About Us

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In 1946, the Leukemia Research Foundation was established in Chicago to memorialize 12-year-old Sherwin Pessin. Leukemia was a well-known but not well-understood disease. For Sherwin, as well as thousands of other children and adults, there was no hope and no possibility for a cure.

Since that time, more than $90M has been raised in support of our mission. Through decades of dedication and continuous innovation, we are on a path to finding a cure – and we won’t stop until we do.

Mission

The Leukemia Research Foundation’s mission is to cure leukemia by funding innovative research, and to support patients and families.

Research grants

As the nation's largest nonprofit focused exclusively on funding leukemia research, our grants are accelerating the development of new and better treatments and an ultimate cure for leukemia.

Patient and family support

Through our patient-centered approach, access to leukemia experts, and nationwide partnerships, our support programs help patients and their loved ones navigate every step of the cancer journey.

Impact

$90M+

raised in support of our mission

750+

research projects funded worldwide

$5M+

disbursed in need-based financial support

6.5K+

participants in patient education programs 

 

People

Board of Directors

Affiliate Board

Medical Advisory Board

Patient Advisory Committee

Volunteer chapters

Staff

Financials

A notable 82% of the Leukemia Research Foundation’s total budget goes directly to research and patient and family support programs, earning us top rankings from the nation’s leading charity evaluators.