ALBANY, N.Y. – The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) Upstate New York/Vermont Chapter is sharing gratitude as Governor Andrew M. Cuomo declares September as Blood Cancer Awareness Month. In addition to presenting the chapter with a proclamation, Governor Cuomo directed the One World Trade Center and the Kosciusko Bridge to illuminate red in honor of survivors and loved ones lost to blood cancers.
We thank Governor Cuomo for his commitment to raise awareness of blood cancers, specifically leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma,” said Maureen O’Brien, executive director, LLS Upstate New York/Vermont. “It is the LLS’ mission to ultimately find a cure for these diseases. Until we do, we will use this platform to improve diagnosis, care and treatment for patients and their families.”
This announcement also prefaces The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night Walk nationally and locally. The Upstate New York/Vermont Chapter is hosting its’ event in October. The walk raises money to help fund research for blood cancer treatment and cures. In 2017 and 2018, LLS has helped to advance 34 of the 39 blood cancer treatment options approved by the FDA.
Walks take place in nearly 200 communities around the country, and participants will be stepping off right here in the Capital Region in honor of a survivor or in memory of a friend or loved one. Walkers will carry illuminated lanterns- white for survivors, red for supporters and gold lanterns in memory of loved ones lost, to celebrate, honor and remember those touched by cancer.
“The Light the Night Walk is a truly inspiring and meaningful community event bringing together blood cancer patients, survivors and their families in a joint mission to bring light to the darkness of cancer by raising critical funds for innovative blood cancer research, groundbreaking treatments and local patient assistance programs”, said Rick Ostroff, chairman of the board, LLS Upstate New York/Vermont Chapter.
The area’s Light the Night Walk takes place Saturday, October 19th at 7 p.m., located at Siena College. To learn more about Light the Night and LLS, visit the website.
About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society:
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® (LLS) is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world, provides free information and support services, and is the voice for all blood cancer patients seeking access to quality, affordable, coordinated care.
Founded in 1949 and headquartered in Rye Brook, NY, LLS has chapters throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more, visit www.LLS.org. Patients should contact the Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET.
For additional information, visit lls.org/lls-newsnetwork. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
The Upstate New York/Vermont Chapter of LLS serves 19 counties in upstate New York and all of Vermont. Our office is located at 1 Marcus Boulevard, Albany, NY. To learn more, visit www.lls.org/uny or call us at 518-438-3583.