Check out what has been happening in Houston, NYC, Long Island, Minnesota, Chicago and Arizona
Local chapters are the five senses of LRF in their local communities. Through their tireless efforts and commitment, chapter volunteers and staff not only raise awareness about lymphoma and LRF, they provide the local lymphoma community opportunities to connect on a personal basis.
Here are just a few highlights of how LRF chapters support the Foundation's mission to eradicate lymphoma and serve those touched by this disease.
One of our newest chapters, located in Houston, Texas, organized an "Ask the Doctor" program. This educational event was attended by over 100 people and featured, in the words of President Donna Reinbolt, "five awesome oncologists" These "five awesome oncologists" discussed such topics as how to approach a patient with an enlarged lymph nodes, diagnostic and management approaches to newly diagnosed lymphoma, immune therapy for lymphoma, and transplant and non-transplant options for relapsed lymphoma. Houston plans to make this a regular program among others such as a "Survivor Networking Night" and the first Lymphomathon to be held next spring. The date, time and place of the Houston Lymphomathon will be announced on the chapter web page.
  The New York City and Long Island Chapters recently held Survivor Networking Nights on September 15 and 21, respectively. The New York City night was held at the Gilda's Club in lower Manhattan (the second time the New York City Chapter had partnered with Gilda's Club for a survivor night), while the Long Island event was hosted at the offices of LRF Scientific Advisory Board member Kanti Rai, M.D., of Long Island Jewish Medical Center. Summing up the experience, one attendee at the Long Island night commented on how impressed he was by "the warmth and enthusiasm of everyone who attended" the event.
It can be difficult for parents with young children to discuss having lymphoma. The Minnesota Chapter hosted a "Living with Lymphoma Program" in September 2009. The program focused on how to talk to children about a parent or family member’s cancer.
New chapter members joined the Chicago Chapter, after they held a meeting open to lymphoma survivors, patients and loved ones. At the meeting, treatment experiences were discussed in an open forum format which helped and provided comfort to all who attended. Believing that it is important for those touched by lymphoma to support each other by sharing experiences, Chicago is hoping to attract more members and survivors by repeating the same type of meeting in other areas of the city.
Our Arizona chapter partnered with Arizona State University School of Nursing and the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, for an "Ask the Doctor Program" which drew in 70 attendees - a 40 percent increase. Two doctors from the Cancer Treatment Centers of America spoke about treatment options and clinical considerations for managing lymphoma patients, and the role of naturopathic medicine for patients living with lymphoma. For the second year in a row, the Mayo-Patient Navigator Newsletter gave the Arizona chapter the opportunity to reach newly diagnosed patients through a full page article about lymphoma.
If you are interested in learning more about a chapter near you or getting involved and becoming a member, please visit our website. You can also add us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter. |
