New Partnership Launches to Empower People Diagnosed with Lymphoma

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Feb 10, 2015, 12:29 ET

WHITE PLAINS N.Y., Feb. 10, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) together with the Lymphoma Research Foundation (LRF), CancerCare, the Association of Community Cancer Centers (ACCC) and Genentech announced the launch of a new partnership, the Alliance for Resource Collaboration in Hematology (ARCH). ARCH was developed by these five leading organizations to connect people with lymphoma, their caregivers and loved ones to educational resources and support.

Lymphoma is the name for a group of blood cancers that develop in the lymphatic system, and in 2015 an estimated 80,000 new cases of lymphoma will be diagnosed in the United States. With more than 70 different types of lymphoma, it can be challenging for people to understand which type they have, what treatment options are available, and how they can access the appropriate programs and services.

"Many people diagnosed with lymphoma, particularly in community cancer programs, are unaware of all the resources available to them," said Louis J. DeGennaro, Ph.D., LLS's president and chief executive officer. "With this new initiative, our goal is to empower people with lymphoma to be active partners in their care and ensure they don't feel isolated in their journey."

By visiting www.LymphomaResources.com, people can connect to the partner organizations to learn about the different types of lymphoma, explore treatment options, find information about specialists and search financial support options. The ARCH website also helps people find patient communities, peer support programs and counseling services. The partner organizations provide these resources in a variety of formats, including in-person programs, online materials and telephone support.

It is estimated that only 15 percent of U.S. cancer patients are treated at the nation's major academic cancer centers; the vast majority receive care at cancer programs in or near their home community, where resources may be more limited. By bringing together ACCC's network of community cancer programs with the quality resources provided by LLS, LRF and CancerCare, ARCH aims to have an immediate impact on access to information for lymphoma patients where the need is greatest.

About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society^® (LLS)
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 White Plains, 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.

About The Lymphoma Research Foundation
The Lymphoma Research Foundation (LRF) is the nation's largest non-profit organization devoted to funding innovative research and serving the lymphoma community through a comprehensive series of education programs, outreach initiatives and patient services. To date, LRF has awarded more than $55 million in lymphoma-specific research.

For additional information on LRF's research, education and services, visit www.lymphoma.org.

About CancerCare
Founded in 1944, CancerCare is the leading national organization providing free, professional support services and information to help people manage the emotional, practical and financial challenges of cancer. CancerCare's comprehensive services include counseling and support groups over the phone, online and in-person, educational workshops, publications and financial and co-payment assistance. All CancerCare services are provided by oncology social workers and world-leading cancer experts. Headquartered in New York, NY, CancerCare maintains three additional locations in Norwalk, CT, Ridgewood, NJ and Syosset, NY.

To learn more, visit www.cancercare.org or call 800-813-HOPE (4673).

About The Association of Community Cancer Centers
The Association of Community Cancer Centers (ACCC) serves as the leading advocacy and education organization for the multidisciplinary cancer care team. Approximately 20,000 cancer care professionals from 1,900 hospitals and practices nationwide are affiliated with ACCC. Providing a national forum for addressing issues that affect community cancer programs, ACCC is recognized as the premier provider of resources for the entire oncology care team. Our members include medical and radiation oncologists, surgeons, cancer program administrators and medical directors, senior hospital executives, practice managers, pharmacists, oncology nurses, radiation therapists, social workers, and cancer program data managers. For more information, visit ACCC's website at www.accc-cancer.org.

About Genentech
Founded more than 35 years ago, Genentech is a leading biotechnology company that discovers, develops, manufactures and commercializes medicines to treat patients with serious or life-threatening medical conditions. The company, a member of the Roche Group, has headquarters in South San Francisco, California. For additional information about the company, please visit www.gene.com.

Contact: Andrea Greif
Phone: 914-821-8958
Email: [email protected]

SOURCE The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society