About Us

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. The Society has dedicated itself to being one of the top rated voluntary health agencies in terms of dollars that directly fund our mission. Close to 80 percent of our expenditures are directed to research, patient services, advocacy, education, and community services.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is the world's largest private organization concerned solely with finding cures for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and to improving the quality of life of patients and their families. The Leukemia Society was founded in 1949 by parents who had lost their only son to leukemia and recognized the need for the creation of a separate organization dedicated to finding cures for the disease through research. The Society originated in New York City, where its home offices are still located. Since that time, it has grown to encompass 57 chapters throughout the country. In 1994, the Society established an advocacy office in Washington, D.C. All of the Society's business affairs are managed by its full-time professional staff, headed by the President/CEO and Executive Vice

President for Medical and Scientific Affairs, with oversight by its National Board of Trustees. The Society's National Board of Trustees is governed by a volunteer Chairperson elected every year, and a Board that includes a Vice Chair and a Vice Chair for Medical and Scientific Affairs, a Secretary/Treasurer, and additional members. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society operates by various special committees, whose members are volunteers in the Society. Often, patients, scientific experts, and volunteer leaders at the Chapter level participate as well. These committees are supported by the Society's full-time professional staff.