Blood cancer awareness

Have you heard of lymphoma (both Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s), myeloma, leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes and myeloproliferative neoplasms?  My mom had leukemia.  That's probably the one with which you are most familiar.  These are all blood cancers, and this month is dedicated to spreading information about them.

Blood Cancer Awareness Month is also a good time for me to remind you that this is personal for me.  I walk each year in the San Francisco Light the Night Walk, which benefits the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  There are walks in many other cities, and one way you can make a difference is to signup and walk, sponsor a walker, or both.  (If you would like to sponsor me, just click HERE).

The general public doesn't know nearly enough.  For example, are you aware that blood cancers affect people of all ages?  It's true.  Recently the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society commissioned a survey and they found that nearly nine out of ten adults (86%) are surprised that there are no means for preventing or screening for most blood cancers.  Also, more than four in five adults (82%) are surprised that more than a third of blood cancer patients still do not survive five years after their diagnosis.  This is the kind of information that needs to be shared more freely.

The Light the Night Walk raises funds and also shares information.  Someday there will be no such thing as cancer.  Someday.  Wouldn't it be great if someday was today?  Get involved.  Together we can make it happen.