Campaign gets extra boost with matching gift of $100,000 

TORONTO, Sept. 7, 2016 /CNW/ - The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC) is making a bold statement to show Canadians affected by a blood cancer that they are not alone with the launch of its virtual Shine a Light campaign at the start of Blood Cancer Awareness Month in September. The country's only voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancers is rallying the country to raise $100,000 in support of the 100,000+ people affected by a blood cancer in Canada. Throughout September and until October 22, an LLSC donor will match donations to the campaign, dollar-for-dollar, up to $100,000 – doubling the campaign's revenue potential to $200,000.

"We know that a cancer diagnosis can be an isolating journey and this is our chance to show Canadians affected by a blood cancer that they have the support of thousands across the country," says Shelagh Tippet-Fagyas, LLSC president.  "With a boost from the donor match, the time to give is now so that the $100,000 can have double the impact in advancing blood cancer research and providing valuable programs and services to patients, survivors and caregivers."

Approximately every 25 minutes, a Canadian receives a blood cancer diagnosis, making the disease the fourth-most frequent cancer diagnosis in men and women. New cases of leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma accounted for 10 percent of the estimated 191,300 new cancer cases diagnosed in Canada in 2014. In children, leukemia and lymphoma make up nearly half of all cancer cases.

Every donation made on the Shine a Light campaign site will add a light of support on a virtual map of Canada. Those who donate can select a red light as supporters, a white light as a patient or survivor, or a gold light in memory of a loved one.

"The coloured lights on the map are an extension of the red, white and gold lanterns that our participants receive at Light The Night Walks, which take place in cities across the country throughout the month of September and October" explains Tippet-Fagyas. "The Shine a Light campaign is our way of giving Canadians a meaningful virtual venue to show their collective support for this important cause."

Monies raised through the Shine a Light campaign will help to fund world-class blood cancer researchers working on the most promising projects that have the potential to improve treatments or find cures for the various forms of blood cancers. In addition, donations make it possible for the LLSC to provide free programs and services to blood cancer patients, survivors, and their caregivers.

About the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC) is the single largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancers in the country. It is an affiliate of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in the U.S., the world's largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancers. LLSC funds lifesaving blood cancer research across Canada, and provides free information and support services. The LLSC mission: cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

National Office Location:
804-2 Lansing Square
Toronto, ON M2J 4P8
Charitable Registration#: 10762 3654 RR0001

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