Friends of Heroes - National Light The Night Team » Leukemia & Lymphoma Society http://www.friendsofheroes.org Wed, 17 Aug 2011 06:21:54 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v= ‘Blood Cancer Awareness Month’ Recognized http://www.friendsofheroes.org/2010/09/blood-cancer-awareness-month-recognized/ http://www.friendsofheroes.org/2010/09/blood-cancer-awareness-month-recognized/#comments Tue, 28 Sep 2010 05:38:57 +0000 Jenn http://www.friendsofheroes.org/?p=960 Exciting news from The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and blood cancer awareness!

Not only is September ‘Childhood Cancer Awareness’ month, it is now recognized as ‘Blood Cancer Awareness Month’. Read on…

Washington, DC (September 23, 2010) – The U.S. House of Representatives today passed House Resolution 1433, declaring September 2010 as ‘Blood Cancer Awareness Month.’ The resolution helps raise awareness and support for issues affecting blood cancer patients within the halls of the Capitol.

“Awareness Month is an opportunity to increase the public’s understanding of blood cancers and encourage people to support the funding of research to find cures and education programs to help patients have the best possible outcomes throughout their cancer experience,” explained John Walter, president and CEO of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. “The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society would like to thank Representatives Walter Jones and Betsey Markey for introducing and supporting this resolution, and all of our volunteers who called and emailed their representatives to urge their support.”

Remarkable progress has been made in treating patients with blood cancers. Sixty years ago there were few effective treatments for children or adults with blood cancer and the rate of survival was very low. Today, about 75 percent of children with acute leukemia and nearly 80 percent of children and adults with Hodgkin lymphoma are cured. Advances in the treatment of blood cancers have also led to new treatments for other cancers. In fact, in the last decade, 47 percent of new cancer therapies approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) were first developed and approved to treat a blood cancer.

Despite these advances, more than 900,000 people in the United States currently have some form of blood cancer and fewer than 50 percent of newly diagnosed patients will survive five years past that diagnosis. Every ten minutes someone dies from a blood cancer and more than 53,000 will die from one this year.

“Congress has been supportive of issues affecting blood cancers in the past,” said Walter, “and we thank them for that support. But more needs to be done to fight these deadly diseases – increased research funding, access to affordable treatments, and improved care planning for survivors, just to name a few issues that need to be addressed.”

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 and provides free information and support services.

Founded in 1949 and headquartered in White Plains, NY, LLS has chapters throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more, visit www.LLS.org or contact the Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.

From: www.lls.org

]]> http://www.friendsofheroes.org/2010/09/blood-cancer-awareness-month-recognized/feed/ 0 Make a Difference this September http://www.friendsofheroes.org/2009/08/make-a-difference-this-september/ http://www.friendsofheroes.org/2009/08/make-a-difference-this-september/#comments Tue, 01 Sep 2009 03:28:43 +0000 Jenn http://www.friendsofheroes.org/?p=870 September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and Leukemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma Awareness Month. Both awareness initiatives are near and dear to the heart of Friends of Heroes.

An estimated 10,730 children under the age of 15 were diagnosed with cancer in the United States in 2008, with leukemia being the most commonly diagnosed childhood cancer at 32.6 percent of all cases. Lymphoma ranked as the third most diagnosed pediatric cancer in 2008.

Our group began with a passion to put an end to childhood cancer and we annually participate in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Light The Night Walk to raise money and awareness for a cure. There are simple ways we can each make a difference by supporting research, raising awareness and contacting legislators.

Did you know:

  • Every five minutes, someone in this country is diagnosed with blood cancer?
  • Every nine minutes, someone loses the fight?
  • Leukemia is the leading cause of disease-related death among children under age 15?
  • Approximately 3,000 children die from a blood cancer every year?

Help us make a difference for these families!!!

Donate by visiting one of our team member pages at:
http://pages.lightthenight.org/2009/friendsofheroes

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) funds lifesaving research that has contributed to major advances in the treatment of blood cancers and treatments for other types of cancer, such as chemotherapy and stem cell transplants. These treatments have helped patients live better, longer lives. New targeted therapies that kill cancer cells without harming normal tissue are providing drugs and procedures that are improving quality of life.

  • A donation of $25 provides patients and their loved ones with FREE booklets that contain up-to-date information on their disease and help them make informed decisions about their treatment options.
  • A donation of $50 makes possible a Family Support group with a trained facilitator where comfort can be found and experiences can be shared among patients and family members.
  • A donation of $100 helps supply laboratory researchers with supplies and materials critical to carrying out their search for cures.
  • A donation of $1,000 makes possible one- on-one conversations with health care specialists who provide patients with information about their disease, treatment options, and helps prepare them with questions for their health care team.

Make a difference that will make a big impact!

Participate in a Light The Night Walk near you:
http://pages.lightthenight.org/2009/friendsofheroes

Join our Light The Night Team – Friends of Heroes and raise awareness among your family, friends and co-workers. Light The Night Walk is the nation’s night to pay tribute and bring hope to thousands of people battling blood cancers and to commemorate loved ones lost.

Funds raised by walkers provide:

  • Lifesaving blood cancer research
  • Financial assistance to cover patient expenses for transportation, medication and testing
  • Free educational materials and events for patients and their families
  • Local programs such as Family Support Groups and First Connection, a peer-to-peer counseling program
  • Comprehensive, personalized assistance through our Information Resource Center

Light The Night Walk events are evenings filled with inspiration. Carrying illuminated balloons – white for survivors, red for supporters and gold in memory of loved ones lost to cancer – thousands of walkers – men, women and children – form a community of caring, bringing light to the dark world of cancer.

If you already have a Light The Night Team, join us as an affiliate team. Contact Carole at affiliates@friendsofheroes.org for more information.

Make a difference on Capital Hill

Urge Your Representative to Co-Sponsor Pediatric Cancer Survivorship Legislation

Improvements in long-term survival rates for pediatric cancer patients present some new challenges for patients, family members, providers and policy makers. Patients may face greater risk of secondary cancers; they may have limited access to follow-up care; the follow-up care they do receive may be inadequate; and some may face cognitive or psychosocial problems. Expensive long-term treatments, hurdles to purchasing health, life, or disability insurance, and employment barriers also pose difficulties for cancer survivors.

Reps. Jackie Speier (D-CA) and Mary Bono Mack (R-CA) recently introduced the Pediatric, Adolescent, and Young Adult Cancer Survivorship Research and Quality of Life Act (H.R. 2109). This legislation would provide much needed resources to fund research and survivorship programs that would dramatically improve the quality of life for all cancer survivors.

Please take a moment to send a letter to your representative urging them to co-sponsor this important legislation. Please make sure that pediatric cancer survivors receive the care they need as they move on with their lives.

Click here to take action!

Source: LLS.org
]]> http://www.friendsofheroes.org/2009/08/make-a-difference-this-september/feed/ 0 Gap’s Give & Get Campaign supports cancer research http://www.friendsofheroes.org/2009/07/gaps-give-get-campaign-supports-cancer-research/ http://www.friendsofheroes.org/2009/07/gaps-give-get-campaign-supports-cancer-research/#comments Tue, 28 Jul 2009 06:07:05 +0000 Jenn http://www.friendsofheroes.org/?p=855

give2get

Download a Coupon for 30% Off with 5% going to LLS

Leukemia survivor, Lance Bigelow, is someone who knows first-hand the importance of Gap’s Give & Get program benefiting The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). He participated in the spring campaign. Lance and his family knew that taking advantage of the Give & Get program’s 30% discount, they would also be contributing to LLS’ blood cancer research efforts, research that helps kids like Lance — research that fights the number one cancer among children.

Thanks to the efforts of families like the Bigelows, the spring campaign raised $600,000 for research to find a cure.

By participating in our summer campaign you can help blood cancer patients live longer, better lives — and look good doing it!

Then visit any Gap, Inc. store from July 30th to August 2nd to take advantage of the 30% discount offer. Please note that this offer is good from July 30th through August 2nd only! The Gap Give & Get coupon is good for purchases at any Gap, Inc. store, including Gap, Gap Outlet, Banana Republic, Banana Republic Factory Stores and Old Navy. The coupon is for in-store purchases only and is good in both the United States and Canada.

Remember, when you download a coupon for discounted clothes from this site you’re helping The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society fight the number one cancer among children. Send this page to your friends and family and help our cause even more!

more info: http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org//all_page.adp?item_id=552506

Lance’s Story: http://community.lls.org/blogs/atlls/2009/07/27/licking-leukemia-with-lls-and-gap

Coupon (English): http://www.gapinc.com/giveandget/lls/

Coupon (French): http://www.gapinc.com/giveandget/fr/lls/

Source: LLS.org

]]> http://www.friendsofheroes.org/2009/07/gaps-give-get-campaign-supports-cancer-research/feed/ 0 Coping With Childhood Leukemia and Lymphoma http://www.friendsofheroes.org/2009/05/coping-with-childhood-leukemia-and-lymphoma/ http://www.friendsofheroes.org/2009/05/coping-with-childhood-leukemia-and-lymphoma/#comments Sat, 30 May 2009 20:00:06 +0000 Jenn http://www.friendsofheroes.org/?p=785 If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with a blood cancer like leukemia, lymphoma or myloma, there is help for you.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, headquartered in White Plains, New York, provides a library of resources through their website and their Information Resource Center. You may feel helpless or overwhelmed with decisions. These free resources and support services are funded by generous donors to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

If you need assistance ordering free materials please call the LLS Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST or contact your local chapter.

For more information specifically related to childhood blood cancers, visit their Childhood Blood Cancers resource page.

The following excerpts are sample materials from their library:

Coping With Childhood Leukemia and Lymphoma

Introductionchildrens_pamphlet

Families face uncertainty when they are told that their child has leukemia or lymphoma. It is a time filled with new people and situations, worries and change. It may help to learn that cancer survival rates for children have improved significantly during the last several decades due to new and better treatments. Doctors, nurses and scientists are working together around the world to continue to improve outcomes for children diagnosed with leukemia or lymphoma – researchers continue to search for the causes, develop better treatments and tailor therapies to decrease long-term effects. Social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists and other health professionals are also working to understand how to help children and families manage cancer and its treatment and maintain a good quality of life.
Continue reading by downloading the .pdf or order a free printed copy via the LLS online order form.

living_with_cancerLearning & Living With Cancer

Introduction

For children with cancer and their parents, returning to school builds hope for the future. Attending school is a big part of feeling normal and productive. Yet, going back to school also brings new challenges to families whose main focus has been getting through treatment.

You may wonder:

  • What challenges will my child face?
  • What help is needed for my child to be successful?
  • What laws protect my child?
  • Where do I turn for help?

Continue reading by downloading the .pdf or order a free printed copy via the online order form.

Source: lls.org

]]> http://www.friendsofheroes.org/2009/05/coping-with-childhood-leukemia-and-lymphoma/feed/ 0 Researchers are vital for a CURE http://www.friendsofheroes.org/2009/05/researchers-are-vital-for-a-cure/ http://www.friendsofheroes.org/2009/05/researchers-are-vital-for-a-cure/#comments Sat, 02 May 2009 08:07:14 +0000 Jenn http://www.friendsofheroes.org/?p=814 drsagarSagar Lonial, M.D. is associate professor, hematology/medical oncology at Emory University in Atlanta. Dr. Lonial, a recipient of a Translational Research Program grant from LLS, is studying a combination therapy for patients with myeloma and other blood cancers.

What is the biomedical problem/issue that you are trying to resolve?
The proteasome is a piece of cellular machinery that removes unnecessary proteins from cells. But in some blood cancers, such as myeloma, the proteasome may function abnormally. The targeted drug Velcade (bortezomib) works for many myeloma patients by inhibiting the proteasome. But myeloma and other cancer cells can resist being killed by Velcade. Our group is trying to better understand how cancer cells become resistant and if we can overcome that resistance, especially by making Velcade more effective in combination with other drugs.

What’s novel or innovative about your approach?
Our approach is novel because we are trying to choose drug combinations based upon preclinical evidence gathered in our laboratory studies, rather than just randomly combining available drugs. Our preliminary findings suggest that we can really improve the efficacy of Velcade for patients with myeloma by combining it with Zarnestra (tipifarnib), an experimental drug that has been shown to inhibit an enzyme that can cause excessive growth of cancer cells. Zarnestra really does not kill many myeloma cells when used alone, but the anti-myeloma effect of the combination is quite striking in laboratory tests.

How will your work one day help patients?
We are currently enrolling patients in an early phase clinical trial based upon our laboratory data, and have seen responses among patients with myeloma who were resistant to Velcade as a single agent. We are now testing higher dose levels and hope to show that the combination is measurably more effective in patients than Velcade alone, as is true in laboratory tests.

Are you close to clinical trials?
The trial is open; 23 patients have been enrolled so far.


I think the excitement is around the addition of these new agents in treatments for patients with newly diagnosed disease where combinations might be able to result in complete remissions, and possibly even durable complete remissions. In the setting of relapsed disease, new combinations may allow us to treat patients with lower doses of each respective agent to reduce side effects, or use standard dosing but with improved outcomes as measured by number and duration of responses.

What are some of your hobbies and non-research interests?
My hobbies are golf and wine tasting, only one of which I enjoy doing with my kids. I also enjoy traveling, which I am able to do a bit through the myeloma community.

Source: lls.org (eNewsLine)

]]> http://www.friendsofheroes.org/2009/05/researchers-are-vital-for-a-cure/feed/ 0 Tina Fey Announced as 2009 Light The Night Walk National Spokesperson http://www.friendsofheroes.org/2009/04/tina-fey-announced-as-2009-light-the-night-walk-national-spokesperson/ http://www.friendsofheroes.org/2009/04/tina-fey-announced-as-2009-light-the-night-walk-national-spokesperson/#comments Fri, 01 May 2009 00:56:47 +0000 Jenn http://www.friendsofheroes.org/?p=753 tinafeyThe Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is excited to announce that actress Tina Fey is lending her face and fame to help in the fight against blood cancers as the 2009 National Spokesperson for the LLS Light The Night Walk.

Tina Fey is an American writer, comedian, actress, and producer. She has won five Emmys, three Golden Globes, and three SAG Awards. Fey is best known for her work on Mean Girls, Saturday Night Live, her impersonation of Alaskan Governor and 2008 Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin, and her work on 30 Rock, a situation comedy loosely based on her experiences at Saturday Night Live. Fey was also selected by Barbara Walters as one of America’s “10 most fascinating people of 2008.”

As National Spokesperson for the 2009 Light The Night Walk, Fey urges communities to “Walk the Talk” and join the fight against blood cancer through Light The Night Walks happening this fall across the country. “When you or someone you love has cancer, it can turn your world upside down and leave you in a dark and lonely place,” says Fey. “But there’s something you can do to bring light and hope to thousands of people battling blood cancers and their families. You can participate in Light The Night Walk and raise funds for lifesaving cancer research.”

Walks take place in communities across the U.S. and Canada, as walkers and teams of families, friends and co-workers come together for an evening overflowing with emotion and caring. The Light The Night Walk is open to the public. Teams and individuals are encouraged to pre-register and raise funds for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society throughout the summer months preceding the Walk. The funds will support vital life-saving research and patient services to support the nearly 900,000 Americans living with blood cancers.

More than a Walk, Light The Night includes music, entertainment, food and children’s activities for everyone to enjoy. Walkers carry illuminated balloons to spread awareness about the need to fund research to find a cure for blood cancer. Supporters carry red balloons, survivors carry white, and those who have lost a loved one to cancer carry a gold balloon in their memory. The event is supported by many local businesses who form Walk teams or offer corporate sponsorship. Corporate sponsorship and in-kind food donation packages that include a variety of marketing benefits are available. You can join Friends of Heroes and start making a difference today! For more information about the Light The Night Walk and how to participate, visit www.LightTheNight.org.

About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Eastern N.C. Chapter serves patients battling leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma. The organization raises money to fund research leading to a cure for blood cancers and to enhance the quality of life for local patients through services such as family support groups, educational programs and financial assistance. Since its founding in 1949, LLS has invested more than $600 million in research specifically targeting leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. For more information about The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, visit www.lls.org.

]]> http://www.friendsofheroes.org/2009/04/tina-fey-announced-as-2009-light-the-night-walk-national-spokesperson/feed/ 1 Save money and lives – Shop GAP, Old Navy http://www.friendsofheroes.org/2009/03/733/ http://www.friendsofheroes.org/2009/03/733/#comments Tue, 10 Mar 2009 03:59:27 +0000 Jenn http://www.friendsofheroes.org/?p=733

gng_w_brands_color

Gap’s Give & Get Program – It’s Money in the Bank !!

We have 3 (THREE) days to save money with Gap Inc’s nationwide Give & Get coupon which will support LLS – and  the Central California chapter directly. The funds generated will be zip-coded and attributed back to the related chapters, so the more your people shop, the more your chapter will make!

This Thursday March 12 -Sunday March 15 – Gap Inc‘s 30% discount coupons will also provide a 5% donation (of LLS coupon-holders’ net purchases) to LLS.

Send this link today, to all your donors, friends and families. Simply copy this URL and pass it on. http://www.gapgiveandget.com/np/lls.html

Gap Inc stores include: Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy. The coupons are for in-store purchases only and they ARE good in both the USA and Canada.

Simply go to the Give & Get coupon page, print a coupon and go shopping. Share the link as widely as you wish. You can print as many as you need, to shop at different Gap Inc stores.

]]> http://www.friendsofheroes.org/2009/03/733/feed/ 0 Lighting The Night – a Decade of Difference http://www.friendsofheroes.org/2008/09/lighting-the-night-a-decade-of-difference/ http://www.friendsofheroes.org/2008/09/lighting-the-night-a-decade-of-difference/#comments Wed, 03 Sep 2008 06:44:32 +0000 Jenn http://www.friendsofheroes.org/?p=442 This year we commemorate the tenth year of Light The Night walks which honor blood cancer patients in 230 cities across North America.

This week we embark on the first of ten weeks of Light The Nights and celebrate the $39 million dollars raised for blood cancer research and patient services.

Through The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, great strides have made “A Decade of Difference”. In the past 10 years:

  • Nearly half a million patients and their caretakers have called the LLS Information Resource Center and received critical information about blood cancers, therapy options and issues surrounding treatment and survival.
  • Nearly $40 million was disbursed to patients through the LLS Patient Assistance program to help them get the treatment they needed to fight their cancer.
  • Over 100,000 patients and family members found comfort and hope through LLS First Connection and Family Support Groups.
  • LLS granted $425 million to more than 400 scientists searching for cures and improved treatments for patients.
  • LLS funding contributed to the development of a host of new drugs that are affecting patient survival and quality of life.
  • LLS-funded researchers began working in novel areas that hold great promise for finding cures and better treatments including new, less toxic stem cell transplants, immunotherapies and other targeted therapies.
  • Our Advocacy Network has successfully supported pro-patient legislation that will:
    • Help advance blood cancer research
    • Extend Medicare coverage to include oral anti-cancer drugs
    • Help fund efforts to reach underserved blood cancer patients

From: lightthenight.org

Team Friends of Heroes is proud to be a part of this tremendous cause to find a cure for blood cancers and to make a difference in the lives of patients through the free services offered by LLS!

Blood cancers can strike at any time to people of all ages, ethnicities and degrees of health. We continue to raise funds and awareness for a cure to be found and so that families do not have to lose loved ones to these diseases.

Your support is vital in this effort! Please join us by registering for our team or donating towards our cause!

Visit http://teams.lightthenight.org/friendsofheroes to start making a difference today!

]]> http://www.friendsofheroes.org/2008/09/lighting-the-night-a-decade-of-difference/feed/ 0 September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month http://www.friendsofheroes.org/2008/09/september-is-childhood-cancer-awareness-month-2/ http://www.friendsofheroes.org/2008/09/september-is-childhood-cancer-awareness-month-2/#comments Tue, 02 Sep 2008 00:43:01 +0000 Christy http://www.friendsofheroes.org/?p=438

Types of Childhood Cancer

Leukemia

Leukemia is a cancer of the bone marrow and tissues which produce the circulating blood cells. Leukemias are the most common childhood cancers. Types of leukemia include:

  • Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL): The most common childhood cancer. Almost 75% of children with leukemia have ALL, a cancer of the lymphoid cells in the bone marrow and the lymphoid organs of the body. They are involved in the body’s immune system.
  • Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML): AML (also called acute myeloid leukemia, acute nonlymphatic leukemia or ANLL) is cancer of the myeloid blood cells which are produced in the bone marrow and which help fight bacterial infections.

Cancers of the Central Nervous System

  • Brain tumors: There are many types of brain tumors; the most common are called gliomas.
  • Neuroblastoma: is a cancer of the sympathetic nervous system which most often originates in the adrenal glands above the kidney.

Sarcomas

Sarcomas are cancerous tumors involving the bones and soft tissues.

  • Bone cancers

    • Osteosarcoma: the most common type of bone sarcoma. These tumors often are located at the growing end of the long bones of the extremities, close to the joints.
    • Ewings Sarcoma: a bone cancer that often appears in the middle of the bone. Commonly found in the thighs, hipbones, upper arms and ribs.

  • Soft Tissue Sarcomas:

    • Rhabdomyosarcoma: a soft tissue sarcoma that develops in muscles. Most often found in the head, neck, kidneys, bladder, arms and legs.

Lymphomas

Lymphoma is a tumor of the lymph tissues, which are part of the immune system. Types of lymphoma include:

  • Hodgkin disease or Hodgkin’s lymphoma: affects lymph nodes nearer to the body’s surface, such as in the neck, armpit and groin area.
  • Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: affect lymph nodes found deep within the body. There are many types of lymphoma, include Burkitt’s, non-Burkitt’s, and lymphoblastic lymphoma.

Liver Cancers

Liver cancer is an abnormal growth (tumor) in the liver.  The most common forms of liver cancer in children are:

Cancers of the Kidney

Other Types of Cancers

  • Retinoblastoma: is a malignant tumor of the retina (a thin membrane in the back of the eye).
  • Germ Cell Tumors: Germ cell tumors appear most commonly in the testes, the ovaries, the area at the bottom of the spine (sacrococcygeal) and in the middle of the brain, chest or abdomen.

Progress in Childhood Cancer

Since the mid-1950s, cooperative research has improved the survival rates for childhood cancer from less than 10% to almost 80% overall. Cure rates vary according to each specific type of childhood cancer. Some types remain very difficult to cure. All cure rates need to be improved.

Multi-institution cooperative research of major scope has also paid dividends well beyond childhood cancer, contributing to:

  • understanding the abnormal biology of cancer cells,
  • treatments for adults with cancer,
  • developing principles of team management for other diseases of children and adults, and
  • pioneering the enormous advantages of multi-institution cooperation in clinical research.

Important Steps in the History of Childhood Cancer Research

 

Multi-institution Cooperation in Clinical Trials

One of the most important contributions to developing better treatments for children with cancer was the formation by the National Cancer Institute of the first group of hospitals that agreed to cooperate in clinical trials of new drugs that had been developed to treat acute leukemia, the most common cancer among children.

Cooperative clinical trials of chemotherapy for acute leukemia were begun at seven hospitals scattered through the U.S. in 1955. Research grant support was provided by the NCI.

Leukemia Chemotherapy

The original seven member hospitals of the group were convened by the National Cancer Institute to cooperate in conducting trials of new chemotherapy for acute leukemia. This was the optimal way to quickly evaluate new chemotherapies that showed promise in laboratory experiments on leukemia cells. The first cancer clinical trials cooperative group treated only one type of childhood cancer; acute leukemia, using only one modality of treatment: chemotherapy. The era of chemotherapy for cancer had been heralded by discovery of several chemical agents that could eliminate leukemia cells from the bone marrow and circulating blood in children with acute leukemia. This was a breakthrough that demanded rapid trials of many potentially effective new agents. The NCI developed groups of institutions to cooperate in joint conduct of clinical trials to perfect new chemotherapies being developed in many laboratories. National cooperation in clinical research was very successful. Many new agents were found to be effective in treating acute leukemia and gradually the remissions of leukemia extended from several months to several years. At that time, however, there was little discussion of cures.

Treatment of Solid Tumors in Children

Due to the success of chemotherapy in acute leukemia, it was imperative to try chemotherapy against the cancers of solid organs. The NCI supported childhood cooperative research group pediatric surgeons, pediatric radiation oncologists and pediatric pathologists to their membership, in order to combine surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy in treating the solid malignant tumors of children. After a few years, the group required multi-disciplinary teams to be formed at each member institution. The group which had been formed originally to test chemotherapy for leukemia, was significantly re-organized to include the principal medical disciplines needed to diagnose and treat solid tumors of children as well as leukemia.

Multi-Disciplinary Team Care of Childhood Cancer

Childhood cancer groups developed special national studies combining surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy to treat certain types of cancers of the kidneys and muscles which occurred mainly in children. Combined modalities of treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy were found to produce the best results for these childhood solid tumors after surgical removal of as much of the tumor as possible.

New treatments based on immunology, bone marrow and stem cell transplantation and newer treatments derived from molecular biology and genetics are now in increasingly wider use as the research horizon expands. Multi-institution clinical trials by cancer clinical researchers are the most efficient way to apply new laboratory discoveries to advance diagnosis, selection of the most appropriate treatment and, increasingly, to prevent cancer.

The best response and survival rates of children with cancer have been achieved by treatment according to a clinical trial protocol at a cooperative group member hospital with experience in conducting multi-disciplinary clinical trials. To participate in cooperative national clinical trials, a member institution now must have a multi-disciplinary team of experts that can comply with all diagnosis, treatment, supportive care and laboratory requirements of cooperative clinical trial protocols and provide combinations of treatments adjusted to the needs of each child.

Laboratory and Translational Research on Childhood Cancer

Research in cellular and molecular biology, genetics, immunology and epidemiology has become an important aspect of cooperative group cancer research. To improve diagnostic evaluation, to develop new treatments and to evaluate how they affect cancer cells, many group member institutions developed laboratory research programs to further accelerate progress in diagnosis, treatment and cure of all types of cancers that attack children. The cooperative groups have incorporated laboratory research programs in many basic sciences. These have led to new understandings of how normal cells transform into cancer cells and how to develop therapies to overcome that process without harm to normal cells and tissues. Current treatments that directly affect only cancer cells are referred to as “targeted” therapy. Many of the important discoveries of the Human Genome Project have led to better diagnosis and treatments.

The majority of the laboratory researchers conducting research related to childhood cancer are located at academic medical centers throughout the U.S. and Canada. When they produce laboratory research findings which have potential application to diagnosis, treatment, supportive care or prevention of childhood cancer, they have ready access to their clinical colleagues on the COG team at their institution. One of the primary objectives of the COG is to facilitate the translation of important laboratory research to clinical applications to benefit children with cancer. This has been a research priority of COG institutions for several decades.

The Concept of Total Cure

A major emphasis for the past two dozen years has been on improving the quality of life for patients cured of cancer during childhood. The modern definition of “cure” for children goes far beyond achieving disappearance of the evidences of cancer. It now includes the goals of psychosocial, educational, and occupational reintegration of the child into a successful life. In social terms, the impact of this achievement is considerable: The cure of a child saves an entire lifetime.

Taken from http://www.curesearch.org/

]]> http://www.friendsofheroes.org/2008/09/september-is-childhood-cancer-awareness-month-2/feed/ 0 September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month http://www.friendsofheroes.org/2008/08/september-is-childhood-cancer-awareness-month/ http://www.friendsofheroes.org/2008/08/september-is-childhood-cancer-awareness-month/#comments Mon, 01 Sep 2008 04:42:23 +0000 Christy http://www.friendsofheroes.org/?p=435 Did you know?

The Facts of Childhood Cancer

  • Cancer remains the number one disease that claims the lives of our children. Each year cancer kills more children under the age of 20 than asthma, diabetes, cystic fibrosis and AIDS combined.
  • Each year in the U.S., approximately 12,500 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer. That’s the equivalent of two average size classrooms diagnosed each school day.
  • Today, nearly 80 percent of children diagnosed with cancer become long-term survivors and the majority of them are considered cured. In the early 1950s, less than 10 percent of childhood cancer patients could be cured.
  • Leukemias, tumors of the brain and nervous system, the lymphatic system, kidneys, bones and muscles are the most common childhood cancers.
  • In the U.S., cancer remains responsible for more deaths from one year through adolescence than any other disease; more deaths than asthma, diabetes, cystic fibrosis and AIDS combined.
  • Combined, the cancers of children, adolescents and young adults to age 20 are the sixth most common cancer in the U.S.
  • Breakthroughs in pediatric oncology will undoubtedly continue to progress the diagnosis and treatment of adult cancers. Many of the principles in therapy used today in treating adults were first developed and tested for children.

With the kick of off so many Light the night walks this month, what better way to pay tribute to Childhood Cancer than to join your local team and start raising money. Together we can find a cure!

Also in honor of Childhood cancer awareness month Chili’s will be offering a couple of ways you can contribute. You can go any day and donate any amount and they will give you a chili pepper coloring sheet that you or your kids can design and color. Also, on the 29th, they will be donating all the proceeds from that day to St. Jude’s. So enjoy a night out, eating great food while supporting a great cause.  the Chili’s

]]> http://www.friendsofheroes.org/2008/08/september-is-childhood-cancer-awareness-month/feed/ 2 Pediatric Cancer Research – Why Is It Important? http://www.friendsofheroes.org/2008/08/pediatric-cancer-research-why-is-it-important/ http://www.friendsofheroes.org/2008/08/pediatric-cancer-research-why-is-it-important/#comments Sat, 16 Aug 2008 07:01:16 +0000 Lois http://www.friendsofheroes.org/?p=281 Welcome to Day 6 of the Blogging for Blood Cancer event! Today’s prize is a Princess purse and ribbon tutu from Pretty Posh Princess. Yesterday’s winner was commenter #9 Denise who knew there were 600 members of Friends of Heroes in 2007.

To qualify to win, leave a comment with an answer to the question after reading the post.

Why is pediatric research so important?

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society first began in 1949. At that time, leukemia was considered a hopeless disease. Most patients, especially children died within three months of diagnosis. Even with the early advances in chemotherapy, in 1955 leukemia was considered 100% fatal.
The Society realized even at its very start that research was the key to finding a cure. Here are just a few of the many cancer pioneers they have funded over the past 50 years:
  • Joseph Burchenal, M.D., established the chemotherapy program at New York’s Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, now the standard model around the world
  • William Dameshek, M.D., considered one of the world’s leading hematologists, was among the first to identify an effective chemo agent.
  • Brian Druker, M.D., was a leader in the development of Gleevec®, a revolutionary non-toxic pill that treats chronic myelogenous leukemia and other cancers.
  • Emil Frei III, M.D., pioneered curative treatment of acute lymphocytic leukemia, resulting in prolonged survival.
  • Robert Peter Gale, M.D., noted leukemia researcher and bone marrow transplant expert who helped clone the gene that causes chronic myelogenous leukemia and developed drug treatments for acute myelogenous leukemia and other leukemias.
  • George Hitchings, Ph.D., helped develop 6-mercaptopurine and thioguanine, two of the first and most widely used leukemia drugs.
  • George Santos, M.D., was a pioneering bone marrow transplant expert.
  • E. Donnall Thomas, M.D., first scientist to successfully perform a bone marrow transplant between two humans.
  • C. Gordon Zubrod, M.D., is considered the “father of the clinical trials concept in oncology.” (Our History. 2006. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Retrieved from http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/all_page?item_id=221384)

In 1960-63, when compared to a person without leukemia, a patient had a 14 percent chance of living five years. By 1975-77, the five-year relative survival rate had jumped to 35 percent. By 2002, the survival rates have increased dramatically large impart due to the wonderful research conducted by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and other organizations like them.

  • Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL): 65.2 percent overall; 90.5 percent for children under 5;
  • Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML): 20.4 percent overall; 53.1 percent for children under 15
  • Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma: 81.9% for children under 19
  • Hodgkin’s lymphoma: 95.1% for children under 20.
  • (Leukemia Facts & Statistics. 2006. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Retrieved from http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/all_page?item_id=9346)

Even though these survival rates have significantly improved, until there is early detection, a method of prevention, and a cure for blood cancers, research is still desperately needed. Anything less than 100% survival rate just is not good enough, especially when you are talking about someone’s child.

ENTER TO WIN TODAY’S PRIZE:

For a chance to win, leave a comment with the name of the first scientist to successfully perform a bone marrow transplant between two humans by MIDNIGHT PST today.

[Hint, hint, hint: You will find the answer in this post. Wink, wink.]

You’ll also be entered for our grand prize to be drawn Monday for a $900 Timberland and Lacoste product assortment, courtesy of Samsonite. (Comments are moderated.) Make sure to stop back for more information and even more chances to win!

]]> http://www.friendsofheroes.org/2008/08/pediatric-cancer-research-why-is-it-important/feed/ 34 President Bush Signs Conquer Childhood Cancer Bill http://www.friendsofheroes.org/2008/08/president-bush-signs-conquer-childhood-cancer-bill/ http://www.friendsofheroes.org/2008/08/president-bush-signs-conquer-childhood-cancer-bill/#comments Sat, 09 Aug 2008 06:00:31 +0000 Jenn http://www.friendsofheroes.org/?p=474 On July 16, the Senate unanimously passed The Caroline Pryce Walker Conquer Childhood Cancer Act of 2008 (H.R. 1553). The bill had also passed the House unanimously on June 12. The bill significantly increases the federal investment in childhood cancer research, a LLS priority.

The bill would authorize $150 million over five years to develop grants for research fellowships in pediatric cancer, to fund a population-based national childhood cancer database and to award grants to childhood cancer organizations to raise public awareness, ensuring access to the best available therapies for pediatric cancers.

“Too many young people’s lives were cut short by cancer, but their hopes were not,” said Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI). “We have made great advances in treating cancer, but there is still much more to be done. The Conquer Childhood Cancer Act will deliver much needed hope and support to children and families battling cancer and more resources for vital pediatric cancer research programs.”

The bill had been introduced in the House by Rep. Deborah Pryce (R-OH) and in the Senate by Sens. Reed and Norm Coleman (R-MN). During the bill’s mark-up in the House, it was renamed after the Ohio representative’s daughter, Caroline, who lost her battle with neuroblastoma at age 9.

President Bush held a bill signing ceremony on July 29 with Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Pryce, Reed and Coleman as well as several families and children with pediatric cancer from Ohio, Rhode Island and Texas. With the president’s signing of H.R. 1553, the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act is now law!

Source: lls.org
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]]> http://www.friendsofheroes.org/2008/08/president-bush-signs-conquer-childhood-cancer-bill/feed/ 0 Research Q & A http://www.friendsofheroes.org/2008/07/research-q-a/ http://www.friendsofheroes.org/2008/07/research-q-a/#comments Thu, 31 Jul 2008 04:28:13 +0000 Christy http://www.friendsofheroes.org/?p=180

RESEARCHER Q&A

 

Craig Okada, M.D., Ph.D.


Dr. Okada is assistant professor of medicine at Oregon Health & Science University. He is a recipient of an LLS Translational Research Program grant for his cutting-edge lymphoma research.Dr. Okada, what are you and your team working on?
We are developing an immunotherapeutic approach to the treatment of T-cell malignancies. We are using monoclonal antibodies that bind to a unique molecule found on the surface of different lymphoma cells (TCR idiotype) and combining antibodies with tumor TCR vaccine.

What’s novel or innovative about this approach?
Using monoclonal antibodies and TCR idiotype vaccine may be able to more specifically attack tumor cells without injuring normal immune cells. The vaccine will hopefully stimulate long lived anti-tumor activity, reducing the risk of recurrent disease.How will it one day help patients?
Patients with T-cell lymphoma tend to have a less favorable outcome than patients with B-cell lymphoma, the most common form of the disease. We hope that developing T-cell lymphoma specific treatments will improve the treatment for these patients.

Are you close to clinical trials?
We are still several years from clinical trials.

What other projects are you excited about and believe will benefit patients?
There are several new drugs that have anti-tumor activity in T-cell malignancies. We are actively determining in clinical trials how well they work and if they can be used in combination with older drugs without adding significant toxicities.

What are some of your hobbies and non-research interests?
When I am not working in the laboratory or seeing patients, I enjoy hiking, rock climbing and spending time with my family.

  

 

 

Article Courtsey of LLS Please visit www.lls.org for more information.
]]> http://www.friendsofheroes.org/2008/07/research-q-a/feed/ 0 LLS Coloring Books Help kids Cope http://www.friendsofheroes.org/2008/07/lls-coloring-books-help-kids-cope/ http://www.friendsofheroes.org/2008/07/lls-coloring-books-help-kids-cope/#comments Thu, 31 Jul 2008 04:24:00 +0000 Christy http://www.friendsofheroes.org/?p=174 LLS Coloring Books Help Kids Cope

The Stem Cell Transplant Coloring Book is for children with blood cancer who are coping with having a stem cell transplant. It is also for other young stem cell transplant patients, siblings, friends and classmates of the young patient and children with a parent who is having a stem cell transplant. The pictures and activity pages depict the experiences of Sam and Serena, two young stem cell transplant patients. Through these experiences, the coloring book provides
support and encouragement.Younger children may enjoy using the coloring book with parents, older siblings
or staff to help them read the captions and color smaller details. School-age
children can enjoy the coloring book on their own. Additionally, caregivers may
find that with children of any age, using it together helps to generate discussion,
questions and expression of feelings.

 

 

Read it online or order a free copy. 

Pictures of My Journey, a coloring and activity book, helps children ages 3 to 11 cope with the new people, situations and concerns that may be part of their childhood cancer experience.The interactive book provides many opportunities for young patients (as well as siblings, classmates and friends) to have fun and be creative. Topics cover the hospital stay, treatment, school, returning home to family and friends and plans for the future.

Healthcare professionals, health educators and caregivers can use the material with children to help generate discussion and express feelings about having cancer. The book also includes two color postcards and a children’s resource list.

 

Read it online or order a free copy.

Article Courtsey of LLS Please visit www.lls.org for more information.



]]> http://www.friendsofheroes.org/2008/07/lls-coloring-books-help-kids-cope/feed/ 0 Congress Overrides Medicare Veto http://www.friendsofheroes.org/2008/07/169/ http://www.friendsofheroes.org/2008/07/169/#comments Mon, 28 Jul 2008 18:47:50 +0000 Christy http://www.friendsofheroes.org/?p=169  

Congress Overrides Medicare Veto

On July 15th, President Bush vetoed the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (H.R. 6331). However, Congress acted quickly to override the veto; the House voted 383-41 and the Senate voted 70-26. Had the veto gone through, Medicare reimbursement rates to doctors would have been cut by 10.6 percent, among other things.The bill was of particular concern to blood cancer patients, as the bill included a provision to extend the “freeze” by 18 months on the Medicare reimbursement formula for the radioimmunotherapies Bexxar® and Zevalin®, which are used to

treat non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Without such a freeze, radioimmunotherapy reimbursement rates would be drastically reduced and access to this valuable therapy would be threatened for many lymphoma patients.Congress was under pressure from doctors and elderly patients to pass the legislation quickly as the proposed cuts went into effect on July 1. Instead of the cuts, the Medicare reimbursement rates will remain the same for the remainder of 2008 and will increase by 1.1 percent in 2009. While this legislation is a short-term fix for the Medicare reimbursement rates, the goal for lawmakers is now to create a long-term solution.
 Thank you to all of the advocates across the country that took a moment to urge their elected officials to override the veto and ensure that patients with lymphoma or other blood cancers have access to Medicare coverage and potentially lifesaving treatments.
To become an LLS eAdvocate, sign up at action.lls.org.

Article courtsety of the LLS newsetter.

For more info please visit  lls.org 

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