It’s easy to think of scientific researchers as existing in a vacuum. © Dr_Microbe - stock.adobe.com.

It’s easy to think of scientific researchers as existing in a vacuum: spending long days and evenings in a laboratory, making observations that most people will probably never understand or hear about. But when it comes to blood cancer research, that couldn’t be less true.

Every study is a chance to make a breakthrough—one that could change, and save, the lives of patients and their families. That’s why The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) funds innovative 

. We know we need as many minds as possible to close the gap to a new treatment—or a cure.

And LLS is far from alone in that goal. 

, one of LLS’s trusted and valued partners, makes groundbreaking cancer research their highest priority. And as part of our 

 this year, LLS and Gilead and Kite Oncology are championing scientific breakthroughs like CAR-T cell therapy with “Innovation Celebrations."

“As the exclusive sponsor of the Innovation Celebrations, Gilead and Kite Oncology is honored to recognize patients who are living longer as a result of 

, and members of their support community. These celebrations serve as an opportunity for the CAR-T community to celebrate survivorship and align perfectly with our national presenting sponsorship of Celebration & Community for Light the Night,” said Chad Saward, Senior Director, Patient and Professional Relations, Kite, a Gilead Company.

These honorees’ lives have been changed, and saved, by research. More specifically, by a blood cancer treatment that’s come to the forefront of blood cancer research in the last three decades: CAR T-cell therapy.

https://lls.org/blog/bringing-together-car-t-cell-therapy-community

Articles

Blood cancer research is crucial for developing life-saving treatments, with organizations like The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) and partners such as Gilead and Kite Oncology leading the charge. They emphasize the importance of innovative research, particularly CAR T-cell therapy, which has significantly impacted patient survival. Through events like "Innovation Celebrations," these organizations honor patients benefiting from CAR T-cell therapy and their support networks. Such initiatives highlight the collaborative efforts in the scientific community to advance cancer treatment and celebrate the progress made in blood cancer research.

It’s easy to think of scientific researchers as existing in a vacuum.

Bringing Together the CAR T-Cell Therapy Community

Cancer is one of the most expensive medical conditions to treat in the U.S. - © stock.adobe.com

Cancer is one of the most expensive medical conditions to treat in the U.S. As a result, patients, survivors, and caregivers—already challenged by the physical and emotional burdens of cancer—often face growing medical debt. The high cost of care that leads to this medical debt adds further financial stress and burden, or financial toxicity—the last thing a patient, caregiver, or their family needs. 

Type of health insurance or not having any health insurance (and surmounting costs which factor in premiums, deductibles, out-of-pocket max, co-insurance percentage, etc.)

Cancer type, its severity, and treatment received

Age, race and ethnicity, income, and whether the patient or caregiver has a job

Advancements in blood cancer therapy are dramatically impacting the range of treatments available to patients. As a result, people living with or in remission from cancer are living longer and need ongoing healthcare management—all while possibly accumulating medical debt. 

And as patients and/or caregivers pay more and more out of their own pockets for care, financial toxicity has become another unbearable side effect of cancer, affecting 

 of patients exhaust their entire life savings within two years of a cancer diagnosis. 

, go without care, or alter their cancer treatment because of cost, affecting their outcomes.

For patients with medical debt, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is here for you with our 

. Our case managers work directly with blood cancer patients, their caregivers, and healthcare professionals to assist patients in managing their medical debt. Services include but are not limited to addressing financial concerns, including managing existing medical debt and planning for upcoming medical expenses, identifying resources such as charity care organizations or manufacturer patient assistance programs that may reduce the financial burden, assistance with insurance plan evaluation and enrollment, such as Medicaid, Medicare, Marketplace plans, and employer-sponsored health insurance and navigating insurance benefits, denials of care, and out-of-pocket costs. The program is not a debt forgiveness program, does NOT pay off medical debt and cannot assist with debt that is in collections.

More information about the LLS Medical Debt Case Management program can be found by contacting an 

Our case managers work individually with patients and their caregivers, which means there is a limited number of cases they can take each day.

If you do not get into the program today, please continue to check back daily.

Cancer treatment in the U.S. is costly, leading to financial toxicity for patients, survivors, and caregivers. Factors such as insurance type, cancer severity, and demographics influence financial risk. Despite advancements in blood cancer therapy, many patients face medical debt, with 42% exhausting life savings within two years of diagnosis. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society offers a Medical Debt Case Management Program to help manage debt, though it does not forgive or pay off debt. The program provides resources and assistance with insurance and financial planning.

Cancer is one of the most expensive medical conditions to treat in the U.S. 

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is Helping Patients With Medial Debt

This month’s Research Spotlight highlights significant advancements in pancreatic cancer research and patient support. © - stock.adobe.com

This month’s Research Spotlight highlights significant advancements in pancreatic cancer research and patient support. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has released new patient-facing guidelines on genetic testing for hereditary cancers, including pancreatic cancer. These guidelines provide essential information on genetic risks, testing options, and early detection strategies, helping patients and their families make informed healthcare decisions. PanCAN strongly encourages genetic and tumor biomarker testing for all pancreatic cancer patients to guide personalized treatment and identify potential risks for family members.

PanCAN’s Early Detection Initiative (EDI) has successfully enrolled over 8,800 participants to study the link between new-onset diabetes and pancreatic cancer. The goal of this initiative is to develop a screening method for high-risk individuals that detects pancreatic cancer early when it is still surgically treatable. As data from the study continues to be analyzed over the coming years, researchers are hopeful that this initiative will lead to the implementation of a new screening strategy that improves early detection and patient outcomes.

Additionally, pancreatic cancer disproportionately affects Black Americans, who have higher incidence and mortality rates than other racial and ethnic groups. The American Cancer Society’s latest report attributes these disparities to structural racism and inequitable access to healthcare. Addressing these disparities requires continued advocacy and research funding. PanCAN leaders recently visited Capitol Hill to urge federal investment in pancreatic cancer research, emphasizing the importance of sustained funding for scientific progress and improved patient outcomes. PanCAN encourages supporters to engage in advocacy efforts to ensure that funding for life-saving research remains a national priority.

Read more from PanCAN’s Chief Scientific & Medical Officer Dr. Anna Berkenblit: 

https://pancan.org/news/research-spotlight-2/

Recent advancements in pancreatic cancer research emphasize the importance of genetic testing and early detection. The NCCN has introduced guidelines for hereditary cancer genetic testing, aiding patients in making informed decisions. PanCAN advocates for genetic and tumor biomarker testing to personalize treatment and assess familial risks. The Early Detection Initiative aims to link new-onset diabetes with pancreatic cancer for early screening. Disparities in pancreatic cancer incidence among Black Americans highlight the need for advocacy and research funding to address structural racism and healthcare access issues.

This month’s Research Spotlight highlights significant advancements in pancreatic cancer research and patient support. 

Insights into the Latest Trends in Pancreatic Cancer

CRANBURY, N.J., Jan. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- 

, the industry-leading multimedia platform devoted to cancer updates, research and education that reaches over 1 million patients, survivors and caregivers, is pleased to announce the winners of the annual 

® Calendar Contest. The 12 selected artists will have their artwork displayed in the 2022 calendar, titled "Healing Through Hues."

 of Dunedin, Fla., for "The Caribou Lookout"

 of Hillsdale, N.J., for "Squirrels in Winter"

 of Hollywood, Fla., for "Through the Storm"

 of Scottsdale, Ariz., for "Pali Lookout"

 of Calabasas, Calif., for "Prelude to New Life"

 of Lancaster, Pa., for "Forever Hopeful"

 of Annapolis, Md., for "Sailors Take Warning"

"It is my pleasure to congratulate the winning artists for the outstanding work that has been selected to be featured 

® magazine's "Healing Through Hues" calendar," said Mike Hennessy Jr., president and CEO of MJH Life Sciences™, parent company of CURE Media Group. "We received so many powerful and moving submissions from across the United States and would like to thank everyone that submitted their artwork for consideration."

CURE Media Group is the leading resource for cancer updates, research and education. Launched in 2002 and now celebrating its 20th anniversary, 

® has become the most widely distributed and read consumer publication in the United States for patients with cancer, survivors, and their caregivers. The platform combines a full suite of media products, including its industry-leading website 

; innovative video programs, such as "CURE Connections®"; a series of educational and inspirational events; and 

® magazine, which reaches more than 1 million readers. CURE Media Group is a brand of 

™, the largest privately held, independent, full-service medical media company in North America, dedicated to delivering trusted health care news across multiple channels.

Twelve winners were selected from 113 submissions to have their artwork featured in its annual calendar contest.

CURE Media Group Announces Winners of 2022 Calendar Contest

CRANBURY, N.J., Nov. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- 

, the industry-leading multimedia platform devoted to cancer updates, research and education that reaches over 1 million patients, survivors and caregivers, is excited to announce the addition of nine new partners to its Strategic Alliance Partnership (SAP) program.

"We are honored to welcome nine prominent organizations to our SAP program," said Mike Hennessy Jr., president and CEO of MJH Life Sciences™, parent company of CURE Media Group. "These new alliances will lead to outstanding collaborative efforts and positive results that will help us optimize patient care."

The SAP program brings together advocacy organizations, medical associations and institutions, and community cancer centers with national reach and visibility. By utilizing the MJH Life Sciences™ oncology communications platform, they are able to showcase cutting-edge initiatives, content, research and thought leadership. The SAP program fosters collaboration and an open exchange of information among trusted peers for the benefit of patients and their families. As part of this joint effort, CURE Media Group will work with these partners to share information and highlight the different cancer communities they support.

For a full list of CURE Media Group's SAP partners, click 


CURE Media Group is the leading resource for cancer updates, research and education. It combines a full suite of media products, including its industry-leading website 

; innovative video programs, such as "CURE Connections®"; a series of widely attended events; and 

® magazine, which reaches more than 1 million readers. CURE Media Group is a brand of 

The SAP program is a collaborative platform to showcase cutting-edge initiatives, research, and thought leadership.

CURE Media Group Welcomes Nine New Partners to Strategic Alliance Partnership Program

CRANBURY, N.J., Sept. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- 

, the industry-leading multimedia platform devoted to cancer updates, research and education that reaches over 1 million patients, survivors and caregivers, is delighted to announce the winners of the 

"We are so excited to recognize the three winners of this year's Lung Cancer Heroes® program," said Mike Hennessy Jr., president, and CEO of MJH Life Sciences™, parent company of CURE Media Group. "With help from our friends at Takeda, I am honored to present this year's winners. Each of these individuals exemplifies everything that a hero is to us, someone who has had a profoundly positive impact on the lives of patients with lung cancer."

, a lung cancer survivor from Denver, Colorado. After noting the lack of initiatives from cancer centers across the country to advance Lung Cancer Awareness Month in November 2020, Heidi's husband made her a large wooden white ribbon, which marked the beginning of The White Ribbon Project, directed by Heidi. Today, there are nearly 1,000 white ribbons across the globe that have ignited positive change, made a significant impact in the lives of many, and formed a community of survivors, researchers, physicians, and clinicians. The White Ribbon Project has helped provide direct access to information, resources, and empowerment in the lung cancer community.

 a clinician, researcher, and educator of Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia. An established authority in the field of lung cancer immunotherapy, Borghaei has led numerous investigator-initiated trials and was the first author to publish on the role of immunotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer in the 

. He serves the lung cancer community nationally and internationally.

 of Mount Sinai Health System, New York. During his time as a researcher, educator, and administrator, Dr. Rosenzweig has made significant contributions to the lung cancer field and maintained a clinical practice devoted to improving the lives of lung cancer patients. He has also been awarded the Cullman Family Award for Excellence in Physician Communication, which is bestowed upon the top 1% of physicians.

"Takeda is honored to partner with CURE and the patient advocacy community to sponsor the Lung Cancer Heroes program again this year. We celebrate the work of these individuals who have made an important impact in the lung cancer community," said Fatima Scipione, head of Patient Advocacy and Engagement, Takeda Oncology. "We are inspired by the work and dedication of the Lung Cancer Heroes being recognized today. Together, we are committed to advancing research and leveraging science to improve the lives of people living with lung cancer."

The Lung Cancer Heroes® celebration will take place virtually on Thursday, October 28, 2021, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. EDT.

For more information on the 2021 Lung Cancer Heroes® program, or to register, click 

This event is sponsored by Takeda in partnership with Lung Force, the GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancer, LUNGevity, the Lung Cancer Foundation of America, and the Lung Cancer Research Foundation.

CURE Media Group is the leading resource for cancer updates, research, and education. It combines a full suite of media products, including its industry-leading website, 

; innovative video programs, such as "CURE Connections®"; a series of widely attended events; and 

® magazine, which reaches more than 1 million readers. CURE Media Group is a brand of 

The second annual awards program will honor three heroes for their contributions to the lung cancer community.

CURE Media Group Announces 2021 Lung Cancer Heroes® Award Winners

CRANBURY, N.J., Sept. 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- 

, the industry-leading multimedia platform devoted to cancer updates, research and education that reaches over 1 million patients, survivors and caregivers, is thrilled to announce the winners of its first poetry contest.

"It is an honor to recognize the personal and impactful work of individuals who have had their lives affected by cancer," said Mike Hennessy Jr., president and CEO of MJH Life Sciences™, parent company of CURE Media Group. "We received many outstanding submissions, and the incredible response to the program reinforces the mission we are trying to accomplish — inspiring our audience. Congratulations to this year's winners!"

The winners of the 2021 poetry contest are:

 Written in honor of Dr. Oliver Press, who treated Strickland received a diagnosis of CLL. Press later died from brain cancer himself.

 This poem is about the story of Stewart's journey with therapy due to PTSD from her breast cancer diagnosis. It is about the cancer that continues to get into the session, but the couch that holds her up.

 After Smart received a diagnosis of triple-negative breast cancer at 39 years old, losing her hair was one of the most challenging parts of her journey. This poem is about how people say "it's just hair," but to her and other patients it's more than that; it is a sign of the journey they are on and a path they have no control over.

 Written in honor of her friend who passed away from breast cancer, this poem is comprised of text messages between the two women talking through different parts of the journey.


The four winning poems will be featured in 

For more information on CURE Media Group, click 


CURE Media Group is the leading resource for cancer updates, research and education. It combines a full suite of media products, including its industry-leading website, 

; innovative video programs, such as "CURE Connections®"; a series of widely attended events; and 

® magazine, which reaches over 1 million readers. CURE Media Group is a brand of 

™, the largest privately held, independent, full-service medical media company in North America dedicated to delivering trusted health care news across multiple channels. 

Four winning poems were selected out of over 200 entries to be featured in CURE® magazine.

CURE Media Group Selects Winners of Inaugural Poetry Contest

CRANBURY, N.J., Sept. 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- 

, the industry-leading multimedia platform devoted to cancer updates, research, and education that reaches over 1 million patients, survivors and caregivers, is excited to announce it is now accepting submission for its 3rd annual calendar contest. The contest highlights art that expresses individual experiences with cancer.

"The CURE® Calendar Contest is an amazing opportunity for people whose lives have been impacted by cancer to shed light on their experience in a creative and artistic way," said Mike Hennessy Jr., president and CEO of MJH Life Sciences™, parent company of CURE® Media Group. "I look forward to seeing the incredible submissions the contest will draw in its third year."

Winners will be selected based on the following criteria:

The artist must submit an image of any kind of original visual art, such as a painting, sketch, or sculpture.

The artist must submit a title and a short description for their artwork that states its meaning to them, how it relates to the cancer experience and what medium(s) they used to create the work.

The artist can submit more than one artwork but will only win for one piece if selected.

The artwork must be submitted by, and attributed to, its creator(s).


Submissions will be accepted through October 15, 2021. Those should submit a high-resolution photo of their work to 

 with the subject line "2022 Calendar Contest".

Readers who do not wish to participate in the calendar contest but still wish to submit artwork to appear in our online gallery are encouraged to do so throughout the year. Those submissions may also be considered for inclusion in the print or online 

For the full list of criteria, more information about the 2022 CURE® Calendar Contest, and to view the CURE® art gallery, click 

CURE® Media Group is the leading resource for cancer updates, research, and education. It combines a full suite of media products, including its industry-leading website, 

™, the largest privately held, independent, full-service medical media company in North America, dedicated to delivering trusted health care news across multiple channels.

Artwork from twelve artists will be selected for inclusion in the 2022 CURE® calendar.

CURE® Media Group Opens Submissions for 3rd Annual Calendar Contest

CRANBURY, N.J., Aug. 31, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- CURE® Media Group is excited to announce its acquisition of Cancer Horizons, a media platform that has built a relationship with a vast community of patients and their loved ones. Cancer Horizons, powered by CURE®, will not only continue to provide the community with resources to help in their journey, but it will also bring accurate news on the essential developments in the cancer space that everyone should know.

"We are thrilled to procure Cancer Horizons as we continue to offer patients, survivors and caregivers the latest on groundbreaking research so they can learn more about their disease, resources, and patient stories that will hopefully bring hope to our readers," said Mike Hennessy Jr., president and CEO of MJH Life Sciences™, parent company of CURE® Media Group.

CURE® magazine is the nation's largest publication for patients, survivors and caregivers with cancer, and with the launch of Cancer Horizons, powered by CURE®, editorial content will be shared among the two brands, ultimately getting vital information into the hands of more people who need it.

"This acquisition is paramount to doing what CURE® does best – bring cancer updates, research and education to patients, survivors and caregivers of those with cancer. We're excited to reach more people by working with Cancer Horizons," said Kristie L. Kahl, vice president of content at MJH Life Sciences.

For more information about Cancer Horizons, click 

The two leading publications will bring the latest cancer news and updates to patients, survivors, and their loved ones.

CURE® Media Group Announces Acquisition of Cancer Horizons

Plantation, FL – (August 30, 2021) – 

Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer (DDF) launched a new patient portal to help stomach cancer patients and their families build community with ease. As part of DDF’s Patient Resource Education Program (PREP), the new platform helps facilitate mentor matching, communication, and learning solutions, making it easier for participants to find peer-to-peer support and effectively connect all in one space. The program registration is free for all applicants.

DDF’s PREP mentor matching program has been a significant part of the organization’s efforts to support patients, families, and caregivers since the organization was founded in 2009. Patients and caregivers are encouraged to register on DDF’s website by providing information about their diagnosis, treatment, and other details regarding their experience. They are then matched with a peer mentor who can provide insight and moral support so that mentees know that they are not alone in their stomach cancer journey. The new patient portal helps improve the user experience and matching service by incorporating algorithm-driven software and providing a community-like social network featuring user-driven common interest groups.

“We are very excited about the launch of our new patient portal because the goal is to make this a one-stop-shop for patients and families,” said DDF’s Chief Executive Officer, Andrea Eidelman. “We understand how difficult it can be to navigate a new diagnosis, so we want to help make learning about new information and connecting with others as easy as possible for our community. The new patient portal not only helps streamline our mentor matching services, but it also gives patients and families a place to convene for all things related to stomach cancer.”

Participants who register on the platform can engage with others who can relate to their journey through one-on-one or group video calls, texting, and emailing for safe communication. In addition, they have clickable access to all resources offered by DDF within the platform, including registration for upcoming events, video webinars and presentations, nutrition information, and more.

To learn more about DDF’s mentor matching program or to apply to join the community, visit 

https://debbiesdream.org/patient-resource-education-program

About Debbie’s Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer

DDF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about gastric cancer, advancing funding for research, and providing education and support internationally to patients, families, and caregivers. DDF seeks as its ultimate goal to make the cure for stomach cancer a reality.

DDF was founded in 2009 by Debbie Zelman after she was diagnosed with stage IV incurable gastric cancer in 2008 and given only weeks to live. Debbie is considered a pioneer by many for bringing awareness to the plight of stomach cancer patients worldwide, as well as to the lack of federal funding for stomach cancer research. She did all of this while receiving hundreds of rounds of chemo, in addition to daily oral treatments. Because of her leadership, DDF now has a Scientific and Medical Advisory Board of world-renowned doctors and chapters throughout the United States and in Canada and Germany. DDF strives to continue Debbie's mission and to make her dream a reality. To learn more about DDF, please visit us at 

Debbie’s Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer

The new platform uses smart-matching algorithms to match patients and families with moral support and help build community.

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