CLEVELAND, Nov. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society awarded an international corporation and five individuals with prestigious awards that honor their significant contributions to the advancement of cancer research, improving the quality of life of patients and families. The awards were announced last week at the Society’s Annual Leadership Conference.
“We are very proud to recognize these outstanding contributors to blood cancer research and patient services,” explained Dwayne Howell, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. “Behind every award is an individual or group of individuals who’ve demonstrated the passion and leadership that helps bring us closer to cures while improving the lives of patients and families touched by leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma.”
The following is a list of award recipients: * Dr. Moshe Talpaz received the Dr. John J. Kerry Award, which honors members of the medical profession who have contributed significantly to the Society’s research, fundraising or patient services. Dr. Talpaz, a Professor of Medicine in Hematology and the Chairman of the Department of Bioimmunotherapy at MD Anderson Cancer Center, dedicated the past 20 years to developing new drug therapies for patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia. * Computer Associates International Inc., a leading software company based in Islandia, NY, received the National Board Citation, which honors the company for its continual support of the Society’s annual Light The Night Walk. Computer Associates was one of the first companies to organize a national team of walkers, and has set a standard for other corporations in their support of the Society’s premiere Walk event. In addition, Computer Associates is the largest corporate sponsor of the Society’s Long Island Chapter, with respect to funds raised and volunteer hours, demonstrating the company’s commitment to its local community. * Jim McKinnis received the Vision for Life Award, which honors individuals, companies and organizations that have furthered the Society’s mission by developing and implementing creative and novel programs, services or events. After his 13-year-old son was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia, Mr. McKinnis, Executive Creative Director and Partner of the Dallas-based advertising agency, Tracy Locke Partners, led his agency in the development of a pro-bono public service campaign for the Society. The campaign is entitled, “I’m Relentless for a Cure.” * Bruce Cleland received a Spiral of Life Award, which honors everyday people who have contributed personal and special talents that have made an outstanding national contribution to one or more of the Society’s programs. Following his daughter’s diagnosis of acute lymphocytic leukemia, Mr. Cleland conceived the idea of merging group training, a supportive environment and fundraising; his idea became Team In Training, the Society’s leading fundraising event. Since its launch in 1988, more than 190,000 Team In Training participants have raised $430 million -- and counting. Mr. Cleland was also the recipient of the Society’s first Vision for Life Award in 1998. * Norb Sieber also received a Spiral of Life Award. Mr. Sieber joined the Society’s National Board in 1994 as a National Trustee after years of leadership in the Western Pennsylvania/West Virginia Chapter. Since joining the National Board, he has played key roles on Marketing Communication, Administrative, Fundraising and Strategic Planning Committees. Mr. Sieber was elected Chairman of the Board in October 2001, and uses his experience, drive and vision to steer the Society on a highly successful course. * Dennis F. Moore, Sr., M.D., FACP, Chairman of the Cancer Center of Kansas and a National Trustee of the Society, received the Tree of Life Award. The award honors individuals, companies and organizations who’ve played a major and lasting role in improving the quality of life of patients and their families. Dr. Moore, who joined the Society’s National Board in 1972 and has since held key committee memberships and chairmanships, dedicated his entire career to treating patients with hematological malignancies. During his tenure as a Chairman of Patient Services, he expanded programs and services at the chapter level and focused efforts on advocating on behalf of people touched by blood cancer. * W. Stratford May, Jr., M.D., Ph.D., Professor and Program Director at the University of Florida, Shands Cancer Center, and a National Trustee of the Society, received the National Leadership Award. The award honors past or present members of the Society’s Board of Trustees who have, through their leadership, advanced the overall mission and stature of the Society. The Society named Dr. May a Stohlman Scholar in 1992, and awarded him research grants in 1989 and 1998. Dr. May’s leadership on the Society’s Medical & Scientific Affairs Committee was instrumental in the development of the Specialized Center of Research (SCOR) Program - the Society’s largest and most innovative research initiative. The cornerstone of the program is its collaborative structure: every recipient works with a cross-disciplinary team of leading researchers from their own and other universities and medical institutions. The concept behind the program is that leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma treatments and cures will be discovered most quickly in an environment of collaboration and teamwork. In the four years since SCOR was launched, the program has awarded $67 million in grants to leading-edge researchers. About Leukemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma
Leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma are cancers that originate in the bone marrow or lymphatic tissues as the result of an acquired genetic injury to the DNA of a single cell, which in turn becomes malignant and multiplies continuously. This abnormal accumulation of malignant cells interferes with the production of healthy blood cells.
Leukemia is the leading cause of disease-related death in children under the age of 15. The most common form of leukemia in children is acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). Treatment advances have increased survival for ALL from 4 percent in 1960 to 85 percent in 1999. Although often thought of as exclusively affecting children, leukemia is actually far more common in older adults - half of leukemia cases occur after the age of 64.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is the fifth most common cancer in the United States, and its age-adjusted incidence increased 71 percent from 1975 to 2000. Hodgkin lymphoma has a high incidence among adolescents and young adults. As a result of advances discovered through research, however, Hodgkin lymphoma now has five-year relative survival rates of more than 84.
Eighty percent of myeloma cases occur in people over age 60. Americans of African descent have a much higher incidence compared to those of European descent. Incidence rates in men are 50 percent higher than in women. While survival has increased five-fold between 1950 and 1999, the rate of survival is still only 31.5 percent today, making myeloma the most difficult blood cancer to treat successfully.
About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society(R), headquartered in White Plains, NY, is the world’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education and patient services. The Society’s mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Since its founding in 1949, the Society has provided nearly $360 million for research specifically targeting blood cancers. Last year alone, the Society provided $40.1 million for research and made more than 445,000 patient contacts through services provided at its home office and by its 62 chapters nationwide.
For more information about blood cancer, visit http://www.lls.org/ or call the Society’s Information Resource Center (IRC), a call center staffed by social workers, nurses and health educators who provide information, support and resources to patients and their families and caregivers. IRC information specialists are available at (800) 955-4572 from Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
CONTACT: Jon Garbo of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, +1-914-821-8969
Web site: http://www.lls.org/
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