I attended the annual Leukemia & Lymphoma Society retreat last week, and I wanted to share with you some of the inspiring issues and discussions that took place. 

First, we were overwhelmed by a discussion with Dr. David Porter from the University of Pennsylvania who specializes in blood cancers. Dr. Porter has been working on clinical trials where the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is actually utilized, altered and modified to kill cancer cells in the blood. Please watch this very short video and you will be floored by what they are doing: 

http://vimeo.com/54668275 

I also have to tell you how inspiring it was to hear why each of the board members became involved with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Many either had leukemia themselves or had a loved one or best friend afflicted with this disease. I was so inspired by their comments; I am polling my resources to create short videos of each member for our upcoming microsite on the LLS Board.

Cancers of the blood can help cure other cancers, as blood cancers are fast-moving and the research and results therefore move more swiftly. LLS reported in its 1955 annual report: “As of this date, Leukemia is 100 percent fatal. This is almost a unique situation among the many diseases to which man is susceptible.” I cannot fathom the effort that has taken us to where we are today; however, much more is to be done.

On Feb. 22, 2014, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society will host its inaugural Red and White Ball at the Loews in Philadelphia. We are thrilled that the Mercedes-Benz dealerships of the greater Philadelphia donated a new CLA-Class Mercedes for our raffle at the Red and White Ball. Tickets are $100 each and the winning ticket will be drawn on Feb. 22, 2014.

Please let me know if you can help us with a corporate donation, personal attendance of the ball and/or a raffle purchase.

— Fran Gallagher, publisher and CEO