Impact

The Leukemia Research Foundation's mission is to cure leukemia by funding innovative research, and to support patients and families. Thanks to our donors, we have raised more than $87M in support of this mission.

Research impact

As the nation’s largest nonprofit focused exclusively on funding leukemia research, we have invested millions in research projects worldwide to accelerate the development of new and better treatments and an ultimate cure for leukemia.

$150K

grant amount we award per research project, over a two-year period

600+

research projects funded worldwide

88%

of researchers have been awarded additional funding since the grant from us

48%

of funded researchers' findings have resulted in clinical trials or new treatments

To see some of the current research funded by the Leukemia Research Foundation, click here.
For summaries of the impact and results of completed research, click here.

Research breakthroughs

Leukemia is a complex disease with dozens of subtypes that differ in clinical presentation and treatment response. Our grants fund a broad range of topics so researchers can investigate leukemia from every angle. Below are some of the scientific advancements made by researchers funded by the Leukemia Research Foundation. For more breakthroughs, visit our News page.

Drug may prevent post-transplant relapse

Drug may prevent post-transplant relapse

Nearly half of acute myeloid leukemia patients relapse after a transplant. Raffaella Di Micco, PhD, from Ospedale San Raffaele in Milan, Italy has uncovered why and is currently exploring the use of an experimental drug that shows promise.

Read the full story.

New, safer CAR-T therapy is pending FDA approval

New, safer CAR-T therapy is pending FDA approval

Reshmi Parameswaran, PhD, from Case Western University School of Medicine has developed a new CAR-T therapy that is safer, longer-lasting, and more cost-effective than traditional CAR-Ts. The new therapy is awaiting FDA approval to begin clinical trials.

Read the full story.

Avocados may offer a better leukemia treatment

Avocados may offer a better leukemia treatment

Paul Spagnuolo, PhD, from the University of Guelph has identified a compound in avocados that inhibits an enzyme responsible for cancer cell growth. 

Read the full story.

A new potential targeted therapy for acute leukemia

A new potential targeted therapy for acute leukemia

Daniel Herranz Benito, PhD, from Rutgers Cancer Institute has identified a new targeted therapy for T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia that interrupts cancer growth in a lab setting.

Read the full story.

Researcher confirms nutrient’s role in childhood leukemia

Researcher confirms nutrient’s role in childhood leukemia

Iannis Aifantis, PhD, from NYU Langone Health has confirmed diets low in valine slow the progression of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia cancer cells.

Read the full story.

Patient impact

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 their cancer journey. Our goal is to provide leukemia patients and their families with a single and trusted source for information, education programs, and support services and connect them with other credible organizations and resources.

$5M+

disbursed in need-based financial support to patients

6.5K+

participants in our patient education programs over the last ten years

87%

of education program participants state they will attend another one of our programs

100%

of financial assistance recipients indicate the funds were extremely helpful to their family

Quotations

I am eternally grateful for the support of the Leukemia Research Foundation and its very generous donors. The Foundation is an excellent resource for patients and their families.

Amy, patient

Quotations

Since diagnosis, my husband has been through multiple stages of chemo, a stem cell transplant, and various complications post stem cell transplant. This money will allow us to pay a large amount of the medical bills that we owe and use our limited income for daily needs, such as groceries and rent. What a relief it is to have assistance.

Susan, caregiver

Quotations

I would like to personally thank the generous donors for the grant money I have received from the Foundation. It has relieved some of the stress on myself and my family knowing we can pay a little more toward my medical bills. We are very grateful to know people like you exist. Thank you!

Amit, patient

Quotations

I've been going to Leukemia Research Foundation's patient education programs since 2016. I've learned a lot from the doctors and the programs are so affirming! When you hear information from top doctors that confirms the treatment direction you are going, it makes you feel more confident and relieved that you're on the right track.

Janice, patient

Quotations

The Leukemia Research Foundation is a lifesaver. I stopped going to the doctor because I was overwhelmed with medical bills, co-pays, and transportation costs. Thank you for the support you have given me — my doctor says I’m improving again. You are the only organization that would help me out when I needed it.

Bill, patient