Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Rain Rain Go Away

Well, it has been several days since I got out on the trails (though Doug rode both Monday and Wednesday mornings before work...getting up before dawn I might add!). Saturday, the remains of Hurricane Hannah plowed through, and biking in 5 inches of rain is not my idea of fun. Then Tuesday we had thunderstorms, and again, getting hit by lightening is not my idea of a good time. So here I am, waiting for something to break so I can get a good ride in. I tried the gym, but it is just mind-numbingly boring to sit on a bike in a gym.

In the meantime, I thought I'd tell you a little about the cause that I am riding for!

September is "National Blood Cancer Awareness Month"

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's mission is to: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

They do this by providing:

Research
Since its founding in 1949, LLS has invested more than $600 million in leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma research. LLS-funded research has led to key advances in understanding blood cancers and has helped produce new treatments to enhance and prolong lives. Innovations in cancer treatment over the years have included radiation and chemotherapy, stem cell transplantation and new targeted therapies that kill cancer cells without harming normal ones.

Patient Services
LLS has 68 chapters in the United States and Canada. Each office conducts life-enhancing patient service programs, inluding support groups, peer counseling and patient financial aid. LLS also hosts numerous Webcasts and telephone education events, where medical professionals share the latest research, treatment and clinical trials findings.

LLS's Information Resource Center (IRC), staffed by oncology social workers and health educators, provides the most current information on blood cancers and clinical trials free of charge. Call the IRC at (800) 955-4572 or visit www.lls.org.

Professional Education
The latest scientific and treatment advances are shared by LLS's team of medical professionals through medical symposia, educational events, the Web and printed materials.

Advocacy
LLS's advocacy program promotes increased federal funding of biomedical research and influences healthcare reform issues, including ready access to quality cancer care and insurance coverage of patient-care costs in clinical trials.

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