.

Close to 2,000 runners, walkers, and survivors of leukemia, lymphoma and other blood cancers participated in the 18th Annual ABC 7 Jim Gibbons 5K – held in Chicago’s Lincoln Park. The Gibbons event generated more than $100,000 in net revenue for the Leukemia Research Foundation.  Proceeds from the event will be used to fund medical blood cancer-related research around the world, provide patient financial assistance and offer patient and family support services to those affected by blood cancers like leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and myelodysplastic syndromes.

Winners of the 5K Run include the following:
Men’s Division
       First Place: Chris Cebula of Chicago
       Second Place: Miles Henderson of Chicago
       Third Place: David Frank

Women’s Division
       First Place: Heather Prekop of Chicago
       Second Place: Christina Overbeck of Chicago
       Third Place: Meshelle Rich
       
Click here for complete results and results by age group.

The ABC 7 Jim Gibbons 5K Traffic Jam, named to honor Jim Gibbons, an investigative reporter for ABC 7 who succumbed to leukemia in 1994, was chaired by long-time friends and colleagues Janet Davies and Frank Mathie of ABC 7 Chicago.

ABC 7 Chicago's Janet Davies and Frank Mathie broadcast the 5K start live.

Most participants stayed after the run and walk to compete in the inaugural Bags Tournament held on site - organized by the Jeff Vickers Memorial Chapter of the LRF - enjoy food,  and entertainment provided by the band Black Cadillac.

The ABC 7 Jim Gibbons 5K was sponsored by ABC 7 Chicago, Amgen, California Pizza Kitchen, Celgene, the Chicago Illini Club, Fleet Feet Sports, Hallmark and Johnson, Leinenkugel the Marquette University Alumni Association Chicago, Miller Lite, Old Town Pour House, Pfizer, Takeda / Millenium, Teva Oncology, and Time Out Chicago.

To learn more about and support the Leukemia Research Foundation, click here or call 847-424-0600.

For more highlights on the ABC 7 Jim Gibbons 5K, click here.

Here are a few images!

The Leukemia Research Foundation (LRF) hosts its 18^th Annual ABC 7 Jim Gibbons 5K Thursday, June 14 in Chicago’s Lincoln Park. Proceeds from the events of the evening benefit the Wilmette, Ill.-based Leukemia Research Foundation. Visit http://www.Gibbons5K.com to register and for more details.

The event features a 5K competitive run, a 3K noncompetitive walk led by survivors of leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, myelodysplastic syndromes and other blood cancers, entertainment provided by the band Black Cadillac – and new this year – a Bags Tournament organized onsite by the LRF’s Jeff Vickers Memorial Chapter. Register for the Bags Tournament at http://www.gibbons5k.com/JVMC.

Registration, check-in and gear check opens at 4:30 p.m. The run start, broadcast live on ABC 7 Chicago, starts at 6:25 p.m., followed immediately by the 3K Walk. The Bags Tournament begins at 7 p.m. and Black Cadillac plays starting immediately after the 5K awards and recognition ceremony at 7:30 p.m.

Honorary chairpersons, for the 18^th consecutive year, are ABC 7 Chicago’s Janet Davies and Frank Mathie. The event was created to honor the memory of Jim Gibbons, a 25-year veteran investigative reporter for ABC 7 who succumbed to leukemia in 1994.

The online registration fee is $35 for adult runners - $15 for children 14 and under. Bags Tournament registration is $50 per team, which includes 2 free beers, a T-shirt and prizes for top teams. The entire Gibbons 5K experience is even more fun if one participates and raises money for the LRF. Learn more about fundraising prizes at www.Gibbons5K.com.

Stay up-to-date about pre-event parties, packet pickup and more through the ABC 7 Jim Gibbons 5K fan page on Facebook.

The total contribution from Highland Park High School’s month-long fundraiser tops $174,000.

Recently forwarded donations raised the total contribution of Highland Park High School’s Charity Drive to more than $174,000. The month-long fundraiser, held earlier in 2012, featured many school and community-based activities and fundraisers to benefit the Leukemia Research Foundation (LRF). A video highlighting some of those events can be seen here.

The LRF remains grateful to the Highland Park community for its support of our mission to conquer leukemia, lymphoma, and myelodysplastic syndromes by funding research into their causes and cures, and to enrich the quality of life of those touched by these diseases.

Highland Park High School’s month-long fundraiser is an example of philanthropy in practice among high school students.

(L to R) Charity Drive check for $167,000 with LRF Board President and leukemia survivor Andy Hanson, Charity Drive Co-Chairmen Sarah Bronson, Alexa Boorstein and Jonathan Copeland, LRF Executive Director Kevin Radelet, and LRF Immediate Past-President Frank Martinez.

(WILMETTE, Ill. March 16, 2012)  High school students around the country lead by example when it comes to philanthropy. The Leukemia Research Foundation (LRF) today received $174,000 from Highland Park High School in Highland Park, Ill. – the culmination of a month-long annual fundraising campaign called Charity Drive.

“The Leukemia Research Foundation is honored to have been the beneficiary of Highland Park High School’s 2012 Charity Drive,” said LRF Executive Director Kevin Radelet.  “These students have proved, once again, that philanthropy is no longer just for adults.  Through the detailed selection process they recognized the tremendous need for financial support and increased awareness of leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood cancers.  Their efforts will have a transformational impact on our organization, as well as the patients and researchers we serve.”

LRF Board Members Steve Wilensky and Scott Kroman, Charity Drive Co-Chairmen Jonathan Copeland and Sarah Bronson, LRF Board President Andy Hanson, long time LRF Volunteer Jill Schield, Charity Drive Co-Chairman Alexa Boorstein, HPHS Student Senate President Burt Chaikin, LRF Immediate Past-President Frank Martinez, LRF Executive Director Kevin Radelet and LRF Board Member Paul Sanders with appreciation plaque presented to HPHS.

Since 1994, HPHS has organized Charity Drive, a fundraiser to benefit a local charity. During the entire month of February, Highland Park High School was the center of many fundraising activities including a silent auction, battle of the bands, a record-breaking 24-hour run, and many more activities - involving the entire community of Highland Park. Photos from many of the events and videos from the opening ceremonies, including testimonials of two students who have been impacted by a blood cancer, can be seen on the LRF’s web site at www.leukemia-research.org/hphs. Additional photos available on the LRF's Facebook page.

A standing room only crowd listened to three hours of answers to specific blood cancer questions at the Leukemia Research Foundation’s Town Hall Meeting Sunday, January 29 in Chicago.

(L to R) Allen Korenblit M.D. Jessica Altman, M.D., Chadi Nabhan, M.D., Melissa L. Larson, M.D., Justin Kline, M.D., Ima Garcia, RN, MSN, ACNP-BC, AOCNP, Patrick Stiff, M.D., and Parameswaran Venugopal, M.D.

Patients and their caregivers questioned a panel of hematologists/oncologists gathered in the Feinberg Pavilion at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. The annual program hosted by the LRF was moderated by Melissa L. Larson, M.D. from Rush University Medical Center. The panel included Jessica Altman, M.D. from the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University; Ima Garcia, RN, MSN, ACNP-BC, AOCNP and Justin Kline, M.D. from the University of Chicago Medical Center; Allen Korenblit, M.D. from Rush University Children’s Hospital; Chadi Nabhan, M.D. from Advocate Lutheran General Hospital; Patrick Stiff, M.D. from the Cardinal Bernardin Cancer center at Loyola University Medical Center; and Parameswaran Venugopal, M.D. from Rush University Medical Center.

For the first time, the panel included a nurse. Ima Garcia from the University of Chicago Medical Center is one of the LRF’s 2011 Nurses of the Year. She offered a perspective that was especially useful to caregivers attending the Town Hall Meeting.

The next opportunity for patients comes Saturday, February 18 when Town Hall Meeting in Spanish is held in Chicago.

Click here for video highlights of Town Hall Meeting 2012.

Medical experts will answer questions regarding leukemia, lymphoma, myelodysplastic syndromes, and multiple myeloma from patients and their families from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 29, 2012, at the Leukemia Research Foundation’s Annual Town Hall Meeting. The meeting will be held at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Feinberg Pavilion - Conference Room A, 251 E. Huron in Chicago.

Attendees can learn the latest about their disease – from side effects and clinical trials, to research, family history, resources and much more – as well as pose questions to a panel of hematologists/oncologists. This year the panel includes medical experts from each of these Chicago institutions:

Advocate Lutheran General Hospital

Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center at Loyola University Medical Center

Children’s Memorial Hospital

Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University

Rush University Children’s Hospital

Rush University Medical Center

University of Chicago Medical Center

Also included on the panel is one of the Leukemia Research Foundation’s 2011 Nurses of the Year – Ima Garcia from the University of Chicago Medical Center – offering another perspective that can be especially useful to caregivers attending the Town Hall Meeting.

“The Leukemia Research Foundation is pleased to provide eight medical experts to share the latest information about blood cancer treatment,” said Linda Kabot, director of Programs and Research Grants Administrator for the Foundation.

Admission is free and parking is also free for this very important and informative meeting. Learn more at  www.leukemia-research.org/TownHall and register by calling 847-424-0600.

For additional information call:
Carl Alston, Director of Communications
847-919-6250
Carl@LRFmail.org

The Leukemia Research Foundation is proud to announce its 49^th Annual Holiday Card Program.  This year’s catalog includes cards for many occasions – and all can be customized.  Cards can be ordered online at www.leukemia-research.org as well as by mail.  Proceeds benefit the Leukemia Research Foundation, which funds research for leukemia, lymphoma and myelodysplastic syndromes all over the world, as well as provides patient financial assistance and educational and emotional support programs.

Cards for birthdays, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah ,Christmas, and the New Year are available in many styles from general to business, religious, multicultural, progressive and more.  The cards can be personalized upon request and customers are able to customize verses. Cards range in style from a watercolor reproduction to traditional holiday scenes. View sample cards.   

The cards can be purchased in boxes of 25, which include 25 cards with envelopes, greeting, three free lines of personalization on the card, plus the following benefit message:

“Proceeds from the sale of this card benefit the Leukemia Research Foundation.”

Significant discounts begin with orders of two or more boxes. Custom imprinted envelopes also available at an additional cost.  To assure on-time delivery, all card orders should be placed by December 10, 2011.

For more information about LRF’s Holiday Card Program, click here or call Dorothy Pfeiffer (708) 599-5778.

Ima N. Garcia, RN, MSN, ACNP-BC, AOCNP from University of Chicago Medical Center and Maureen Haugen, RN, MSN, APN, CPNP, CPON from Children's Memorial Hospital have been selected as the 2011 Nurses of the Year by the Leukemia Research Foundation. The award was presented at the Foundation’s 65^th Annual Medical Awards Luncheon.

The Nurse of the Year Award, presented annually since 1996, was created to recognize hematology-oncology nurses who give their time, compassion, and heart each and every day to those touched by leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood cancers.

“Each year the Leukemia Research Foundation receives dozens of nominations of highly-skilled and caring nurses,” said Linda Kabot, the Leukemia Research Foundation’s Director of Programs and Research Grants Administrator. “Hematology-oncology nurses have significant impact on a patient’s treatment and recovery. It’s an honor to meet and learn about these amazing people through the nomination process,” Kabot said.

Nominations from hospitals throughout Illinois and parts of Wisconsin and Indiana are submitted annually by patients and families touched by blood cancers, as well colleagues and coworkers.  The Leukemia Research Foundation recognizes the important contributions of hematology-oncology nurses to the care of patients with leukemia, lymphoma and myelodysplastic syndromes. For patients and families facing these life-threatening diseases, these nurses play a vital role in ensuring their medical care and physical comfort, as well as meeting their needs for information and emotional support.   

Ima Garcia, a resident of Chicago’s Hyde Park, has been a nursing professional for more than 16 years. She is a nurse practitioner who manages the most difficult patients with hematological malignancies: those for whom a stem cell transplant is the best chance for a cure or those for whom standard therapy has failed. These patients have already experienced the rigors of treatment and bring many fears and anxieties with them.

Carol White (LRF 1997 Nurse of the Year), who nominated Garcia said, “Ima puts her patients at ease.  Coupled with her outstanding clinical expertise, Ima brings compassion and empathy to her role…not to mention humor and sports talk (especially with her younger patients). The staff nurses look to Ima for her nursing expertise in collaborating with them in the management of their patients.  She is an excellent role model for her holistic approach to the care of these very special patients.  I am proud to call Ima my colleague and friend!”

Ima is a member of the Chicago Chapter Oncology Nursing Society and is the co-editor of its quarterly newsletter.  In 2009 she received the President’s Award from CCONS.

Maureen Haugen, a resident of Wilmette, Ill., has been a nursing professional for more than 30 years. She is an advanced practice nurse/pediatric nurse practitioner who “epitomizes award-winning care,” said the woman who nominated her.

Haugen was nominated by a family whose son was diagnosed with t-cell lymphoblastic leukemia at 15 months old.  His Mom wrote:

“We see the faces of the children light up at clinic when Maureen comes to get them from the waiting room, indicative of their love for her.  Maureen truly cares about the quality of life for her patients, and their caregivers.  I could go on and on and still have more good things to say about Maureen Haugen and how deserving she is of this honor.  She is a true advocate and caregiver for her pediatric patients and a dedicated and trusted partner and guide for their parents. Our simple words could not express how grateful we are that she is in our lives and caring for our son.”

Maureen Haugen is a member of the Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses and was awarded their Excellence in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Education Award in 2009.

The winners receive a $500 grant as well as $500 for her unit. 

For more information on the Leukemia Research Foundation’s Nurse of the Year program contact Linda Kabot, at 847-424-0600 or Linda@LRFmail.org.

Marshall S. Horwitz, M.D., Ph.D., a professor of pathology at the University of Washington, was the featured speaker at the Leukemia Research Foundation’s 65^th Annual Medical Awards Luncheon held October 2 in Rosemont, Illinois.  More than 300 volunteers, donors and supporters of the Leukemia Research Foundation learned how Dr. Horwitz’s research, funded in 1998 by the Foundation, not only advanced current knowledge, but also was a catalyst to his career. 

 Dr. Marshall Horwitz is part of an international team of research scientists who recently discovered a genetic mutation that predisposes people to acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplasia. Scientists hope their finding will lead to a genetic test that gives people who may be at risk, due to family history, the ability to find out if they have the faulty gene before any symptoms actually emerge. View the news story from ABC 7 Chicago below.

The long-term impact of this discovery was brought to light during Dr. Horwitz’s comments at the Luncheon, as well as the role the Leukemia Research Foundation played in the research.

“I can’t express my gratitude sufficiently to tell you how important the LRF funding was,” said Dr. Horwitz. “. . . Having that funding at a very pivotal point in my earlier career development was incredibly important in keeping the fire going and staying committed to this,” Horwitz said.

This type of career advancing support is precisely the objective of the Leukemia Research Foundation’s Hollis Brownstein Research Grants Program; exclusively funding New Investigators - those gifted researchers who may find important funding difficult to secure at a critical part of their careers - by offering one year, $100,000 grants to provide the momentum and financial support necessary, to lead to pioneering discoveries.

To view the entire 14-minute speech delivered by Dr. Horwitz, click the image below.

U.S. portion of project funded in early stages by grant provided by the Leukemia Research Foundation

A new genetic defect that predisposes people to acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplasia has been discovered.  The major discovery of Dr. Marshall S. Horwitz, a professor of pathology at the University of Washington (UW) in the U.S., and colleagues in Australia, is reported in the September 4, 2011 issue of Nature Genetics.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110904140450.htm

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/233878.php

Scientists hope their finding will lead to a genetic test that gives people who may be at risk, because of the family history, the ability to find out if they have the faulty gene before any symptoms actually emerge.  This could give them and their doctors a head start on getting an early diagnosis and treatment plan.

Dr. Horwitz’s journey to discovery was significantly enhanced by a funding grant received from the Leukemia Research Foundation in 1998 for his early research involving inherited leukemia.

“This has taken nearly 20 years and at an earlier point this very work was funded by the Leukemia Research Foundation, and more recently through the National Institutes of Health,” said Dr. Horwitz.

“Support from the Leukemia Research Foundation has proven instrumental in helping me to establish a career researching heritable factors predisposing to hematological malignancy.  Thanks in large part to this initial support, we were able to secure the major NIH funding that led to this exciting discovery.”

This type of career advancing support is precisely the objective of the Leukemia Research Foundation’s (LRF) Hollis Brownstein Research Grants Program.  Since 1946, the Wilmette, Il-based LRF has funded hundreds of research projects focused on determining the causes and cures for leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood cancers.

“We are elated to learn of the exciting discoveries of Dr. Horwitz and his colleagues,” said Kevin Radelet, LRF Executive Director.  “The LRF exclusively funds New Investigators, those gifted researchers who may find important funding difficult to secure at a critical part of their careers.  In essence, the LRF serves as a ‘venture capitalist’ in advancing careers by offering one year, $100,000 grants.  These grants provide the momentum and financial support they need that lead to pioneering discovery such at these recent findings.”

Enormous potential seen in just one shot!

Doctors at the University of Pennsylvania published research findings recently about a new leukemia treatment that features one shot . . . with fantastic results. The research is still in its very early stages. Much more needs to be done. Read the article posted on the MSNBC web site here: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44090512/ns/health-cancer/t/new-leukemia-treatment-exceeds-wildest-expectations/#.TkL90Fv_yOJ

An press release posted on the Medical News Today web site reports that improved diagnosis methods for MDS has been developed - based on the discovery of genetic mutations. The new methodology impacts prognosis methods; which in turn helps determine appropriate treatment regimens for MDS patients.

 To learn more about this important research and its implications, click this link: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/230235.php.

The 17th Annual ABC 7 Jim Gibbons 5K Traffic Jam was held Thursday, June 16 in Chicago’s Lincoln Park. Thousands of runners and walkers who support the mission to find a cure for blood cancers were treated to a nice evening, food, entertainment and more. This is the first year for the event to be held in Lincoln Park.

Participants can still raise funds for the Leukemia Research Foundation through Friday, July 15. Find race results, photos and more at www.5KTrafficJam.com.

For every small step you take at the Leukemia Research Foundation’s 17th Annual ABC 7 Jim Gibbons 5K Traffic Jam, you’ll be making one giant leap for your community and for more than 4,000 people in Illinois who will be diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma or myelodysplastic syndromes this year. Come take a run or a walk after work Thursday, June 16 through Lincoln Park, and do something wonderful for your community. Every step you take will help the Foundation raise money for blood cancer research and patient support programs for people living with leukemia, lymphoma or myelodysplastic syndromes. For more information about the ABC 7 Jim Gibbons 5K Traffic Jam or to participate, please visit www.5KTrafficJam.com or call 847-424-0600.

John Crispino, Ph.D., chairman of the LRF’s Medical Advisory Board and associate professor in the Division of Hematology/Oncology at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, is involved in exciting research concerning a deadly form of childhood leukemia called acute megakaryocytic leukemia (AMKL). Learn more about Dr. Crispino’s role here.

Dr. Crispino has served on the LRF’s Medical Advisory Board since 2003 and became its chairman in 2009.

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ABC 7 Chicago has just put the finishing touches on a public service announcement (PSA) for the ABC 7 Jim Gibbons 5K Traffic Jam. Click the link below to view it!

Registration for the ABC 7 Jim Gibbons 5K Traffic Jam is available now – visit www.5KTrafficJam.com today for information. Top fundraisers earn great prizes! Top runners win cash prizes! There will be great food and entertainment! The result will be more steps taken toward a cure for leukemia, lymphoma and other blood cancers.

Make sure to join us for the Kickoff Party Thursday, June 2 at District Bar in Chicago.Visit http://www.5ktrafficjam.eventbrite.com, call 847-424-0600 or e-mail Gibbons@LRFmail.org for ticket information.

Several scientists, including Iannis Aifantis, Ph.D., have made an important discovery concerning myeloid leukemia. The scientific study involves a protein called Notch and the Notch signaling pathway. In very simple terms, the study reveals that when silenced genes in the Notch signaling pathway are reactivated, disease is blocked. The discovery supports the idea that Notch might have a very important development of cancer.

The May 16, 2011 news release posted on Science Daily provides a nice synopsis of the scientific study, which was originally published in the May 12, 2011 issue of the journal Nature. Patients who have chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) or acute myeloid leukemia (AML) may be very interested in the news release and/or study.

Link to Science Daily news release entitled “Study Reveals Origins of a Cancer Affecting the Blood and Bone Marrow”: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110512092716.htm

Link to an abstract of the study published in the journal Nature: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v473/n7346/full/nature09999.html

Iannis Aifantis, Ph.D. was supported by the Leukemia Research Foundation during its 2003-2004 funding cycle for another scientific study that also involved Notch, entitled “Cooperation of Notch and pre-TCR signaling in the induction of T cell leukemia.” At that time Dr. Aifantis was doing work at University of Chicago. Click here to access more information and the abstract of this study. Today, Dr. Aifantis is associate professor in the Department of Pathology at the NYU Langone Medical Center, a member of the NYU Cancer Institute, and is also a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Early Career Scientist.

New Chicago Location – Chicago's Lincoln Park!

Registration for the 17^th Annual ABC 7 Jim Gibbons 5K Traffic Jam is now open. The event takes place in a new location this year – Chicago’s Lincoln Park – at 1800 N. Stockton Drive in Chicago, on Thursday, June 16. Register at www.5KTrafficJam.com. Proceeds from the event benefit the Leukemia Research Foundation (LRF).

Honorary chairpersons, for the 17^thconsecutive year, are ABC 7 Chicago’s Janet Davies and Frank Mathie. The event was created to honor the memory of Jim Gibbons, a 25-year veteran investigative reporter for ABC 7 who succumbed to leukemia in 1994.

Participants who raise money via the automatically-generated fundraising pages for the event, can benefit from a host of new, premium prizes including Apple iPod Shuffles, 32” LCD HDTVs – and for those who raise $5,000 or more for the Leukemia Research Foundation – Apple iPads.

The online registration fee is $35 for adult runners - $15 for children 14 and under. The first 250 who register receive a free tech shirt. The 5K Traffic Jam experience is made more fun if one participates and raises money as part of a team. Teams consist of three or more individuals who run, walk, volunteer or any combination of the three. Teams also register online at www.5KTrafficJam.com.

The Leukemia Research Foundation acknowledges ABC 7 Chicago for renewing its commitment to the fight against blood cancers. Event sponsorships are still available. Contact Cindy Kane at Cindy@LRFmail.org.

Stay up-to-date about pre-event parties, packet pickup and more through the ABC 7 Jim Gibbons 5K Traffic Jam fan page on Facebook.

Loyola University Health System is now offering stem cell transplants to blood cancer patients who are in their 60s and 70s! These patients were formerly deemed too susceptible to severe complications for the procedure.

Read more about the research and results here: http://www.loyolamedicine.org/News/News_Releases/news_release_detail.cfm?renderforprint=1&var_news_release_id=973441390.

Local Hematologists/Oncologists will answer questions from leukemia, lymphoma and myelodysplastic syndromes patients and their families from 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday, February 26 at Gilda’s Club Chicago, 537 N. Wells in Chicago (60654). The program, conducted entirely in Spanish, is hosted by the Leukemia Research Foundation. Individuals diagnosed with these blood cancers can learn the latest about their disease - and pose questions to a panel medical experts specializing in child and adult hematology/oncology.

Panelists for Town Hall Meeting in Spanish will be Morris Kletzel, M.D. from Children’s Memorial Hospital and Wendy Stock, M.D. from the University of Chicago Medical Center. Click here for registration information.

Local Hematologists/Oncologists Answer Questions from Patients and Families

Leading hematologists/oncologists from seven Chicagoland hospitals will participate in a free Annual Town Hall Meeting presented by the Leukemia Research Foundation Sunday, January 30, 2011 from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, 251 E. Huron in Chicago. Click here for a list of participating hematologists/oncologists and more information.

The Town Hall Meeting will be held in the Feinberg Pavilion at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, 3rd Floor, Conference Room A. Complimentary parking (vouchers handed out at check-in) will be available at the Huron/St. Clair parking garage. Reservations are very much appreciated, but walk-ins are welcome.

Click here for more information. Reservations can be made by calling the Leukemia Research Foundation at 847-424-0600 or e-mail Linda@LRFmail.org.

An anonymous donor has come forward to offer a matching Challenge Grant of up to $25,000 to the Leukemia Research Foundation (LRF). This means that when any new supporter makes a donation to the LRF, a contribution of equal value comes from the anonymous source and effectively doubles the impact of the contribution.

“This opportunity could not come at a better time for the Foundation,” said LRF’s Senior Director of Development Cindy Kane.

“Every four minutes a person is diagnosed with leukemia or lymphoma in the United States. Family and friends who want to help by supporting research to find a cure, or funding education and financial assistance to help patients cope, can now donate to our mission and have twice the impact. The Challenge Grant will match new donor gifts dollar-for-dollar,” Kane said.

The mission of the LRF is to conquer leukemia, lymphoma, and myelodysplastic syndromes by funding research into their causes and cures, and to enrich the quality of life of those touched by these diseases. Research to find the cure for blood cancers, a patient financial assistance program, town hall meetings and a Treatment Options Conference are the methods through which blood cancer patients are supported by the LRF.

Current LRF donors can support this challenge grant through contributions over-and above previous commitments. For example, if a supporter who typically contributes $100 to the LRF chooses to donate $175, the 75 “new dollars” are matched.

Donations received by LRF between now and December 31, 2010 qualify as a 2010 tax deduction to the full extent permitted by U.S. law. For extra tax savings, you may also donate appreciated stock and avoid capital gains.

For more information on how to support the LRF as it helps people living with a blood cancer, contact Cindy Kane at 847-424-0600 or Cindy@LRFmail.org.

Help the LRF meet the chasllenge set before it.

Bowling + Bocce = Big Bucks for Research

Supporters of the Suzanne’s Friends~For Life Chapter of the Leukemia Research Foundation, for the 14th consecutive year, have supported the LRF through participation in Fun~Raiser: A Party with a Purpose. This year’s Fun~Raiser generated more than $60,000 in net revenue – money destined to help patients and families cope with the realities of a leukemia, lymphoma or myelodysplastic syndromes diagnosis, as well has fund the research necessary to find a cure for these terrible blood cancers.

Guests were treated to great food, the use of two of the available bocce courts and 18 bowling alleys. Hosted since 1997, Fun~Raiser was created in memory of Suzanne Dreebin Wilensky of Northbrook, who was lost to leukemia at age 33. Suzanne left behind an inspiration for all her friends and family to conquer leukemia. Her many friends and family formed Suzanne’s Friends ~ For Life, a chapter of the Leukemia Research Foundation. Their pledge is to carry on the fight against leukemia “for life,” if need be. It is their statement of resolve and purpose, and a transformation of the tragedy of her death into a crusade to find a cure for leukemia. Since 1997, the Suzanne’s Friends~For Life Chapter has raised nearly $2 million in net revenue for the Leukemia Research Foundation.

To learn more about the Leukemia Research Foundation, the Suzanne’s Friends ~ For Life Chapter and to see photos from the event, visit www.suzannesfriends.org.

Cindy Savaiano, RN, BSN a pediatric home health registered nurse serving the needs of oncology patients; and Jennifer Tornatta, MSN, RN, ANP-BC, an advanced practice nurse, clinical manager at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, have been selected as 2010 Nurses of the Year by the Leukemia Research Foundation (LRF).

The Nurse of the Year Award, presented annually since 1996, was created to recognize hematology-oncology nurses who give their time, compassion, and heart each and every day to those touched by leukemia, lymphoma, and myelodysplastic syndromes. Nominations from dozens of hospitals, doctors’ offices and hematology/oncology clinics throughout Illinois and parts of Wisconsin and Indiana are submitted annually by patients and families touched by these diseases, as well colleagues and coworkers. 

“The care that hematology/oncology nurses provide each day is truly incredible,” said Scott Kroman, chairman of the Nurse of the Year Judging committee. 

“Each year dozens of highly-skilled and caring nurses are brought to light during the nomination process – people who have critical impact on a patient’s treatment and recovery,” Kroman said.

The Leukemia Research Foundation recognizes the important contributions of hematology-oncology nurses to the care of patients with leukemia, lymphoma and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). For patients and families facing these life-threatening diseases, these nurses play a vital role in ensuring their medical care and physical comfort, as well as meeting their needs for information and emotional support.   

Cindy Savaiano, a resident of Chicago (Sauganash neighborhood), has been a nursing professional for more than 16 years. She is a dedicated and patient-focused pediatric Home Health Registered Nurse employed by HomeTech Therapies in Schaumburg, Ill., with proven expertise in the adult and pediatric oncology population.  She received her Bachelor of Science degree at Rush School of Nursing achieving multiple high honors. Throughout her career, Cindy has been repeatedly commended by patients and supervisors for outstanding quality of care received, with consistent mention in care-survey responses.  She was nominated by two families who each have a child with leukemia.

“Cindy is an incredibly warm and open person who immediately made us feel relaxed. She patiently taught us everything we needed to know to care for our daughter . . . and let us ask questions until we were confident,” said one family.

“Even on days when she had a full schedule of running to numerous homes and hospitals, she maintained a more than positive personality and professionalism. Her smile and good cheer always put our son at ease,” another family said.

Jennifer Tornatta, also a resident of Chicago (Lincoln Park neighborhood), has been a nursing professional for more than seven years. Jennifer earned her undergraduate degree in Nursing from the University of Southern Indiana and Master’s Degree in Nursing at Indiana University where she was awarded “Outstanding Master’s Student”.  She is credited with numerous publications, presentations, awards, and scholarships throughout her illustrious career.  Jennifer holds membership is several professional organizations and has completed several research projects funded by NIH.

“Jennifer is the embodiment of a successful nurse and colleague,” said one of her coworkers.

“She has improved the outcome of countless bone marrow transplant patients not only by her stellar care, but also through her innovation.”

The winners receive a $500 grant as well as $500 funding for a gift or program for her unit.  Public recognition and presentation of the Nurse of the Year Awards happened at the LRF’s Medical Awards Luncheon Sunday, September 26.

A special recognition luncheon was held for Savaiano at HomeTech Therapies in Schaumburg, Ill., October 22. A recognition event will be held for Tornatta Friday, October 29 at Rush University Medical Center. For more information contact LRF’s Director of Programs and Research Grants Administrator Linda Kabot, at 847-424-0600 or Linda@LRFmail.org.

Teams Compete in Memory of Kathy Meyers-Grabemann

On Tuesday, Nov. 23 when the UIC women's basketball team hosts the cross-town rival DePaul Blue Demons in one of the most anticipated non-conference games of the season, the focus will not only be on the hoops, but also on benefitting "Somebody's Hero."

"Somebody's Hero" is the Kathleen Meyers-Grabemann Chapter of the Leukemia Research Foundation which was formed in 1996 to pay tribute to Kathleen's indomitable spirit, and continue the fight against leukemia that Kathy so bravely fought.

Meyers-Grabemann was a talented three-sport athlete at Loyola University in Chicago where, in addition to excelling on the volleyball court and softball diamond, she was a teammate and best friend of current UIC women's basketball coach Lisa Ryckbosch on the hardwood in Rogers Park. The former standout graduated from Loyola in 1985 magna cum laude with degrees in criminal justice and political science. After coaching volleyball for a year at her alma mater, Niles North High School, the Morton Grove, Ill. native enrolled at Notre Dame where she earned her law degree in 1989.

On Sept. 13, 1995, Meyers-Grabemann was diagnosed with leukemia. After three intense rounds of chemotherapy the disease had been in remission for six months. In March 1996, the disease returned and the mother of a newborn daughter, Kaily, learned she would need a bone marrow transplant to overcome the crippling disease.

Kathy was able to find a match off the bone marrow registry, but 20 days into her transplant, she contracted an infection that ultimately took her life.

"Somebody's Hero" was the brainchild of Kathy. In the years since she has passed there have been several events held in conjunction with the Leukemia Research Foundation to memorialize Meyers-Grabemann and raise awareness about leukemia.

On Tuesday, Nov. 23, the next in that series of events will take place at the UIC Pavilion. That night the Flames welcome head coach Doug Bruno and his highly-touted DePaul Blue Demons team. Bruno served as the associate head coach of Loyola's men's team when Meyers-Grabemann and Ryckbosch played for the women's team in Rogers Park. Ryckbosch also served as an assistant at DePaul for several years before assuming her current role at UIC.

The evening will begin with a pre-game meal and chalk talk sessions by both Bruno and Ryckbosch in the Dragon's Den at 6 p.m. Tip-off for the non-conference showdown is set for 7 p.m., but the evening doesn't end there. Following the game, the excitement will move to Lizzie McNeil's Irish Pub in the Streeterville neighborhood for a post-game celebration.

Tickets to the game are only $10, $7 of which will be donated directly back to the Somebody's Hero Chapter of the Leukemia Research Foundation if the tickets are purchased in advance. Tickets for the pre-game meal are $10 and there will be a cash bar at Lizzie McNeil's. It promises to be a memorable evening, so don't miss out and purchase tickets now. The deadline to order is Nov. 16.

For tickets or more information, please call Jonathan Butler at 312-355-0283 or click here to donwload, complete and mail an order form with payment.

Contact: Alden: Sarah Mahisekar
Manager, Community Relations
773-547-3064, or smahisekar@aldengroup.org

Contact: LRF: Carl Alston
Director of Communications
847-919-6250 or Carl@LRFmail.org

AURORA, Ill. Over 300 people attended the 2nd Annual Alden of Waterford Duck Race on Thursday, Sept. 23. Proceeds from the event benefited the Donald Davidson-Alan Brin Memorial Chapter of the Leukemia Research Foundation and totaled $25,210.

“Our goal was to raise $15,000 to support the Leukemia Research Foundation,” says Nora O’Gorman, Administrator. “We are thrilled that duck sales and a contribution from a very generous Alden of Waterford employee helped us to exceed our expectations.”

The race began with the National Anthem and a six-gun salute by members of the Fox Valley Marines. National Guardsmen provided the ducks with a personal escort to the pond while the Aurora Fire Department assisted the ducks in racing across the Alden of Waterford campus pond.

Participants enjoyed appetizers catered by the rehabilitation center’s professional chef, a cocktail hour featuring Alden’s signature wines, live entertainment and games for children.

Naperville Mayor George Pradel, left, and Brian Lamb, volunteer, help kick off the 2nd Annual ‘Alden of Waterford Duck Race’ to benefit the Donald Davidson-Alan Brin Memorial Chapter of the Leukemia Research Foundation. They lead a processional that included the National Guard, Fox Valley Marines and Brian Cunningham of the Emerald Society Bag Pipers.

National Guardsmen carry more than 4,300 rubber ducks to place into the Alden of Waterford campus pond at the 2nd Annual Alden of Waterford Duck Race.

National Guardsmen place more than 4,300 rubber ducks into the Alden of Waterford campus pond at the 2nd Annual Alden of Waterford Duck Race.

The Aurora Fire Department uses fire hoses to assist more than 4,300 rubber ducks in racing across the pond at the 2nd Annual Alden of Waterford Duck Race on Thursday, Sept. 23.

The Aurora Fire Department’s Private Delmar Krieghbaum picks up the first duck to cross the finish line at the 2nd Annual Alden of Waterford Duck Race. The owner of the duck, Pat Smith of Batavia, won $500 in cash. Pat purchased the winning duck when she was visiting the Fox Valley Senior Center.

Marcia Brin, center, President of the Donald Davidson-Alan Brin Memorial Chapter of the Leukemia Research Foundation, accepts a check for $25,210 at the 2nd Annual Alden of Waterford Duck Race. She is joined by Alden of Waterford’s Nora O’Gorman, left, Administrator, Ina Schlossberg, Special Projects Coordinator, Alden Management Services, James Highsmith, Fox Valley Marines, Celia High, Army National Guard, and Andy Hanson, Board President, Leukemia Research Foundation.

Alden of Waterford Rehabilitation and Health Care Center offers programs that address the needs of short-term therapy and rehabilitation patients as well as long-term residents.

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The Blood Science Foundation (BSF), an operating unit of the Institute for Transfusion Medicine (ITxM), is the 2010 recipient of the Star Award presented by the Leukemia Research Foundation (LRF), based in Wilmette, Illinois.  The Star Award is the highest honor bestowed upon corporations or individuals by the LRF.  The award is presented to a select few who have taken the Foundation to new heights and truly created a legacy in pursuit of a cure for blood cancers. The Blood Science Foundation is only the 23rd recipient of the Star Award in the LRF’s 65-year history.

The LRF was the recipient of a multi-year, $150,000 grant form BSF in 2009. The grant money, distributed over three years, provides funding specifically in support of the Educational Conferences and Patient Financial Assistance Programs offered by the LRF.

“The Leukemia Research Foundation is truly honored to receive support from ITxM and its many business units including the Blood Science Foundation, LifeSource, and the Central Cord Bank,” said Kevin Radelet, executive director of the LRF. “The impact on services we provide to blood cancer patients is exceptional.”

The LRF is privileged to be one of the first external organizations to receive philanthropic support from the BSF. As one of six business units, BSF shares the overall mission of  ITxM – to engage our blood donor community, advance transfusion science, and touch more patients with our clinical expertise.

ITxM, based in Pittsburgh, PA, is better known in the Chicago area as the parent company of LifeSource. The LRF is grateful to benefit from the daily involvement of employees of LifeSource and their support of numerous educational, support and fundraising events.

The Star Award was presented at the LRF’s Medical Awards Dinner Sunday, September 26 in Chicago.

About Blood Science Foundation
Founded more than 55 years ago, the Blood Science Foundation ensures that ITxM has the financial resources to provide long-term lifesaving services to the communities we serve. The Foundation supports ITxM by expanding the efforts of the Research Institute, making capital expenditures, and providing additional funds for operating budgets as necessary.

The growth of the Blood Science Foundation is representative of the financial stability and fund investment of ITxM. Now, with the Research Institute’s partnership with the University of Pittsburgh, the Foundation is increasing its support of research initiatives by providing multi-million dollar funding for important investigative projects. These long-term efforts may one day lead to a better understanding, and improved treatment, of blood disorders.

The Foundation’s commitment to the Research Institute and its extensive clinical research projects is just one more way we can fulfill our lifesaving mission.

Duxler Complete Auto Care raises money for local organization that seeks to conquer leukemia, lymphoma, and myelodysplastic syndromes.

Duxler Complete Auto Care and the Leukemia Research Foundation (LRF) are teaming up in September to raise funds for research.  Duxler Days is a fundraising initiative supporting local not-for-profit groups in the community.

To participate in the LRF fundraiser, customers need only download the special Duxler Days flier and present it when they come for service at any of Duxler’s four locations in Northbrook, Evanston, Skokie and Wilmette.  Duxler will donate $5 for each flier received to Leukemia Research Foundation.

“We are excited to participate in this community-focused campaign to support our efforts to conquer leukemia while patronizing a quality local business like Duxler,” adds Carl Alston, Director of Communications for LRF.

The LRF's mission is to conquer leukemia, lymphoma, and myelodysplastic syndromes by funding research into their causes and cures, and to enrich the quality of life of those touched by these diseases.

Duxler Complete Auto Care is a family-owned chain of auto repair centers on the North Shore. Every month, Duxler makes a donation to a charitable organization.

Founded in the 1920's by the Duxler family, Duxler Complete Auto Care has been owned and operated by the Moak family since 1982. Duxler is one of the leading, and largest, auto repair facilities on the North Shore. Duxler prides itself on having a large staff of knowledgeable, friendly service advisors and technicians, and same day repair service. Duxler Complete Auto Care has locations at: 9323 Skokie Blvd. in Skokie; 280 Skokie Blvd. in Northbrook; 1201 Green Bay Rd. in Wilmette; and 2620 Green Bay Rd. in Evanston.

For more information on Duxler Days, contact Julie Yusim at 847-679-4840.

For more information about the Leukemia Research Foundation call 847-424-0600.

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Golf as many holes as possible from sunrise to sunset - each swing helps find a cure for leukemia, lymphoma and other blood cancers.

The Nicholas Orjuela “Little Lefty” Memorial Chapter of the Leukemia Research Foundation will host its 6th Annual Little Lefty Chapter Golf Marathon Tuesday, October 5 from 7:00 a.m. until 7 p.m. at Mill Creek Golf Club - 39 W 525 Herrington Drive in Geneva, Ill. 60134. The Marathon benefits the Leukemia Research Foundation, which funds research and provides patient support in the battle to find a cure for leukemia, lymphoma and other blood cancers.

Golfers must secure a minimum donation of $600 in pledges from family, friends, neighbors, businesses and other supporters.  Higher pledge amounts qualify for many other prizes, from golf attire and equipment to a Florida golf trip and a vacation trip to Mexico.  A free breakfast, lunch and dinner is included for participants. Only the first 36 golfers to sign up will be able to participate and advance registration is required.  All pledges must be secured by the day of the event.

Nicholas “Little Lefty” Orjuela of Batavia was only 28 months old when he was diagnosed with high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in October 2003. Today, this type of leukemia currently has a survival rate of more than 89%.

For more information please call Miguel Orjuela at 630-482-9530, or email miguel@littlelefty.org or click here. To learn more about the “Little Lefty” Chapter and the Leukemia Research Foundation, click here.

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More than 400 people played golf, luxuriated in the spa, splashed in the water park, or attended dinner at the 14th Annual Angels in the Fairway Golf Outing, held at the Grand Geneva Resort and Spa in Lake Geneva Wisconsin Aug. 6. Their participation helped the Joey’s Angels Chapter of the Leukemia Research Foundation (LRF) raise more than $100,000 to help find a cure for leukemia, lymphoma and other blood cancers – and support patients and families coping with these diseases.

The Joey’s Angels Chapter of the LRF was established in memory of Joey Mix of Buffalo Grove, Ill., who succumbed to leukemia at the age of three and a half. His parents, Patty and Larry Mix, chair the event. Angels in the Fairway has generated nearly $2 million in support of the LRF’s mission. The family believes there is no such thing as closure and the event helps them - knowing they are working to find a cure so other families do not have to live the same experience.

“I’d like to thank all of our volunteers and all the golfers and their families for their support of this event,” said Patty Mix, co-chair of the event.

"You are all Joey’s Angels and we thank you for your help and dedication over the last 14 years – some of you all 14 years –  it means so much to our family,” Mix said.

Learn more about the Joey’s Angels Chapter and the Leukemia Research Foundation at www.joeysangels.org. To see event photos, click here.

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Patients who have been treated for leukemia, lymphoma or myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), parents of patients, caregivers, spouses – and also coworkers and medical professionals - are invited to nominate a hematology-oncology nurse for the Leukemia Research Foundation’s Nurse of the Year Award. This is the 15^th year that the LRF will honor outstanding nurses who are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of patients and their families. Nominations are open until Monday, August 16 and application forms are available at local hospitals or can be downloaded by clicking here. Forms are also available by e-mail at Linda@LRFmail.org or by calling 847-424-0600. 

Nomination guidelines are as follows:

·        Candidates must work in the state of Illinois or within 100 miles of Chicago (including some communities in Southern Wisconsin, Northwest Indiana and Southwestern Michigan)

·        Candidates must hold an RN or an LPN certification and care for or serve patients with leukemia, lymphoma or myelodysplastic syndromes

·        Nominations must be submitted on the official LRF nomination form

Mail completed nomination forms to: Leukemia Research Foundation, Attn. Linda Kabot, 3520 Lake Avenue, Suite 202, Wilmette, IL, 60091-1064. Or send via fax to 847-424-0606 or e-mail to Linda@lrfmail.org.

The Nurse of the Year Award, presented annually since 1996, was created to recognize a hematology-oncology nurse or nurses who give their time, compassion, and heart each and every day to those touched by leukemia, lymphoma, and myelodysplastic syndromes. Winners will receive a nursing grant as well as funding for a gift or program for his or her unit. Public recognition and presentation of the Nurse of the Year Awards will occur at the LRF’s Medical Awards Dinner in September.

Hundreds of people will cheer on nearly 2,000 ducks at the ‘2^nd Annual Duck Race’ will start at 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 23 at Alden of Waterford Rehabilitation and Health Care Center, 2021 Randi Dr. in Aurora. The race begins at 5 p.m. The Aurora Fire Department will be on hand to assist the ducks in racing across the Alden of Waterford pond. Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy appetizers catered by the rehabilitation center’s professional chef, a cocktail hour featuring Alden’s signature wines, live entertainment by the Emerald Society Bag Pipers, McNulty Irish Dancers and games for children. The owner of the first duck to cross the finish line will receive $500 in cash. The 2^nd place winner will receive a dental basket valued at $300 featuring a Sonic Care electronic toothbrush and more. The 3^rd place winner will receive a $150 entertainment basket that features gift cards to local movie theaters and restaurants. On-site mini-raffle sales feature additional prizes, including a Starbucks coffee basket, spa basket, several retail gift cards and more. All proceeds from the ‘Duck Race’ will benefit the Donald Davidson-Alan Brin Memorial Chapter of the Leukemia Research Foundation.

Rubber duckys are being sold for $5 until 4:30 p.m. the day of the race. To register or for more information, call 630-851-7266.

The Joey’s Angels Chapter of the Leukemia Research Foundation (LRF) announces its 14^th Annual Angels in the Fairway Golf Outing on Friday, August 6, at the Grand Geneva Resort and Spa - 7036 Grand Geneva Way at Highways 50 East and 12 in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. More than 500 golfers and their families are expected to participate. All proceeds benefit the LRF.

Registration fee is $350 per individual golfer and corporate packages are also available. For non-golfers, a complete spa and event package is also available for $350. Children and families can enjoy Timber Ridge Water Park and many other amenities available at the Grand Geneva. Lunch-only package is $20 for adults or children, dinner-only package is $125, $25 for children 12 and under.

Registration begins at 6:00 a.m. with the first shotgun start at 7:30 a.m. Afternoon registration begins at 10:30 a.m. and the second shotgun start is at 12:30 p.m. Cocktail hour starts at 6 p.m., which also includes access to the silent auction, viewing of live auction items and the last chance to participate in the Harley auction – which takes place at 9 p.m.

The Joey’s Angels Chapter was established in memory of Joey Mix, of Buffalo Grove, who succumbed to leukemia at the age of three and a half in 1996. His parents, Patty and Larry Mix, chair the event.

See more photos on the LRF Facebook Fan Page! For more information about the 14th Annual “Angels in The Fairway” Golf Outing, including lodging and activity information, call 847-808-1885, or visit www.JoeysAngels.org.

More than 2,000 runners, walkers, and survivors of leukemia, lymphoma and other blood cancers take a chance and participate in the 16th Annual ABC 7 Jim Gibbons 5K Traffic Jam – held in Chicago’s Grant Park and in Wilmette, Ill. Combined with the Wilmette site, the Gibbons event generated close to $100,000 for the Leukemia Research Foundation.  Proceeds from the event will be used to fund medical blood cancer-related research around the world, provide patient financial assistance and offer patient and family support services to those affected by leukemia, lymphoma and myelodysplastic syndromes.

Winners of the 5K Run in Chicago include the following:

Men’s Division

       First Place: Jeff Jonaitis of Tinley Park

       Second Place: Neal Klein of Streamwood

       Third Place: Mike Hesslau of Downers Grove

Women’s Division

       First Place: Christina Overbeck of Chicago

       Second Place: Elizabeth Bilitz of Chicago

       Third Place: Stephanie Wagner of Lombard

Click here for complete results and results by age group.

Hundreds of walkers, runners blood cancer survivors and other supporters enjoyed bands, arts and crafts, balloon creations, and lots of fun at the Wilmette portion of the Traffic Jam. For the first time the event included a 5K fun run, so North Shore residents could participate in a run or walk in Wilmette as well as Chicago. Many thanks to all the volunteers who helped make the ABC 7 Jim Gibbons 5K Traffic Jam a success in both Wilmette and Chicago.

The ABC 7 Jim Gibbons 5K Traffic Jam, named to honor Jim Gibbons, an investigative reporter for ABC 7 who succumbed to leukemia in 1994, was chaired by long-time friends and colleagues Janet Davies and Frank Mathie of ABC 7 Chicago. Dozens also became members of the Marrow Registry at each site.

For additional information call:

Carl Alston, Director of Communications

847.919.6250

630.202-8.94 mobile
Carl@LRFmail.org

Information on leukemia, lymphoma, myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), and other hematological malignancies will be provided by medical experts, patients and caregivers.

The Treatment Options for Blood Cancer Patients Conference is an informational and educational program specifically designed for blood cancer patients and their families – to provide background on the various types of treatments available for leukemia, lymphoma and other blood cancers. Expert speakers representing NMDP and some of the most prominent transplant centers in the United States such as the University of Chicago Medical Center, Loyola University Medical Center, Rush University Medical Center, and Northwestern University’s Lurie Cancer Center present their detailed data, trends, and insights at this forum.

At the Treatment Options Conference, patients and caregivers will . . .

• learn more about their specific disease, current treatments, and treatment options being developed
• have a chance to ask questions of the expert physicians panel
• hear from patients and caregivers during the lunchtime patient panel about their experiences

The program includes six informational sessions, an “Ask the Expert” physician panel and luncheon panel discussions featuring transplant patients and caregivers.

Click here for a schedule and agenda for the conference. Institutions presenting at the Conference include the Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center at Loyola University Medical Center, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, National Marrow Donor Program, Rush University Medical Center, University of Chicago Medical Center, and BMT InfoNet.

For updated information or to make a reservation please visit www.leukemia-research.org/TreatmentOptions or call 847.424.0600.

More than 100 leukemia, lymphoma and myelodysplastic syndromes patients and their families attended the Leukemia Research Foundation’s Annual Town Hall Meeting Sunday, January 31 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. The meeting featured a panel of hematologists/oncologists who answered any and all questions for three hours.

For the first time, the panel was moderated by a doctor - Martin Tallman, M.D. - an international expert in both acute and chronic leukemias from Northwestern’s Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center.

“Having a moderator who is also a doctor improved the pace and depth of the responses. Great change,” said Bob and Cheri Edwards of Arlington Heights, Ill.

The Town Hall Meeting panel of experts included Koen van Besien, M.D. from the University of Chicago Medical Center; Ammar Hayani, M.D. from Advocate Hope Children’s Hospital; Morris Kletzel, M.D. from Children’s Memorial Hospital; Chadi Nabhan, M.D. from Advocate Lutheran General Hospital; Patrick Stiff, M.D., ABIM, Director of the Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center at Loyola University Medical Center; and Parameswaran Venugopal, M.D. from Rush University Medical Center.

The panel addressed dozens of questions form the audience, touching on everything from the benefits of clinical trials, to the latest in research for MDS, to long term outlooks for specific diagnoses of leukemia and lymphoma.

“I think the Town Hall Meeting is great. It gives patients a way to get other opinions regarding their conditions/treatment other than from their doctors,” said Patricia F. Brown of Evanston.

“It would be hard to improve on something as good as this,” said Leonard Astrowski of Tinley Park.

The next opportunity for patients comes in the form of a town hall meeting conducted entirely in Spanish. Town Hall Meeting in Spanish is scheduled for Saturday, February 6 in Chicago. This program is co-hosted with Gilda’s Club Chicago. Call Jeanette Albarrán at 773-296-8271 or email jeanettealbarran@gildasclubchicago.org for registration and information.

This program is made possible by the generous support of Amgen, Biogen Idec, the Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center at Loyola University Medical Center, Celgene, Cephalon Oncology, Genentech BioOncology, the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Novartis Oncology, LifeSource, Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc., Rush University Medical Center, Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, and Teva/Gamida Cell.

“Kids’ Party allows the children to put aside their painful treatments, long hospital stays and debilitating side effects and feel like a kid again,” said Linda Kabot, LRF director of Programs and Research Grants Administrator.

It’s not often that these children get to explore the fun side of life. It almost never happens in a room filled with similar diagnoses. At Kids Party, not only do the kids find kindred spirits, they also find time to have fun with their own siblings. The parents get a chance to share information and successes with other parents who understand.

“. . . thank you so much for a wonderful day.  Jack had so much fun and his sister too - we appreciate it sooo much!,” said one family.

“. . . our family so much looks forward to this event. Thank you and everyone who makes this party possible for all these children,” said another family.

These are the typical responses LRF staff received over and over during the day.

“We’re proud to host Kids Party every year,” Kabot said. It’s a favorite for staff, volunteers and Foundation Board members and donors. Kids Party would not be possible without the help of generous sponsors, especially the support of the Marvin and Kay Lichtman Foundation.

To learn more about the Leukemia Research Foundation and how it supports children and adults living with leukemia, lymphoma and myelodysplastic syndromes, click here or call 847-424-0600. To see more photos click here.

Free Town Hall Meeting for Leukemia, Lymphoma and MDS Patients

A person diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma or myelodysplastic syndromes can be faced with a number of concerns: How do I deal with the side effects of treatment? Should I get a second opinion? How will this affect my family? Are there clinical trials available? What support is out there?

Leading hematologists/oncologists from seven Chicagoland hospitals will participate in a free Annual Town Hall Meeting presented by the Leukemia Research Foundation Sunday, January 31, 2010 from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, 251 E. Huron in Chicago.

The following medical experts, specializing in child and adult hematology/oncology, will answer questions from blood cancer patients, their families and caregivers – moderated by Martin Tallman, M.D., an international expert in both acute and chronic leukemias from Northwestern’s Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center:

Koen van Besien, M.D.
University of Chicago Medical Center

Ammar Hayani, M.D.
Advocate Hope Children’s Hospital

Morris Kletzel, M.D.
Children’s Memorial Hospital

Chadi Nabhan, M.D.
Advocate Lutheran General Hospital

Patrick Stiff, M.D., ABIM 
Director, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center at Loyola University Medical Center

Parameswaran Venugopal, M.D.
Rush University Medical Center

Reservations are very much appreciated, but walk-ins are welcome.  The Town Hall Meeting will be held in the Feinberg Pavilion at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, 3rd Floor, Conference Room A. Complimentary parking (vouchers handed out at check-in) will be available at the Huron/St. Clair parking garage.

This program is made possible by the generous support of Amgen, Biogen Idec, the Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center at Loyola University Medical Center, Celgene, Cephalon Oncology, Genentech BioOncology, the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Novartis Oncology, Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc., Rush University Medical Center, Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, and Teva/Gamida Cell.

For more information click here, call the Leukemia Research Foundation at 847-424-0600 or e-mail Linda@LRFmail.org.

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Grants provided to “New Investigators” to continue vital work.

The Leukemia Research Foundation (LRF) is proud to announce the distribution of $990,810 in funding for blood cancer research at institutions all over the United States.  The Foundation offers individual, one-year grants of up to $100,000. The list of grantees and institutions funded is as follows:

• Zaneta Nikolovska-Coleska, Ph.D. - University of Michigan
• Claire Edwards, Ph.D. - Vanderbilt University
• Scott E. Evans, M.D. - MD Anderson Cancer Center
• Hatem Sabaawy, M.D., Ph.D. - The Cancer Institute of New Jersey
• Roger Sciammas, Ph.D. - University of Chicago
• Shobha Vasudevan, Ph.D. - Massachusetts General Hospital
• Sundaresan Venkatachalam, Ph.D. - University of Tennessee
• Hans-Guido Wendel, M.D. - Memorial Sloan-Kettering
• Lizhao Wu, Ph.D. - New Jersey Medical School
• Zhaohui Wu, M.D., Ph.D. - University of Tennessee

“Each year since its founding in 1946, the Leukemia Research Foundation has made good on its primary tenet to fund research into the cause of a cure for leukemia, lymphoma and MDS, through its Hollis Brownstein Research Grant Program,” said LRF Executive Director Kevin Radelet.

“The $100,000 grants we’ve provided support New Investigators, scientists who are within seven years of their first professional appointment. Support for New Investigators has been identified as a key niche that has, in the past, been a difficult one for major funders to accommodate,” Radelet said.

Dozens of proposals from institutions around the world were received by the LRF.  The proposals were organized by specialty then matched to the expertise of the Foundation’s Medical Advisory Board (M.A.B.) by Board Chairperson Michael Thirman, M.D., director of leukemia biology at University of Chicago. Each proposal was thoroughly evaluated and scored. The full MAB membership, senior scientists from every area of hematologic malignancy research, discussed each project in person that scored in the top half of the preliminary critique. Final recommendations were forwarded to the LRF for funding.

For more information about the Leukemia Research Foundation and the newly-funded research projects and past recipients, click here, or call 847-424-0600.

More than 200 bowlers of all ages and ability levels took the battle against leukemia to Thunderbird Lanes in Mount Prospect, Ill., the site of Bowl-A-Rama, the 5th Annual event of the Jessica Shayne Magid “Chai” Chapter of the Leukemia Research Foundation (LRF).

The bowlers enjoyed games both on and off the alleys, great food, prizes, and competed for bragging rights – all in an effort to help find a cure for leukemia, lymphoma and other blood cancers.

The Jessica Shayne Magid “Chai” Chapter of the Leukemia Research Foundation was established in November of 2006 by co-founders Martin Kander of Buffalo Grove, Ill. and his sister Rochelle Magid of Niles, Ill. - in memory of Rochelle's daughter Jessica Shayne Magid, who lost her fight with leukemia in 1985 at the age of 13. Proceeds from Bowl-A-Rama will help to conquer leukemia, lymphoma, and myelodysplastic syndromes by funding research into their causes and cures, and to enrich the quality of life of those touched by these diseases.

To learn more about the Jessica Shayne Magid “Chai” Chapter and the Leukemia Research Foundation, visit http://jsmbowl.org or call 847-521-4915.

(Photo: The Sok Family of Prospect Heights, Ill.: Alyssa, Nick, Jeanne and Samantha at JSM Bowl-A-Rama)

More than 50 motorcyclists enjoyed blue skies and smooth roads down to Starved Rock State Park in Utica, Ill. in the 4th Annual Kenneth G. Wentink Memorial “Ride to the Rock” Motorcycle Road Rally Saturday, July 18. The event benefited the Leukemia Research Foundation (LRF) through its Dads’ Chapter, partnering with the Chicago Regional Chapter of the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE). The event raised an estimated $3,000 in net revenue for the LRF.

The riders enjoyed a great lunch at Starved Rock, won many raffle prizes and helped raise many to find a cure for leukemia, lymphoma and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) by supporting the Dads’ Chapter of the LRF. Four lucky participants won a cooked-to-order on site steak lunch: (L to R) Dennis Sartan, Mike ponx, John Stanzi and Jason Herber. The recently renamed ride was developed by Ken Wentink of Arlington Heights, Ill., who introduced the concept to the Dads’ Chapter of the LRF, which was working on improving an already-existing motorcycle ride event. Ken succumbed to leukemia in April 2008, after his second battle with the disease and a stem cell transplant.

The Dads’ Chapter of the LRF was created to honor the fathers of the founders who lost their fight to leukemia and acknowledges all dads who continue to fight their blood cancer, or have lost their battle.

Co-chaired by Jason McDonald of ASPE and Debbie Verson of the Dads’ Chapter, proceeds from the event help the LRF achieve its mission to conquer leukemia, lymphoma, and myelodysplastic syndromes by funding research into their causes and cures, and to enrich the quality of life of those touched by these diseases.
 
Click here to see photos from the event.

About The American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE)
The American Society of Plumbing Engineers is the international organization of professionals skilled in the design, specification, inspection and manufacture of plumbing systems. ASPE is dedicated to the advancement of the science of plumbing engineering, to the professional growth and advancement of its members, and to the health, welfare and safety of the public. The Society disseminates technical data and information, sponsors activities that facilitate interaction with fellow professionals, and, through research and education, expands the base of knowledge of the plumbing industry. ASPE members are leaders in innovative plumbing design, effective materials and energy use, and the application of advanced techniques throughout the world.

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Patients who have been treated for leukemia, lymphoma or myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), parents of patients, caregivers, spouses, children of patients, coworkers and medical professionals are invited to nominate a hematology-oncology nurse for the Leukemia Research Foundation’s Nurse of the Year Award.  The annual award honors outstanding nurses who are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of patients and their families. Nominations are open until Friday, August 21 and application forms are available at local hospitals or can be downloaded here. Forms are also available by e-mail at Linda@LRFmail.org or by calling 847-424-0600. 

Nomination guidelines are as follows:
* Candidates must work in the state of Illinois or within 100 miles of Chicago (including some communities in Southern Wisconsin, Northwest Indiana and Southwestern Michigan)

* Candidates must hold an RN or an LPN certification and care for or serve patients with leukemia, lymphoma or myelodysplastic syndromes

* Nominations must be submitted on the official LRF nomination form

Mail completed nomination forms to: Leukemia Research Foundation, Attn. Linda Kabot, 3520 Lake Avenue, Suite 202, Wilmette, IL, 60091-1064. Or send via fax to 847-424-0606 or e-mail to Linda@LRFmail.org.

The Nurse of the Year Award, presented annually since 1996, was created to recognize a hematology-oncology nurse or nurses who give their time, compassion, and heart each and every day to those touched by leukemia, lymphoma, and myelodysplastic syndromes.  Winners will receive a nursing grant as well as funding for a gift or program for his or her unit.  Public recognition and presentation of the Nurse of the Year Awards will occur at the LRF’s Medical Awards Dinner in October.

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Carli Kander (a senior at Northern Illinois University) and Evan Kander (a sophomore at the University of Iowa) of Buffalo Grove, Ill. have turned the driveway car wash into a leukemia fighting tool – and have enlisted the help of friends along the way. Car Wash-A-Rama will take place at four Buffalo Grove residences Sunday, July 12, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The purpose of the events is to raise money for the Jessica Shayne Magid “Chai” Chapter of the Leukemia Research Foundation – established in November of 2006, in memory of Jessica Shayne Magid of Niles, Ill., who lost her fight with leukemia in 1985 at the age of 13. The car washes are free with only voluntary donations requested. Proceeds from the car wash will help to conquer leukemia, lymphoma, and myelodysplastic syndromes by funding research into their causes and cures, and to enrich the quality of life of those touched by these diseases.

“We did our first car wash in 2007 not only to fight leukemia, but also to raise awareness and support for another Chapter event. Since then the car wash has really taken on a life of its own,” said Carli Kander.

“Car Wash-A-Rama still supports a JSM Chapter fundraiser - a Bowl-A-Rama July 19 at Thunderbird Lanes, 824 E. Rand Rd. in Mount Prospect - but thanks to the help of our friends, the car washes have become a successful fundraiser and I’m glad to be a part of the cure for blood cancers,” Evan Kander said.

Car Wash-A-Rama will take place at the following family homes in Buffalo Grove (Mapquest link included):

The Kanders (Wash Captains Carli and Evan Kander)
460 Mayfair Lane; Buffalo Grove

The Kulicks (Wash Captain JP Kulick, graduate of Buffalo Grove High School)
147 Stonegate; Buffalo Grove

The Zawlockis (Wash Captain Walter Zawlocki, a sophomore at the University of Iowa)
914 Country Lane; Buffalo Grove

The Timkos (Wash Captain Paul Timko a sophomore at Harper College)
1413 Rose Blvd; Buffalo Grove

To learn more about the Jessica Shayne Magid “Chai” Chapter, the upcoming Bowl-A-Rama and the Car Wash-A-Rama, click here or call 847-521-4915.

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The 4th Annual Ride to the Rock, hosted by the Dads’ Chapter of the Leukemia Research Foundation (LRF) in partnership with the Chicago Chapter of the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE), is set again to raise money to find a cure for leukemia, lymphoma and other blood cancers – in memory of one of the ride’s primary organizers Kenneth G. Wentink of Arlington Heights.  Mr. Wentink lost his battle with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) in the spring of 2008. His son Tim, also of Arlington Heights, recounts his father’s active stewardship of the ride and of the Leukemia Research Foundation. 

“My dad was originally diagnosed with CML in the fall of 2003, which was definitely a big shock to family and friends. After getting over the distress of the initial diagnosis, it was amazing to witness the available treatments for his disease based on the years and years of prior research.  We were so lucky that a few miraculous drugs essentially let my dad maintain a normal life, with relatively minimal side effects.

After my dad was diagnosed, he decided that he wanted to support the Leukemia Research Foundation (LRF), which had been so instrumental in advancing research for his disease.  He loved riding his motorcycle with my mom on weekends, and was inspired to start his own charity motorcycle road rally to benefit the LRF.  As a result, the “Ride to the Rock” was born, which features a 90-mile motorcycle ride through the back roads of Illinois to Starved Rock State Park for a nice, relaxing barbeque.  The first ride in 2006 only had a few riders.  However, with my dad’s determination, he recruited a full team to get the event off the ground, which included members from ASPE, a professional organization that my dad participated in for the majority of his career, and the Dads’ Chapter of the LRF, a group of wonderful people who formed a Chapter in memory of several of their fathers diagnosed with or lost to leukemia.

Finally, with a full team in place, the second ride took off with well over 70 participants and $8,000 in donations for the LRF.

Shortly after the second ride in the summer of 2007, my dad found out that his disease had progressed, now requiring a stem cell transplant.  Again, due to continued advancement in treatment, this option only recently became available for someone of his age.

During the transplant, my wife and I found out that we were expecting our first child, which really helped keep Dad’s spirits up.  He really wanted to meet his first new grandson or granddaughter.  Unfortunately, my dad ended up passing away exactly two weeks before his new grandson was born, Tyler Kenneth Wentink.

This year marks the 4th annual Ride to the Rock, which is now in memory of my dad.  We are hoping to have more than 100 bikes participate.  This is a fantastic event that supports a truly amazing organization - The Leukemia Research Foundation whose mission is to conquer leukemia, lymphoma, and myelodysplastic syndromes by funding research into their causes and cures and to enrich the lives of those touched by these diseases. My dad worked hard to find a cure for leukemia – I hope to some day finish the work he started on behalf of those who still seek a cure for their blood cancer.”

Please come out and support the Ride to the Rock July 18.  The ride starts at the Wal-Mart in Glen Ellyn (3 South 100 Rt. 53, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137), and registration begins at 9:30 a.m. with bikes rolling out at 10:30 a.m.  Click here, or call Jason at 847-328-3555, extension 204 for more information.

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As clouds and the threat of severe weather retreated during the afternoon of Thursday June 18, more than 250 walkers and survivors of leukemia, lymphoma and other blood cancers took advantage and attended the 15th Annual ABC 7 Jim Gibbons 5K Run, 3K Walk and Survivors’ Strut (photo), presented by Hallmark & Johnson Property Management. For the first time ever, the Wilmette, Ill.-based Leukemia Research Foundation hosted a walk-only site in downtown Wilmette – in conjunction with their usual Walk and 5K Run held in Chicago’s Grant Park.

The Wilmette Walk accounts for more than $10,500 of the event’s net revenue of more than $100,000 thus far. Proceeds from the event will be used to fund medical blood cancer-related research around the world, provide patient financial assistance and offer patient and family support services to those affected by leukemia, lymphoma and myelodysplastic syndromes.

“We’re thrilled to see the support from our local participants and sponsors for this inaugural event,” said Molly Isbell, director of Special Events for the LRF. “We’re looking forward to next year already,” Isbell said.

The ABC 7 Jim Gibbons 5K Run, 3K Walk and Survivors’ Strut, named to honor Jim Gibbons, an investigative reporter for ABC 7 who succumbed to leukemia in 1994, was chaired by long-time friends and colleagues Janet Davies and Frank Mathie of ABC 7 Chicago.

Certified by the Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA), the ABC 7 Jim Gibbons 5K Run, 3K Walk and Survivors’ Strut was sponsored by ABC 7 Chicago, Hallmark & Johnson Property Management, Albany Bank and Trust Company, Allstate, Chelsea Place, Daily Special, Duxler Complete Auto Care, Fleet Feet Sports, Irv and Shelly’s Fresh Picks, Goodness Greeness, Homer’s Homemade Gourmet Ice Cream, Ice Mountain Water, Illinois Bone and Joint Institute, KJWW Engineering Consultants, Michelob Ultra, New Balance, Pioneer Press, Q-101, Team Kid Care, and Wilmette Auto Body.

Pledge money will continue to be collected through July 18, 2008.  To support one of the runners, walkers or teams that participated in the event, click the participant directory link at www.leukemia-research.org/Gibbons.  To learn more about and support the Leukemia Research Foundation, visit www.leukemia-research.org or call 847-424-0600.

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A window of sunshine helped more than 2,000 runners, walkers, and survivors of leukemia, lymphoma and other blood cancers take a chance and participate in the 15th Annual ABC 7 Jim Gibbons 5K Run, 3K Walk and Survivors’ Strut, presented by Hallmark & Johnson Property Management (photo) – held in Chicago’s Grant Park and – for the first time ever – in Wilmette, Ill. Combined with the Wilmette walk-only site, the Gibbons event generated more than $100,000 in net revenue for the Leukemia Research Foundation.  Proceeds from the event will be used to fund medical blood cancer-related research around the world, provide patient financial assistance and offer patient and family support services to those affected by leukemia, lymphoma and myelodysplastic syndromes.

Winners of the 5K Run include the following:

Men’s Division
       First Place: Jeffrey Hojnacki of Chicago
       Second Place: Bo Muzikowski of Chicago
       Third Place: Eric Hofmann of Homewood

Presented by Hallmark & Johnson Property Management
Thursday, June 18

Funding research and enriching lives – one step at a time – the Leukemia Research Foundation invites blood cancer survivors, runners, walkers, families and friends to the 15th Annual ABC 7 Jim Gibbons 5K Run, 3K Walk and Survivors’ Strut presented by Hallmark & Johnson Property Management. The event benefits the Leukemia Research Foundation (LRF), and features a live, 6:25 p.m. race start on ABC 7 Chicago.

The event takes place in Chicago’s Grant Park, Arvey Field on Thursday, June 18 and – new this year – includes a walk-only site in Wilmette starting at the Village Center. Arvey Field is on Columbus Drive between Balbo and Roosevelt Road. The Wilmette Village Center is at Central and Wilmette Avenue. Both sites are accessible by public transportation and onsite check-in for both events opens at 4:30 p.m.

The event kicks off with commentary from Janet Davies and Frank Mathie of ABC 7 (WLS-TV).  Each year, Davies and Mathie co-chair this race to honor the memory of friend and colleague Jim Gibbons, an investigative reporter for ABC 7, who succumbed to leukemia in 1994.

In addition to helping the more than 800,000 Americans living with some form of blood cancer, the ABC 7 Jim Gibbons 5K Run, 3K Walk and Survivors’ Strut provides a chance to help more than 5,000 Illinoisans who will be diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma or myelodysplastic syndromes this year.

Leukemia is often referred to as cancer of the blood. It is characterized by the widespread uncontrolled proliferation of large numbers of abnormal blood cells, usually white blood cells, which take over the bone marrow and quickly spread to the blood stream.

Lymphoma is a cancer which originates in lymphoid tissue (several types of immune system cells that work together to resist infections) including the lymph glands, liver, spleen, bowel and bone marrow. The disease results from the uncontrolled production of lymphocytes, the cells involved in the immune defenses of the body.

Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) are a group of closely linked conditions in which the process of blood cell formation is disturbed by a failure of immature blood cells to grow and develop normally.

“Funding research to find a cure is the only permanent solution,” said LRF Executive Director Kevin Radelet.

“The last 15 years alone has yielded significant accomplishment in childhood leukemia survival in the United States. According to a study conducted by researchers from Cornell University and Germany found that 96% of Hodgkin’s disease patients who were diagnosed at 15 years or younger in the United States, lived 5 years after diagnosis – 94% lived 10 years after diagnosis. Patients diagnosed with the most common childhood leukemias can experience five- and 10-year survival rates higher than 80%. Just 40 years ago, the 10-year survival was just 10%,” Radelet said. 

Proceeds from the event also help families today through financial support, information and services necessary to meet the challenges that are part of living with blood cancers.

The ABC 7 Jim Gibbons 5K Run, 3K Walk and Survivors’ Strut, presented by Hallmark & Johnson Property Management, honors all leukemia, lymphoma and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) survivors with a special, green T-shirt available at both sites, and acknowledgements at the event.

Cash awards will be given to the top three male and top three female runners.  Medals will be given to the top three male and female runners in each of several age groups.  Prizes ranging from T-shirts and Polo shirts, to technical shirts and New Balance shoes will be awarded to fundraisers achieving certain minimums.  There will also be prizes for top fundraisers.

A post-race party with live music will be held at each site immediately following the event. 

Certified by the Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA), the ABC 7 Jim Gibbons 5K Run, 3K Walk and Survivors’ Strut is sponsored by ABC 7 Chicago, Hallmark & Johnson Property Management, Albany Bank and Trust Company, Allstate, Chelsea Place, Daily Special, Duxler Complete Auto Care, Fleet Feet Sports, Irv and Shelly’s Fresh Picks, Goodness Greeness, Hana Asian Bistro, Homer’s Homemade Gourmet Ice Cream, Ice Mountain Water, Illinois Bone and Joint Institute, KJWW Engineering Consultants, Michelob Ultra, New Balance, Personal Fitness Training, Pioneer Press, Q-101, Rimco, Team Kid Care, Wilmette Auto, and Zier's Prime Meat & Poultry.

Individual and team registration is available online – visit www.leukemia-research.org\Gibbons.  The registration fee is $28 online and CARA member registration is $26.00.  Registration by mail is $30 and children 12 and under can register for $15.    Registrations by mail must be postmarked by June 7. For further information call the ABC 7 Jim Gibbons Hotline at (847) 424-0780.

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Foundation Acknowledges 15^th Anniversary of Event by Hosting Wilmette Walk

Leukemia, lymphoma and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) survivors may now look to Wilmette to participate in the 15th Annual ABC 7 Jim Gibbons 5K Run, 3K Walk and Survivors’ Strut, presented by Hallmark & Johnson Property Management Thursday, June 18. The Wilmette-based Leukemia Research Foundation (LRF) is hosting a walk-only site starting at the Wilmette Village Hall, 1200 Wilmette Avenue. The event benefits the Leukemia Research Foundation (LRF), and features a live, 6:25 p.m. race start on ABC 7 Chicago.

“We look forward to providing a great experience for kids and families that want to help us find a cure for these blood cancers,” said Molly Isbell, director of Special Events for the LRF. We hope the addition of a suburban walk site will not only provide some convenience to participants, but also allow for full family participation – while one family member can run or walk in Grant Park after work, the rest of the family can do their part from Wilmette and avoid the trip downtown,” Isbell said.

Wilmette walk participants will enjoy plenty of food and drink, music provided by a DJ, and children’s activities including balloon characters and more. The walk route will follow Central Ave. east to 4th Street, South to Linden Ave., west to Poplar Drive, then northwest to Wilmette Ave. and back northeast to finish at the Village Hall.

The ABC 7 Jim Gibbons 5K Run, 3K Walk and Survivors’ Strut honors all leukemia, lymphoma and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) survivors – if they choose to identify themselves - with a special, green T-shirt available the walk site, and acknowledgements at the event.

ABC 7 (WLS-TV) Chicago’s Janet Davies and Frank Mathie are honorary chairmen this year – as they have been since the beginning. The event honors the memory of friend and colleague Jim Gibbons, an investigative reporter for ABC 7, who succumbed to leukemia in 1994.

In addition to helping the more than 800,000 Americans living with some form of blood cancer, the ABC 7 Jim Gibbons 5K Run, 3K Walk and Survivors’ Strut provides a chance to help more than 5,000 Illinoisans who will be diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma or myelodysplastic syndromes this year.

Leukemia is often referred to as cancer of the blood. It is characterized by the widespread uncontrolled proliferation of large numbers of abnormal blood cells, usually white blood cells, which take over the bone marrow and quickly spread to the blood stream.

Lymphoma is a cancer which originates in lymphoid tissue (several types of immune system cells that work together to resist infections) including the lymph glands, liver, spleen, bowel and bone marrow. The disease results from the uncontrolled production of lymphocytes, the cells involved in the immune defenses of the body.

Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) are a group of closely linked conditions in which the process of blood cell formation is disturbed by a failure of immature blood cells to grow and develop normally.

“Funding research to find a cure is the only permanent solution,” said LRF Executive Director Kevin Radelet.

“The last 15 years alone has yielded significant accomplishment in childhood leukemia survival in the United States. According to a study conducted by researchers from Cornell University and Germany found that 96% of Hodgkin’s disease patients who were diagnosed at 15 years or younger in the United States, lived 5 years after diagnosis – 94% lived 10 years after diagnosis. Patients diagnosed with the most common childhood leukemias can experience five- and 10-year survival rates higher than 80%. Just 40 years ago, the 10-year survival was just 10%,” Radelet said. 

Proceeds from the event also help families today through financial support, information and services necessary to meet the challenges that are part of living with blood cancers.

Certified by the Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA), the ABC 7 Jim Gibbons 5K Run, 3K Walk and Survivors’ Strut is sponsored by ABC 7 Chicago, Hallmark & Johnson Property Management, Albany Bank and Trust Company, Allstate, Chelsea Place, Daily Special, Duxler Complete Auto Care, Fleet Feet Sports, Irv and Shelly’s Fresh Picks, Goodness Greeness, Hana Asian Bistro, Homer’s Homemade Gourmet Ice Cream, Ice Mountain Water, Illinois Bone and Joint Institute, KJWW Engineering Consultants, Michelob Ultra, New Balance, Personal Fitness Training, Pioneer Press, Q-101, Rimco, Team Kid Care, Wilmette Auto, and Zier's Prime Meat & Poultry.

Individual and team registration is available online – visit www.leukemia-research.org\Gibbons.  The registration fee is $28 online and CARA member registration is $26.00.  Registration by mail is $30 and children 12 and under can register for $15.    Registrations by mail must be postmarked by June 7. For further information call the ABC 7 Jim Gibbons Hotline at (847) 424-0780.

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Information on leukemia, lymphoma, myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and other hematological malignancies will be provided by medical experts, patients and caregivers.

The Leukemia Research Foundation, in cooperation with Loyola University Health System, National Marrow Donor Program and The Coleman Foundation, invites patients and caregivers seeking information on treatment options for leukemia, lymphoma, MDS and other blood cancers to a FREE conference Saturday, May 2, 2009. The conference will be held at the Four Points by Sheraton Chicago/O’Hare, 10249 W. Irving Park Road, Schiller Park, IL 60176, from 7:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Parking, a continental breakfast and lunch are also provided, free of charge. For updated information or to make a reservation please visit www.leukemia-research.org or call 847-424-0600.

The Treatment Options for Blood Cancer Patients Conference is an informational and educational program specifically designed for blood cancer patients and their families – to provide background on the various types of treatments available for leukemia, lymphoma and other blood cancers.  Expert speakers representing NMDP and some of the most prominent transplant centers in the United States such as the University of Chicago Medical Center, Loyola University Medical Center, Rush University Medical Center, and Northwestern University’s Lurie Cancer Center present their detailed data, trends, and insights at this forum. The program includes six informational sessions, an “Ask the Expert” segment and luncheon panel discussions featuring transplant patients and caregivers.

For a schedule of sessions, registration and information, click here.

For additional information call:

Carl Alston, Director of Communications

847-919-6250
Carl@LRFmail.org

Fox 32 News Investigative Reporter Larry Yellen Returns to Emcee This Year

The Wolff-Berger-Croft-Kolodny Chapter of the Leukemia Research Foundation (LRF) hosts its 30th Annual Charity Auction Saturday, April 4 in Skokie, Ill. at the Holiday Inn, 5300 W. Touhy Avenue.  Preview and silent auction begins at 6:30 p.m. with the live auction starting at 7 p.m.  This year’s Charity Auction emcee and celebrity auctioneer will be Larry Yellen from Fox 32 News.

Guests will have a chance to bid on everything from Hollywood memorabilia to dinners, autographed sports collectibles, hotel getaways and much more, while raising money to fund worldwide medical research into the cause of and cure for leukemia, lymphoma and other cancers of the blood, as well as provide patient assistance. More than 200 items are up for auction this year.

The Wolff-Berger-Croft-Kolodny Chapter of the Leukemia Research Foundation honors the memory of Stuart Jay Wolff of Chicago, Aileen Sue Berger of Chicago, Pamela Joy Croft of Skokie, and Zach Kolodny of Chicago.  Since the annual Charity Auction began, the event has raised well over $350,000 for leukemia research and financial assistance to blood cancer patients and their families.

For more information on the 30th Annual Charity Auction contact Scott Kroman at 847-966-9512.

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For additional information call:

Carl Alston, Director of Communications

847-919-6250

Carl@LRFmail.org

Pediatric cancer patients enjoy time with their families to “just be kids,” compliments of the Leukemia Research Foundation.

Close to 40 children living with leukemia or lymphoma were the guests of honor Sunday, Jan. 11 at the Leukemia Research Foundation’s annual Kids Party, where 200 people were treated to a few hours of rock music, food, games and fun.

“This year’s theme was Party Like a Rock Star and the kids and families took full advantage,” said Linda Kabot, director of Programs and Research Grants Administrator for the LRF.

Instead of the usual regimen of doctor visits, chemotherapy and spinal taps, the kids got to spend purely fun time with their families playing Guitar Hero, dancing, posing for rock ‘n roll photos, making jewelry,  and lots more.

“The event includes a great lunch with a sundae bar and, of course, goody bags filled with candy and more gifts than the kids can carry,” Kabot said.

“This year the kids walked away with stuffed animals, a gumball machine and a personalized calendar – in additional to their choice from a table full of gifts available on the way out. The kids look forward to this event all year - and so do LRF staffers, volunteers and Board members,” Kabot said.

The Leukemia Research Foundation thanks all of the volunteers and LRF Board members who help to make the day very special for pediatric cancer patients. The Foundation also acknowledges that the event would not be possible without underwriting support from The Marvin and Kay Lichtman Foundation and Celgene Pharmaceuticals – in addition to many other generous sponsors including Gumballs, Inc., LifeSource, and the Schuman Family of Highland Park, Illinois.

For more information about the Leukemia Research Foundation, including the upcoming Town Hall Meeting for child and adult leukemia and lymphoma patients, families and caregivers, visit www.leukemia-research.org or call 847.424.0600.

For additional information call:
Carl Alston, Director of Communications
847-919-6250
Carl@LRFmail.org

 
Free Town Hall Meeting for leukemia, lymphoma and MDS patients.

A person diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma or myelodysplastic syndromes has likely consulted with more than one doctor about the diagnosis, treatment, recovery and prognosis. A plan is developed, a treatment begins and the patient returns home. Then, the real questions begin. What’s the latest knowledge about the disease and its treatment? How will this impact the daily routine for myself and my family? What do I do if I suffer side effects? How will I know if something is out of the ordinary? Where can I find more information for myself and those who will help me recover?

Leading hematologists/oncologists from six Chicagoland hospitals will participate in a free Annual Town Hall Meeting presented by the Leukemia Research Foundation Sunday, January 25, 2009 from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. at Four Points by Sheraton Chicago/O’Hare, 10249 W. Irving Park Road in Schiller Park, Illinois.

These medical experts will answer questions from blood cancer patients and their families and caregivers – moderated by the 2008 Leukemia Research Foundation Nurse of the Year Tracy Smiley, RN, BSN from John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital:

Martin Tallman, M.D.
Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University 

Patrick Stiff, M.D., ABIM 
Director, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center at Loyola University Medical Center

Parameswaran Venugopal, M.D.
Rush University Medical Center

Koen van Besien, M.D.
University of Chicago Medical Center 

Rose Catchatourian, M.D.
John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital 

Nobuko Hijiya, M.D.
Children's Memorial Hospital

Bruce Sharon, M.D.
University of Illinois Medical Center at Chicago - Pediatrics
      
Reservations are very much appreciated, but walk-ins are welcome.  This program is made possible by the generous support from the Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center at Loyola University Medical Center, Celgene, Cephalon Oncology, and Rush University Medical Center.

For more information or to make reservations today, please click here, call the Leukemia Research Foundation at 847-424-0600 or e-mail Linda@LRFmail.org.

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For additional information call:
Carl Alston, Director of Communications
847-919-6250
carl@lrfmail.org

Researchers discover new way to attack some forms of leukemia.

Every year more than 31,000 adults and children are diagnosed with leukemia – a cancer of the blood characterized by the widespread uncontrolled proliferation of large numbers of abnormal blood cells, usually white blood cells, which take over the bone marrow and quickly spread to the blood stream. Current treatments for leukemia involve killing the cancer cells – which also results in the destruction of healthy cells during the process. However, a research team at Syracuse University may have discovered a new way to combat the disease.

Led by Michael Cosgrove, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology in Syracuse University’s College of Arts and Sciences, the research team discovered a way to disrupt the protein switch that is a critical component in the process to create white blood cells. Their discoveries could lead to a more effective way to treat some forms of leukemia and revolutionize the approach to treating other forms of cancer. Their research was recently published online in the prestigious Journal of Biological Chemistry of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and is forthcoming in the print edition.
 
“We believe our discovery is just the tip of the iceberg,” Cosgrove says. “Our hope is that from the knowledge we have gained in understanding how these proteins work in normal cells, we will be able to find new ways to treat all types of leukemia. We also think the discoveries will have broad implications in treating other types of cancer.”

The Leukemia Research Foundation awarded Dr. Cosgrove a $100,000 grant to support, in part, the specific project from which this key result was reached. To learn more about Dr. Cosgrove’s work at Syracuse University and his most-recent discovery, click here. To learn more about this and other projects funded by the LRF, click here.

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For additional information call:
Carl Alston, Director of Communications
847-919-6250
carl@LRFmail.org

November 24, 2008

Fun~Raiser 2008: A Party with a Purpose
Benefiting the Leukemia Research Foundation

The Chicago History Museum was the setting for Fun~Raiser 2008: A Party with a Purpose – benefiting the Leukemia Research Foundation through its Suzanne’s Friends~For Life Chapter. More than 200 attended the November 1 soiree and generated more than $110,000 to help find a cure for leukemia, lymphoma and myelodysplastic syndromes, and provide financial assistance and educational/emotional support for patients and families living with these diseases.

Guests were treated to the museum’s 16,000-square-foot gallery, Chicago: Crossroads of America – as well as the new Chic Chicago exhibition. Hosted since 1997, Fun~Raiser was created in memory of Suzanne Dreebin Wilensky of Northbrook, who was lost to leukemia at age 33. Suzanne left behind an inspiration for all her friends and family to conquer leukemia. Her many friends and family formed Suzanne’s Friends ~ For Life, a chapter of the Leukemia Research Foundation. Their pledge is to carry on the fight against leukemia “for life,” if need be. It is their statement of resolve and purpose, and a transformation of the tragedy of her death into a crusade to find a cure for leukemia. Since 1997, the Suzanne’s Friends~For Life Chapter has raised nearly $2 million in net revenue for the Leukemia Research Foundation.

To learn more about the Leukemia Research Foundation, the Suzanne’s Friends ~ For Life Chapter and/or this event, visit www.leukemia-research.org or call 847-424-0600.

To see photos from the November 1 event, click here.

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In 12 years, the Joey’s Angels Chapter has raised more than $1.6 million to support the Foundation’s mission based on blood cancer research and patient education and support.

The Joey’s Angels Chapter of the Leukemia Research Foundation raised more than $120,000 at its 12^th Annual Angels in the Fairway Golf Outing held Friday, August 1 at the Grand Geneva Resort and Spa in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.  More than 400 golfersparticipated in the event, established in memory of Joey Mix, of Buffalo Grove, Ill., who succumbed to leukemia at the age of three and a half. More than 600 attended the dinner/celebration after the day of golf and fun.

Chaired by Larry and Patty Mix, founders of the Joey’s Angels Chapter of the LRF, proceeds from the event help the LRF achieve its mission to conquer leukemia, lymphoma, and myelodysplastic syndromes by funding research into their causes and cures, and to enrich the quality of life of those touched by these diseases.  The Angels in the Fairway Golf Outing is one of the largest charity golfing events in the Midwest.

Sisters united in the fight to cure leukemia. Pictured from left – Kathy Zumach from Fox River Grove, Judy Mullen of Wauconda, Joey’s Angels Chapter co-founder Patty Mix and Mary Schorr of Wauconda. The four have been a part of all 12 Angels in the Fairway Golf Outings and have helped the Joey’s Angels Chapter generate more than $1.6 million for the Leukemia Research Foundation.

Mike Cronin of Mount Prospect, Ill. (left) now owns a piece of history. He was the winning bidder of this Hamer Slammer guitar signed by Dan Navarro, Eric Lowen, John Mellencamp, Sonny Landreth, David Ranson, Albert Lee and Todd Wolfe. Judy Mullen (right) of Wauconda, Ill. sought out the signatures of the legends personally and made the guitar available for the 12^th Annual Angels in the Fairway Golf Outing, held August 1 at the Grand Geneva Resort and Spa in Lake Geneva, Wis., benefiting the Leukemia Research Foundation. Cronin’s winning bid helped the Joey’s Angels Chapter raise more than $120,000 through the event.

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For additional information call:
Carl Alston, Director of Communications
847-919-6250
carl@lrfmail.org

Kathleen M. O’Connell, RN, BSN, CPON, nurse clinician in the Outpatient Oncology Clinic at Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago, and Tracy Smiley, RN, BSN, a hematologic malignancies nurse clinician at John Stroger Jr. Hospital in Chicago, have been selected as 2008 Nurses of the Year by the Leukemia Research Foundation (LRF).

The Nurse of the Year Award, presented annually since 1996, was created to recognize a hematology-oncology nurse or nurses who give their time, compassion, and heart each and every day to those touched by leukemia, lymphoma, and myelodysplastic syndromes. Nominations from dozens of hospitals, doctors’ offices and hematology/oncology clinics in the Chicago area and throughout Illinois and parts of Wisconsin and Indiana are submitted annually by patients and families touched by these diseases, as well colleagues and coworkers. 

“The care that hematology/oncology nurses provide each day is truly incredible,” said Scott Kroman, chairman of the Nurse of the Year Judging Committee and former board president of the Leukemia Research Foundation. 

“Each year dozens of highly-skilled and caring nurses are brought to light during the nomination process – people who have critical impact on a patient’s treatment and recovery,” Kroman said.

The Leukemia Research Foundation recognizes the important contributions of hematology-oncology nurses to the care of patients with leukemia, lymphoma and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). For patients and families facing these life-threatening diseases, these nurses play a vital role in ensuring their medical care and physical comfort, as well as meeting their needs for information and emotional support.   

Kathleen O’Connell (photo left), a resident of Chicago (Buena Park neighborhood), has been a nursing professional for more than a dozen years. 

“Katie has a gentle touch, always wears a beautiful smile and truly cares about the kids,” wrote the mother of one patient in nominating O’Connell for the award. “She brightens the floor, the hospital and everyone’s day. My son speaks of her as if she is his aunt. She has become part of our family. Katie is incredible. We love her.”

Katie’s volunteer activities have included camp counselor at “One Step at a Time” Oncology camp in Lake Geneva, Wis. and volunteer camp nurse at Paul Newman’s “Barretstown Gang Camp” in Ireland.

In addition, she is a national member of the Association of Pediatric Oncology Nurses as well as a member of the Children’s Oncology Group.

Tracy Smiley (photo right), also a resident of Chicago (Hometown neighborhood), is the first African-American nurse to receive the LRF’s nurse of the Year Award. She has been a nursing professional for 10 years and is currently an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner-Graduate Student at Rush University’s College of Nursing.

The theme of almost a dozen nominations for Smiley was the same: “Tracy makes each patient feel individual and special and she always goes the extra mile.”  One patient wrote, “Nurse Tracy truly cares.  She’s the kind of nurse you would want to be there for your mother.  She helped me with housing and it is because of her that I have a place to lay my head.  She is the kind of nurse that every other nurse should try to be!”

Smiley served in the U. S. Navy from 1986-1989 and received an Honorable Discharge.  She is the recipient of the Overseas Military Service Ribbon, which recognizes those service members who have performed military tours of duty outside the borders of the United States.

Additionally, Smiley is a certified Oncology Nurse and a member of the Oncology Nursing Society.  Her volunteer services include “Lincoln Challenge Academy Youth Mentor Certification.”

Winners received a grant as well as funding for a gift or program for their unit.  Public recognition and presentation of the Nurse of the Year Awards happened at the LRF’s Medical Awards Dinner Saturday, June 28 in Rosemont, Ill. For more information contact Linda Kabot, LRF’s director of programs & research grants administrator, at Linda@LRFmail.org, or 847-424-0600.

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For additional information call:
Carl Alston, Director of Communications
847-919-6250
carl@lrfmail.org

More than 2,000 runners, walkers, and survivors of leukemia, lymphoma and other blood cancers participated in the 14th Annual ABC 7 Jim Gibbons 5K Run, 3K Walk and Survivors’ Strut, sp far raising $85,000 in net revenue for the Leukemia Research Foundation.  Proceeds from the event will be used to fund medical blood cancer-related research around the world, provide patient financial assistance and offer patient and family support services to those affected by leukemia, lymphoma and myelodysplastic syndromes.

5K Winners include the following:
Men’s Division
First Place:  Brent Alexander of Chicago (right)
Second Place:  Ryan Giuliano of Schaumburg, Ill.
Third Place:  Emisael Favela of Cicero, Ill.

Women’s Division
First Place: Jokotade Agunloye of Chicago (right)
Second Place:  Jessica Thomas of Chicago
Third Place:  Karen Prisby of Wheaton, Ill.

Click here for complete results and results by category.

The ABC 7 Jim Gibbons 5K Run, 3K Walk and Survivors’ Strut, named to honor Jim Gibbons, an investigative reporter for ABC 7 who succumbed to leukemia in 1994, was chaired by long-time friends and colleagues Janet Davies and Frank Mathie of ABC 7 Chicago.

Registered by the Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA), the ABC 7 Jim Gibbons 5K Run, 3K Walk and Survivors’ Strut was sponsored by ABC 7 Chicago, Chicagojobs.com, Albany Bank and Trust Company, N.A., Allstate, Brian’s Charhouse, Celgene, Daily Herald, Daily Special, DeSitter Flooring, Fleet Feet Sports, Garden Fresh Markets, Hallmark and Johnson Property Management, Inc., Hometown Builders, Jack-FM, Lakeshore Athletic Club, Lang Ice Company, Michelob Ultra, New Balance and Ryno Kid Care.  All proceeds support the vital work of the Leukemia Research Foundation in finding a cure for leukemia, lymphoma, and related blood cancers.

A post-race party with live music from Daily Special will be held on-site immediately following the event.  Daily Special is a Chicago-based modern rock cover band that formed in February of 2006. The band specializes in 90s and modern rock, mixed with other decade and genres. Featuring top 40 hits from bands like U2, Green Day, Oasis and Red Hot Chili Peppers, they enliven and excite the atmosphere at each and every performance.

Pledge money will be collected through July 19, 2008.  To support one of the runners or walkers who participated in the event, visit the participant directory here.  To learn more about and support the Leukemia Research Foundation, click here or call 847-424-0600.

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Buffalo Grove Teens Organize Car Washes to Cure Leukemia, in support of
the Jessica Shayne Magid Family Golf Tournament

Teenage members and friends of the Jessica Shayne Magid “Chai” Chapter of the Leukemia Research Foundation will hold a series of car washes July 6 to provide extra support for the Leukemia Research Foundation.

The car washes will be held Sunday, July 6 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the following homes and donations are accepted for each wash:
o 460 Mayfair Lane in Buffalo Grove, Ill..
o 1413 Rose Blvd in Buffalo Grove, Ill.
o 147 Stonegate in Buffalo Grove, Ill.

The car washes are just one aspect of the chapter’s Family Golf Tournament, scheduled for Friday, July 18 at Traditions at Chevy Chase Golf Course is located at 1000 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Wheeling, IL 60090.

The golf outing was established in honor of Jessica Shayne Magid of Niles, Ill., who lost her fight with leukemia in 1985 at the age of 13.  This tournament consists of two-person teams emphasizing a family or close connection – father/daughter, mother/son, grandfather/grandson, best friends, or any other family combination.  This tournament places emphasis on getting families together for a great day of activity, while helping in the fight against leukemia.

For more information about the 4th Annual Jessica Shayne Magid Family Golf Tournament, and the car washes supporting this event, call 847-470-1190, ext. 175 and ask for Marty.

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Father/son, mother/daughter, siblings, cousins, best friends and other family pairings gather once again to settle grudges, earn bragging rights and just golf for fun!

The Jessica Shayne Magid “Chai” Chapter of the Leukemia Research Foundation (LRF) announces its 4th Annual Jessica Shayne Magid Family Golf Tournament Friday, July 18, at Traditions at Chevy Chase Golf Course - 1000 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Wheeling, Ill. (60090).  All proceeds benefit the Leukemia Research Foundation.

This tournament consists of two-person teams emphasizing a family or close connection – father/daughter, mother/son, grandfather/grandson, siblings, best friends, or any other family combination.  This tournament encourages families to get together for a great day of activity, while helping in the fight against leukemia. The golf outing was established in honor of Jessica Shayne Magid of Niles, Ill., who lost her fight with leukemia in 1985 at the age of 13.

Registration fee is $164 per individual golfer - players 19 and under are $134. For non-golfers and supporters can attend lunch for $25. Corporate sponsorship packages are also available. Registration begins at 7:00 a.m. with the shotgun start at 9:00 a.m. Lunch starts at 2 p.m. and includes a raffle and live and silent auctions. 

For more information about the 4th Annual Jessica Shayne Magid Family Golf Tournament call 847-470-1190, ext. 175, or visit www.jsmfamilygolf.org or www.leukemia-research.org.

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Register today for the 9th Annual Megan Cooper Memorial Golf Outing on Monday, July 14, at RedTail Golf Club 7900 RedTail Drive in Lakewood, ILL.  All proceeds benefit the Leukemia Research Foundation and registration ends Saturday, July 5.

Registration is $100 per person/$400 per foursome and includes lunch, golf cart and a chance to win great prizes.  Check-in begins at 7:00 a.m., golf begins at 8:30 a.m. in a scramble format. Lunch and silent auction begins at 2:00 p.m.  Supporters can attend lunch-only for a minimum $15 contribution - $10 for children 10 years and under. Lunch is provided by Lou Malnati’s Pizza in Lakewood, Ill., a major sponsor for this year’s event. Additional sponsors include Northwest Herald, Cardinal Packaging Products, Milk Specialties Company and Fred M. Patrick, D.D.S. RedTail Golf Club has been rated 3-1/2 stars by Golf Digest and 4-1/2 stars by Chicagoland Golf.

For more information about the Megan Cooper Memorial Golf Outing, contact Andy Hanson at 847-526-3042 or visit www.leukemia-hope.org .

The Cooper Family, of Crystal Lake, Ill., were informed of their daughter’s acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) diagnosis in 1989 when Megan was five years old.  After a lengthy period of treatment and remission, including a bone marrow transplant, Megan lost her fight with ALL in 1993 at the age of eight.  It is in her honor that the Megan Cooper Memorial Golf Outing was established – to help raise funds to find a cure for this terrible disease so that other families will not have to suffer the loss of a loved one.

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Contact Carl Alston at 847-919-6250
Day-of-event phone: 630-202-8294

Presented by Chicagojobs.com
Thursday, June 19

I Am Inspiration
I am Support
Together, We Are the Solution

A simple run or walk in the park could be the difference in helping improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of individuals living with leukemia, lymphoma or myelodysplastic syndromes – blood cancers that will claim the life of tens of thousands this year. Blood cancer survivors, runners and walkers are invited to participate in the 14th Annual ABC 7 Jim Gibbons 5K Run, 3K Walk and Survivors’ Strut, presented by Chicagojobs.com, along Chicago’s lakefront Thursday, June 19.  The event benefits the Leukemia Research Foundation (LRF), and features a live, 6:25 p.m. race start on ABC 7 Chicago.   It all happens at Lower Hutchinson Field on Columbus Drive between Balbo and Roosevelt Road, in Chicago’s Grant Park.  Registration opens at 4:30 p.m.

The event kicks off with commentary and the starter horn sounded by Janet Davies and Frank Mathie of ABC 7 (WLS-TV).  Each year, Davies and Mathie co-chair this race to honor the memory of friend and colleague Jim Gibbons, an investigative reporter for ABC 7, who succumbed to leukemia in 1994.

In addition to helping the more than 800,000 Americans living with some form of blood cancer, the ABC 7 Jim Gibbons 5K Run, 3K Walk and Survivors’ Strut provides a chance to help more than 5,000 Illinoisans who will be diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma or MDS this year.

Leukemia is often referred to as cancer of the blood. It is characterized by the widespread uncontrolled proliferation of large numbers of abnormal blood cells, usually white blood cells, which take over the bone marrow and quickly spread to the blood stream.

Lymphoma is a cancer which originates in lymphoid tissue (several types of immune system cells that work together to resist infections) including the lymph glands, liver, spleen, bowel and bone marrow. The disease results from the uncontrolled production of lymphocytes, the cells involved in the immune defenses of the body.

Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) are a group of closely linked conditions in which the process of blood cell formation is disturbed by a failure of immature blood cells to grow and develop normally.

“Funding research to find a cure is the only permanent solution,” said LRF Executive Director Kevin Radelet.

“Support from the ABC 7 Jim Gibbons 5K Run, 3K Walk and Survivors’ Strut helps the LRF continue its more than 60 years of impact on the course of leukemia, lymphoma and other blood cancer treatments and advances toward cures,” Radelet said. 

Proceeds from the event also help families today through financial support, information and services necessary to meet the challenges that are part of living with blood cancers.

The ABC 7 Jim Gibbons 5K Run, 3K Walk and Survivors’ Strut, presented by Chicagojobs.com, honors all leukemia, lymphoma and MDS survivors with a special, green T-shirt and acknowledgements at the event.

Cash awards will be given to the top three male and top three female runners.  Medals will be given to the top three male and female runners in each of several age groups.  Prizes ranging from T-shirts and Polo shirts, to technical shirts and New Balance shoes will be awarded to fundraisers achieving certain minimums.  There will also be prizes for top fundraisers.

A post-race party with live music from Daily Special will be held on-site immediately following the event.  Daily Special is a Chicago-based modern rock cover band that formed in February of 2006. The band specializes in 90s and modern rock, mixed with other decade and genres. Featuring top 40 hits from bands like U2, Green Day, Oasis and Red Hot Chili Peppers, they enliven and excite the atmosphere at each and every performance.

Registered by the Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA), the ABC 7 Jim Gibbons 5K Run, 3K Walk and Survivors’ Strut is sponsored by ABC 7 Chicago, Chicagojobs.com, Allstate, Brian’s Charhouse, Celgene, Daily Herald, Daily Special, Fleet Feet Sports, Hallmark and Johnson Property Management, Inc., Hometown Builders, Jack-FM, Lakeshore Athletic Club, Lang Ice Company, Michelob Ultra, New Balance and Ryno Kid Care.  All proceeds support the vital work of the Leukemia Research Foundation in finding a cure for leukemia, lymphoma, and related blood cancers. 

Individual and team registration is available online – visit www.leukemia-research.org\Gibbons.  The registration fee is $28 online and CARA member registration is $26.00.  Registration by mail is $30 and children 12 and under can register for $15.    Registrations by mail must be postmarked by June 9. For further information call the ABC 7 Jim Gibbons Hotline at (847) 424-0780.

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Contact Carl Alston at 847-919-6250
Day-of-event phone: 630-202-8294

Leukemia, Lymphoma and MDS Survivors are Invited to Participate in the
14th Annual ABC 7 Jim Gibbons 5K Run, 3K Walk and Survivors’ Strut
Presented by Chicagojobs.com
Thursday, June 19

The Leukemia Research Foundation invites all blood cancer survivors  - leukemia, lymphoma, and myelodysplastic syndromes - to take part in the ABC 7 Jim Gibbons 5K Run, 3K Walk and Survivors’ Strut, presented by Chicagojobs.com. Survivors are acknowledged for the struggle they have endured during treatment and beyond, receive a special T-shirt to wear in the event and more.

There is no doubt that a blood cancer survivor is experiencing a life-altering ordeal.  Blood cancers do not discriminate.  They can happen to any man, woman or child. A diagnosis of leukemia, lymphoma or myelodysplastic syndrome can lead to treatments that include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgeries, spinal taps, numerous blood tests, medications to fight side effects – and sometimes, a bone marrow or stem cell transplant. Once a remission is achieved – the complete or partial alleviation of the signs and symptoms of cancer, or control of the disease in response to treatment - all blood cancer patients attend follow up examinations to make sure that the cancer has not returned and otherwise monitor the condition. Truly, a sustained remission is cause for celebration.

“I’ve been in remission for eight years and I want as many people as possible to know and to keep up the fight,” said Susan Chin of Chicago’s north side. “Whether the fight is getting through treatment or raising money to find the cure – as long as the fight continues I know that a cure will be found,” Chin said.

The ABC 7 Jim Gibbons 5K Run, 3K Walk and Survivors’ Strut is made possible with the help of ABC 7 Chicago, Chicagojobs.com, Allstate, Brian’s Charhouse, Celgene, Daily Herald, Daily Special, Fleet Feet Sports, Hallmark and Johnson Property Management, Inc., Hometown Builders, Jack-FM, Lakeshore Athletic Club, Lang Ice Company, Michelob Ultra, New Balance and Ryno Kid Care.  All proceeds support the vital work of the Leukemia Research Foundation in finding a cure for leukemia, lymphoma, and related blood cancers.

Registration for the ABC 7 Jim Gibbons 5K Run, 3K Walk and Survivors’ Strut is available now at www.leukemia-research.org/Gibbons.  Online registration for $28 will be accepted through June 17 at 12 noon. Members of the Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA) receive a $2 discount.  The 5K race is chip-timed and CARA-certified. Registration is also possible by mail for $30 and forms are due by June 9.On-site registration for $35 begins at 4:30 p.m. on event day, June 19. For more information call 847-424-0780.

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Contact Carl Alston at 847-919-6250

Salsa Dancers Fight Leukemia

Dozens danced the Salsa to find the cure for leukemia, lymphoma and myelodysplastic syndrome Thursday, May 1 at Salsa to Survive, a fundraiser hosted by the A La Vida Chapter of the Leukemia Research Foundation. The event was held at Excalibur Chicago, one of the city’s premier nightclubs, known for its Latin dance events.  In addition to the annual Salsa contest, won by Juan and Marisol Prada of Skokie, Ill. (right), dancers and guests feasted on a dinner buffet and enjoyed a silent auction and cash raffle. The money raised will help the LRF fund blood cancer research and provide support to people living with leukemia, lymphoma and other blood cancers.

The A La Vida Chapter was created by the family of Frank Martinez in 2002.  Martinez was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) in 1994, was treated and went into remission, only to relapse within months. His second course of treatment included a bone marrow transplant. Frank has been in remission ever since and is president of the Chapter – as well as president of the Leukemia Research Foundation.

View the photo album.

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Contact Carl Alston at 847-919-6250
Day-of-Event Phone: 630-202-8294

Teams of runners and walkers sought for the ABC 7 Jim Gibbons 5K Run, 3K Walk and Survivors’ Strut.

An opportunity to share the greatest feeling of helping others with friends, family or coworkers comes to Grant Park in June.  On Thursday, June 19, gather a team and share the excitement of the ABC 7 Jim Gibbons 5K Run, 3K Walk and Survivors’ Strut, presented by Chicagojobs.com. The event benefits the Leukemia Research Foundation (LRF). 

A 5K run or 3K walk may sound long, but with your team to support you along Chicago’s beautiful lakefront, the distance will feel like a trip to the park.  Teams of runners and walkers collect contributions for completing the course.  The money raised from the ABC 7 Jim Gibbons 5K Run, 3K Walk and Survivors’ Strut goes to funding blood cancer research, as well as educating the public about these terrible diseases – and helping individuals and families cope with the financial and emotional cost of getting well.
 
“I enjoy running on a team because your team members support you through every step of the way,” said Gloriann Capo Miller of Chicago’s Little Italy.  “ I get to run with my friends, cheer on my teammates who choose to walk, and know that at the end of the evening I have helped other families fight their blood cancer – and bring the world closer to a cure.”

Mrs. Miller lost her father to leukemia in 2006 and soon after formed Team Running for Joe, in his memory. The team has raised thousands of dollars in just two years and Miller has since become an LRF employee.

Leukemia is often referred to as cancer of the blood. It is characterized by the widespread uncontrolled proliferation of large numbers of abnormal blood cells, usually white blood cells, which take over the bone marrow and quickly spread to the blood stream. Leukemia is the leading cause of death by disease in children and young adults between the ages of 0 and 14 – yet it is diagnosed 10 times more often in adults.

Lymphoma is a cancer which originates in lymphoid tissue (several types of immune system cells that work together to resist infections). The disease results from the uncontrolled production of lymphocytes, the cells involved in the immune defenses of the body.

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of closely linked conditions in which the process of blood cell formation is disturbed by a failure of immature blood cells to grow and develop normally.  These abnormal blood cells die before they leave the bone marrow or shortly after getting into the bloodstream. As a result, people with MDS have too few healthy blood cells. 

All of these diseases have several subtypes. While treatments improve every day, a cure for blood cancers has not been found.

The LRF, headquartered in Wilmette, Ill., is dedicated to funding research and providing support to people affected by blood cancers. Its mission is to conquer leukemia, lymphoma, and myelodysplastic syndromes by funding research into their causes and cures, and to enrich the quality of life of those touched by these diseases.

For more information about creating a team for the 14th Annual ABC 7 Jim Gibbons 5K Run, 3K Walk and Survivors’ Strut, presented by ChicagoJobs.com, please visit www.leukemia-research.org/Gibbons or call 847-424-0780.

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Contact Carl Alston at 847-919-6250

Freshmen Philanthropists Keep Leukemia Cure in Focus

The annual Fence-In, hosted by the Jonathan Michael Schatz Chapter of the Leukemia Research Foundation, takes place Sunday, May 25 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. in the front courtyard of Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity at Northwestern University – 576 Lincoln Street in Evanston, Ill. Freshmen Josh Brower of Savannah, Ga. and Scott Belsky of Franklin Lakes, N.J., chair the event, along with sophomore ZBT Philanthropy Captain Allister Wenzel of Orange County, Calif. – featuring a barbeque prepared by members of ZBT, bands such as Daily Special, a cappella groups, dance troupes and several raffle drawings.

Jonathan Michael Schatz was a Northwestern University freshman and member of Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity when he asked his brothers for help in organizing a bone marrow drive for a three-year-old Chicago girl. The girl needed a bone marrow transplant to treat her leukemia. Schatz and other members of ZBT recruited other fraternity and sorority members and managed to attract thousands of people to the drive. What Schatz did not tell his brothers was that he himself had been diagnosed with leukemia recently – Schatz died the next year.

ZBT created a chapter of the Leukemia Research Foundation in 1992 and named it after their generous Brother Jonathan Michael Schatz – continuing the fight against leukemia that Schatz began for another. The Chapter raised $10,000 through Fence-In last year and has generated more than $70,000 since the event’s inception – continuing ZBT’s record-breaking tradition of philanthropy at Northwestern.

To learn more about Fence-In, contact event chairmen Josh Brower (joshuabrower2007@u.northwestern.edu, 912.658.6234) or Scott Belsky (scottbelsky2007@u.northwestern.edu, 201.960.2466).

Spring has finally arrived. This is the time when renewed attention is given to relationships. And now, the pursuit of that new relationship can help fight leukemia!

The Leukemia Research Foundation has partnered with LuvLab, a matchmaking service, to provide an opportunity for people to find their next relationship based on at least one commonality – the desire to find a cure for leukemia, lymphoma and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) – blood cancers that affect more than 100,000 new individuals and their families annually. 

People who become a member of LuvLab and take advantage of its Create Your Mate™ program will have five percent of their membership fee donated to the Leukemia Research Foundation. LuvLab’s secure and personalized approach helps people find that special someone and a portion of what they charge is only paid if they successfully match you.  The portion of membership dollars that LuvLab gives to the Leukemia Research Foundation helps fund critical blood cancer research, while providing for educational, financial and emotional support to patients and families coping with leukemia, lymphoma and MDS each day.

To learn more about LuvLab, visit www.LuvLab.com or call 1-888-LUVLabs (1-888-588-5227).  To learn more about the Leukemia Research Foundation, visit www.leukemia-research.org or call 847-424-0600.

LuvLab’s main objective is to help people meet that special someone. LuvLab takes a new approach to matchmaking, avoiding the frustrations experienced with online dating and other personal dating services.  A main part of their matchmaking success is their one-on-one personalized service and proprietary program – Create Your Mate™.  And, a portion of what they charge is only paid if they successfully match you.

Contact Carl Alston at 847-919-6250

April 25, 2008

Leukemia Research Foundation’s North Suburban Chapter to Host
Charity Poker Events

The North Suburban Chapter of the Leukemia Research Foundation is set to host four Texas Hold‘em Poker Tournaments throughout the spring and summer. Proceeds from the events will help the Leukemia Research Foundation achieve its mission to conquer leukemia, lymphoma, and myelodysplastic syndromes by funding research into their causes and cures, and to enrich the quality of life of those touched by these diseases.

Tournament dates and locations are as follows:
Wednesday, April 30:   Skokie Valley Agudah Jacob
                                      8825 East Prairie Ave., Skokie, IL 60076

Wednesday, May 14:   Maine Township Jewish Congregation
                                    8800 Ballard Rd., Des Plaines, IL 60016

Wednesday, June 4:     Maine Township Jewish Congregation
                                     8800 Ballard Rd., Des Plaines, IL 60016

Tuesday, August 5:       Skokie Valley Agudah Jacob
                                      8825 East Prairie Ave., Skokie, IL 60076

Players must be 18 years of age or older. All events begin at 2 p.m. and run until midnight.

Single table, Pot of Gold $300 + $30 buy-in offered beginning at 2:15 p.m. All April and May charity poker events will offer World Series of Poker (WSOP) qualifiers and Satellites. Win WSOP buy-in chips good toward entry into any of the 54 scheduled WSOP events held at the Rio Hotel and Casino Las Vegas between June 1 and July 16, 2008.

There will be $75 + $5 qualifiers offered all day and as soon as 10 players are seated the game will begin. Both first and second-place finishers win $330 seats into any 5:30 p.m. or 9:00 p.m. Satellite, paying $3000 in WSOP buy-in chips + cash. WSOP buy-in chips are transferable.

More than 30 cash game tables will be offered at all events, including $1 and $3 beginners Hold’em, as well as $50 and $120 buy-in singe table sit and go tournaments.  Multi-table tournaments also are offered at 4:15 p.m. for $120 buy-in and 7:30 p.m. at $170 buy-in.

For more information contact Sid Cohen at 847-729-1348.

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Cancer is the fourth most common cause of death (after unintentional injury, homicide, and suicide) among persons aged 1--19 years in the United States (1,2). Because recent childhood cancer mortality has not been well characterized in terms of temporal, demographic, and geographic trends (2,3), CDC analyzed cancer death rates among children (defined as aged 0--14 years) and adolescents (defined as aged 15--19 years) for the period 1990--2004 by sex, age group, race, ethnicity, U.S. Census region, and primary cancer site/leading diagnosis, using the most recent data available from the National Vital Statistics System (NVSS). This report describes the results of that analysis, which indicated that, overall, age-adjusted childhood cancer death rates decreased significantly during 1990--2004 among both sexes, both age groups, all races (except American Indians/Alaska Natives [AI/ANs]), Hispanics, non-Hispanics, and all U.S. Census regions. However, decreases in death rates varied among U.S. Census regions and between Hispanics and non-Hispanics. Eliminating racial/ethnic health disparities is one of the overarching goals of Healthy People 2010 (4). Further research is needed to understand geographic and ethnic disparities in childhood cancer death rates. Moreover, cancer prevention and intervention measures should be designed to reach populations that are underserved and at high risk.

NVSS collects death certificate data from vital statistics offices in the 50 states and the District of Columbia.^* All reported deaths among children and adolescents during 1990--2004 were included in this analysis. Population estimates used as denominators in death rate calculations were from the U.S. Bureau of the Census and were modified by the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program(1).^† Age-adjusted death rates and trends were calculated for all primary cancer sites combined and for the two leading cancer diagnoses: leukemias and brain and other nervous system neoplasms.^§ All rates were per 1 million population and age adjusted to the 2000 U.S. standard population. For all primary cancer sites/leading diagnoses combined, death rates and trends were stratified further by sex, age, race, ethnicity, and U.S. Census region. Rates and overall annual percentage changes (APCs) from 1990 to 2004 were calculated using SEER-Stat.^¶ Joinpoint regression was performed to determine statistically significant changes in trends during 1990--2004 (5). The overall statistical significance level was a = 0.05, with a maximum of three joinpoints and four line segments allowed (5).

A total of 34,500 childhood cancer deaths were reported in the United States during 1990--2004. A total of 2,223 cancer deaths occurred in 2004; among these, leukemias were the most common diagnoses (25.5%), followed by brain and other nervous system neoplasms (25.0%) (Figure 1). From 1990 to 2004, death rates declined significantly for leukemias by 3.0% per year, for brain and other nervous system neoplasms by 1.0% per year, and for all other cancers combined by 1.3% per year (Table).

For all cancers combined during 1990--2004, boys (33.1 per million) had significantly higher death rates than girls (26.1); adolescents (37.9) had significantly higher death rates than children (26.9); whites (30.1) and blacks (29.3) had significantly higher death rates than Asians/Pacific Islanders (A/PIs) (26.4) and AI/ANs (20.0), respectively; and Hispanics (30.3) had significantly higher death rates than non-Hispanics (29.1) (Table). Death rates decreased similarly by sex, age group, and race; decreases ranged from 1.5% to 2.0% per year during 1990--2004. However, APCs, reflecting a decline in death rates, differed by 60% between Hispanics and non-Hispanics: 1.0% per year for Hispanics compared with 1.6% per year for non-Hispanics. Statistical analysis with joinpoint regression revealed that the death rate for whites remained stable during 1990--1992 (p = 0.77), declined significantly during 1992--1996 by 4.3% per year (p = 0.001), and then stabilized again during 1996--2004 (p = 0.07) (Figure 2). Death rates for blacks and A/PIs declined significantly, both by 1.6% per year (p<0.001 for blacks and p = 0.003 for A/PIs). Death rates for AI/ANs were stable during 1990--2004 (p = 0.18); this trend might be attributed to the small numbers available for analysis in this population. Regression analysis also revealed that the death rate for Hispanics remained stable during 1990--1992 (p = 0.53), declined significantly during 1992--1998 by 4.3% per year (p = 0.01), and then stabilized during 1998--2001 (p = 0.32) and during 2001--2004 (p = 0.57); the death rate for non-Hispanics declined significantly during 1990--1996 by 2.6% per year (p<0.001) and 1996--2004 by 0.9% per year (p = 0.009) (Figure 2).

Death rates did not decrease equally in all regions** during 1990--2004: 2.1% per year in the Midwest, 1.8% per year in the South and Northeast, and 1.4% per year in the West (Table). For all cancers combined, children and adolescents living in the West (31.1 per million) had significantly higher death rates than those living in the Midwest (29.1), the Northeast (28.4), and the South (29.8), respectively (Table).

Reported by:LA Pollack, MD, SL Stewart, PhD, TD Thompson, Div of Cancer Prevention and Control, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion; J Li, MD, EIS Officer, CDC.

Editorial Note:

The findings in this report indicate that, during 1990--2004, overall childhood cancer death rates declined significantly among boys and girls, children and adolescents, Hispanics and non-Hispanics, most racial groups, and all U.S. Census regions. Incidence rates for all childhood cancers increased by 0.6% per year during 1975--2002 (6). The overall decreasing trend in childhood cancer mortality in the United States likely reflects advances in cancer treatment in this population (3).

Acute lymphocytic leukemia accounts for approximately 73% of childhood leukemia cases (1). Likely because of advances in treatment, such as chemotherapy and bone marrow transplantation, substantial improvement has occurred in survival rates for children and adolescents with acute lymphocytic leukemia (7). In this analysis, death rates declined substantially for childhood leukemias during 1990--2004, which is consistent with findings from previous trend analyses for the period 1975--1995 (3). For brain and other nervous system neoplasms, death rates declined significantly during 1990--2004. Five-year relative survival rates for brain and other nervous system neoplasms also have improved (1,7).

The results of this analysis indicate geographic disparities in childhood cancer death rates. During 1990--2004, childhood cancer death rates in the West were the highest among all U.S. Census regions and were the slowest to decline. The causes of these disparities cannot be determined based on the data available and need to be explored by further studies, including cancer survival studies. Moreover, variations by ethnicity were observed. Hispanics and non-Hispanics had similar childhood cancer death rates in 1990, but these rates declined more rapidly for non-Hispanics than for Hispanics during 1990--2004. Studies have documented that Hispanics lack sufficient access to health-care services because of inadequate heath-insurance coverage, lack of health insurance, poor geographic access to health-care providers, lack of transportation to and from providers, and cultural and linguistic barriers (8), which might contribute to this disparity. However, differences in tumor aggressiveness, cancer stage at diagnosis, and response to treatment also should be considered.

The findings in this report are subject to at least five limitations. First, the reporting of race/ethnicity to the U.S. Bureau of the Census and on death certificates usually is reliable for blacks and whites; however, death rates for American Indians, A/PIs, and Hispanics are underestimated by 21%, 11%, and 2%, respectively (9). Second, the ability to stratify death rates for each primary cancer site/leading diagnosis by demographic and geographic variables and to assess the geographic variation at the state or county level was limited because of low death counts. Third, causes of death might be misclassified on death certificates. Fourth, using the 2000 U.S. standard population for all study years might not reflect actual annual population. Finally, cancer deaths among boys and girls who had cancer diagnosed as children but who died as adolescents are reflected in adolescent mortality rates. Thus, the mortality rates of adolescents might reflect the improved survival of children with cancer.

The overall trend of declining childhood cancer mortality during 1990--2004 likely reflects better treatment of childhood cancer. Surveillance of childhood cancer mortality should be well maintained to monitor the persistence of these declines. Possible causes for disparities in childhood cancer death rates (e.g., lack of health insurance, difficulty in accessing health care, late diagnosis, poor treatment quality, and unhealthy behaviors and lifestyles) need to be studied further. By addressing these factors, geographic and ethnic disparities in childhood cancer death might be reduced, and children with cancer might live longer.

CDC maintains the National Program of Cancer Registries, which monitors cancer rates and trends. CDC also is working in partnership with organizations (e.g., the Lance Armstrong Foundation) to educate childhood cancer survivors, their families, and their health-care providers to recognize long-term effects associated with cancer treatment. These measures aim to enhance quality of life and increase survival.

References

1. Ries LA, Smith A, Gurney JG, et al. Cancer incidence and survival among children and adolescents: United States SEER Program 1975--1995. Bethesda, MD: National Cancer Institute, SEER Program; 1999. NIH publication no. 99-4649.
2. Jemal A, Siegel R, Ward E, et al. Cancer statistics, 2006. CA Cancer J Clin 2006;56:106--30.
3. Linet MS, Ries LA, Smith MA, Tarone RE, Devesa SS. Cancer surveillance series: recent trends in childhood cancer incidence and mortality in the United States. J Natl Cancer Inst 1999;91:1051--8.
4. US Department of Health and Human Services. Healthy people 2010 (conference ed, in 2 vols). Washington, DC: US Department of Health and Human Services; 2000. Available at http://www.health.gov/healthypeople.
5. Kim HJ, Fay MP, Feuer EJ, Midthune DN. Permutation tests for joinpoint regression with applications to cancer rates. Stat Med 2000;19:335--51.
6. Ward EM, Thun MJ, Hannan LM, Jemal A. Interpreting cancer trends. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2006;1076:29--53.
7. American Cancer Society. Cancer facts & figures 2007. Atlanta, GA: American Cancer Society; 2007. Available at http://www.cancer.org/downloads/stt/caff2007pwsecured.pdf.
8. Morales LS, Lara M, Kington RS, Valdez RO, Escarce JJ. Socioeconomic, cultural, and behavioral factors affecting Hispanic health outcomes. J Health Care Poor Underserved 2002;13:477--503.
9. Rosenberg HM, Maurer JD, Sorlie PD, et al. Quality of death rates by race and Hispanic origin: a summary of current research, 1999. Vital Health Stat 2 1999(128).

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by Carl Alston
7/18/2007