Lindsey Whyte recently joined the team at the Leukemia Research Foundation as Director of Programs & Partnerships. We had a chance to sit down with her and learn a little more about her background and how it will impact her new role.

What is your role at the Leukemia Research Foundation?
My role includes the management of three key focus areas: the Leukemia Research Foundation’s research programs (including the New Investigator Research Grant program), patient education, and maintaining relationships with our peer organizations.

What has prepared you for this role?
For the last 15+ years I have worked closely with patients, researchers, clinicians and advocates in the blood cancer and inherited retinal disease disciplines. I have come to appreciate the importance of personal connections and particularly, the sharing of patient and caregiver experiences with researchers. Those connections shine a light on the daily challenges leukemia presents, which informs the research programs we fund, the education programs we host, and our relationships with other organizations.

As advocates it is important for us to understand the things that make a real difference for patients and their families. When we can quantify the patients’ experience through survey and other data, we stand to achieve more meaningful results in our advocacy efforts. So, if you see a survey invitation from the Leukemia Research Foundation, you’ll know why – please take a moment to share your experience with us!

Is there anything else you would like to add?
Research in laboratories and in clinics (known as clinical trials) is integral to finding a cure. In looking at the roster of more than 600 grant recipients that the Leukemia Research Foundation has funded over its history, there are individuals who have gone on to establish themselves as leaders in leukemia treatment and research. I’m honored to work at a foundation that leads with a clear vision for the future and has maintained integrity and respect for close to 80 years. I’m excited for what the future holds in leukemia research!

I look forward to getting to know many in the Leukemia Research Foundation’s community over the months and years to come – please don’t hesitate to reach out – I’d love to hear what’s on your mind! Lindsey@leukemiarf.org

When you are not at work, where can we find you?
On a mountain! I enjoy most outdoor sports and particularly skiing in the winter. I recently completed training and certification as a member of the National Ski Patrol – if there’s snow on the ground, and I am not at work, chances are you’ll find me on the mountain!