The Cure For Lymphoma Foundation (CFL) is a nationwide, not-for-profit organization dedicated to funding research and to providing support and education for those whose lives have been touched by Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Founded in 1994 by lymphoma survivor Jerry Freundlich, CFL was originally established to fund lymphoma research. Jerry realized the importance of innovative research dedicated to lymphoma, since research led to the development of the treatment protocol that saved his life.
Jerry was also concerned with the severe lack of educational materials and support that existed specifically for those diagnosed with lymphoma. As CFL grew, it has increased its role in helping those touched by lymphoma by developing lymphoma-specific educational materials, programs, support groups and other services for patients, their families and professionals. Today, CFL continues to provide funding for cutting-edge research, innovative programs and services, and readily accessible up-to-date information to ease the burden of those touched by lymphoma.
Lymphoma Incidence is Inexplicably on the Rise
Although we have made significant advances in the treatment and prevention of most forms of cancer, lymphoma is the second fastest rising cancer in incidence and mortality in the United States, as all other cancers, except melanoma, decline.1 In fact, the number of persons diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma has doubled since the early 1970s.2 Lymphoma is also blind to age; it is the third most common childhood cancer, and comprises 10% of all cancers in children under 15.2 In addition, the incidence of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in Americans over the age of 65 is up by 75% since 1973. Many health experts agree that it is likely the incidence of NHL in the elderly will double during the next 20 to 25 years.3 Overall, it is estimated that over a half a million Americans are currently living with lymphoma.2
Despite remarkable strides in understanding the biology of lymphoma, the causes remain a mystery. It is clear that both intensive research and education are sorely needed to help doctors, researchers, lawmakers, patients and their families join together in the quest for a cure.
$2.3 Million Commitment to Research — and Growing!
Though still a relatively young organization, at the end of this year CFL will have committed to funding approximately $2.3 million in basic, clinical, and translational research at some of the nation's most prestigious institutions. This figure promises to grow even more into the new millennium.
One of the great strengths of the CFL grant program is its Scientific Advisory Board, which is comprised of 15 of the country's leading lymphoma researchers and oncologists. Each fall, grant applications are reviewed by the Scientific Advisory Board, which in turn recommends the outstanding applications to the Board of Directors for approval. Most recently, CFL has funded cutting-edge research in areas such as gene therapy at the Universities of Chicago and Washington, antibody therapies at Stanford University and hematopoietic stem cell research at the University of Wisconsin. CFL hopes to award at least 10 new fellowships in 2000, and encourages those seeking research funding to apply for the 2001–2002 term in the fall of this year.
Support and Education for Anybody Affected by Lymphoma
As lymphoma incidence continues to dramatically rise, CFL strives to meet the needs of this growing population of patients. Educational booklets and fact sheets are made freely available to anyone who is interested in learning more about lymphoma. Patients are encouraged to utilize the web site (www.cfl.org) and toll-free number (1-800-CFL-6848). CFL offers educational programs across the country that provide patients and their family members with the most up-to-date lymphoma information. Examples of CFL's educational programs include the Living Well with Lymphoma Family Forums, Lymphoma Q&A, and Lymphoma and You Teleconferences. A financial aid program is also available for lymphoma patients undergoing treatment. This program is designed to help cover some costs associated with quality of life issues.
CFL also provides educational programs for doctors, scientists, nurses, social workers and other health care professionals to exchange current information on the treatment and care of lymphoma patients. Some of these programs include an annual Professional Teleconference, and a symposium for lymphoma nurses entitled “Lymphoma Update and Standards of Care” at the meeting of the Annual Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) Congress.
Recruiting for the War Against Lymphoma
As the incidence of lymphoma continues its upward climb, the time to raise public awareness about this disease is now. LymphomADVOCATES is a new grass roots project of the Cure For Lymphoma Foundation. Its purpose is to help direct questions and concerns about lymphoma issues to public policy-makers and the media.
CFL has outlined several specific goals for the future, the most important of which is to increase the national cancer budget to $10 billion by 2004, and increase lymphoma cancer research at the National Cancer Institute, National Institutes on Environmental Health Sciences, Center for Disease Control and Prevention and related agencies. CFL encourages everyone, whether they have been touched by lymphoma or not, to become a LymphomADVOCATE. Every voice makes a difference in the fight against this relentless disease.
If you are interested in CFL's grant program, or if you or someone you know has been touched by lymphoma and would like more information on our educational, support or advocacy programs, please contact us at 1-800-CFL-6848, or visit our web site at www.cfl.org.
“Together we can ease the burden and find a cure.”
CFL's Director of Education Anastasia Sperounis greets participants of a Living Well with Lymphoma Family Forum, one of many CFL support programs that allows patients access to the most current lymphoma information.
CFL marched on Capitol Hill in support of increasing the nation's investment in lymphoma research. Remember, your voice can make a difference.
Footnotes
Wingo Phyllis A. et al., “Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer,” JNCI Vol. 91, No. 8 (April 1999) pp. 675–690.
American Cancer Society, “Cancer Facts and Figures — 1999.”
McNeil Caroline, “Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Trials in Elderly Look Beyond CHOP,” JNCI Vol. 90, No. 4 (February 1999) pp. 266–267.