Freebie Friday: Meet Greg Clarkson, President of the North Texas Board of Trustees

Greg and his son, Ryan, volunteering the
morning of the 2013 Big D Climb

Greg Clarkson, President of the North Texas Board of Trustees, shares in his own words why he is involved with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.



We are all called to volunteer at some time during our lives. I urge you to answer the calling. It is an opportunity to use your talents and resources in a way that helps your neighbor, your community, or a stranger in need. My calling was to the North Texas Chapter of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). I am finishing my sixth year as a member of the Board of Trustees and serving my final year as President of the Board. As I make the transition from an active Board member to the Advisory Board, I have taken a moment to reflect on how I became involved with the Society and it's mission to cure blood cancer.

I have not personally had the pain of losing a family member to blood cancer or any cancer for that matter. Prior to becoming a Board member, I did not know anyone that had leukemia or lymphoma nor did I even know that these were afflictions of the blood. I didn't spend much time in hospitals or around doctors or sick people. I am in the banking industry and manage a nationwide small business lending unit for BBVA Compass in Dallas Texas. Our bank used LLS' Light the Night function as our annual employee participation event. This gave our employees a chance to raise money for a charitable cause while remembering friends and family members that had been impacted by the disease. We would all gather with other fundraisers during an October evening and literally Light the Night with glowing balloons honoring those who have fought the cancer fight. This is how it started for me.

After meeting the LLS staff at the North Texas Chapter I knew that these were the people that had the energy and the desire to tirelessly fundraise, educate, and work for the cause. After meeting the scientists and doctors, I knew that this was the cutting edge research at the headwaters of all cancer breakthroughs. This is a disease that can attack anybody at anytime. There is no early warning, no lifestyle change, no preventive maintenance. There is only the need for a cure. So, we volunteers reach out to our friends, family, co-workers, customers, and communities, to help us raise funds for research and a cure. We ask for time, we ask for money, we ask for donation items, or we ask for a moment to tell you about someone that has touched our lives. If not by their name, at least by the way we remember the expression on their face as they traveled on their cancer journey.

During my tenure, I have seen things that would make your hair stand up on end and I have seen things that would make your hair fall out. I have seen the hair grow back and the smiles return. I have seen life renewed and living regained. I have seen the dedication and selflessness of healthcare workers, volunteers, fundraisers, researchers, and legislative advocates. I have seen family and friends, young and old, search for the words to answer the question "why me?".  I volunteered to fill a need and that need remains great.

If you feel it is time to volunteer, don't wait any longer. Even if you have not been personally impacted by blood cancer or fear you cannot make a difference, I can assure you that your efforts will be honored. It is the most rewarding thing you will experience. So take the first step and give T

This month The Dallas Morning News ran an article about a breakthrough treatment that cured a particularly nasty form of leukemia in a few patients. The article was a reminder that everyday somebody is being cured of blood cancer. Someday, everybody will be cured of blood cancer. Let's make that someday, today.

Freebie Friday: World Wide Motion Pictures to Raise Awareness of Childhood Cancer

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) and World Wide Motion Pictures Corporation (World Wide) are joining forces to help fight childhood cancers through the upcoming release of the award-winning motion picture, WAYS TO LIVE FOREVER (www.waystoliveforevermovie.com). The touching film is based on the best-selling British children's novel by Sally Nicholls about a plucky 12-year-old named Sam who has leukemia. This ultimately uplifting tale centers on Sam's journey with friend and fellow patient Felix through a series of particularly poignant and sometimes humorous moments as they strive to fulfill their dreams, leave their mark, and make the most of the time that they have.

The film will be released in 2013 to select theaters nationwide, and a portion of proceeds will benefit LLS and other cancer-related organizations that have teamed up with World Wide to promote both the picture and its message. Additionally, Scholastic, the publisher of the best-selling novel on which the film is based, plans to re-release it both in paperback and as an enhanced eBook this spring in advance of the film's North American release. A key feature of the enhanced eBook is that it will reference and provide links to related movie clips.

"Approximately 90 percent of children under the age of 15 survive acute lymphocytic leukemia thanks in part to advances supported by LLS," offers Louis J. DeGennaro, chief mission officer of LLS. "Unfortunately, 1 in 10 children do not survive and too many of those that do suffer long-term effects from today's toxic therapies. We will continue to fund research until every child can live a long and healthy life."

WAYS TO LIVE FOREVER stars critically acclaimed actors Ben Chaplin (The Thin Red Line, The Truth About Cats & Dogs), Greta Scacchi (The Player, Emma), Robbie Kay (Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides), Alex Etel (The Water Horse), Emilia Fox (Pride And Prejudice - BBC), and Ella Purnell (Intruders, Never Let Me Go). The film has garnered awards from around the world, including the Chicago International Children's Film Festival's Adult Jury Prize, Best Picture at the Bordeaux International Festival of Women in Cinema, the Heartland Film Festival Audience Award, and Best Feature Film from the European Children's Film Association.

"We are very proud to be associated with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in reaching out to their member base to help support the opening of this film throughout the US, thereby increasing research dollars available to find a cure and help affected families," states Paul D. Hancock, World Wide's president and CEO.

Freebie Friday: Therapy Acceleration Program

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is very proud of its Therapy Acceleration Program (TAP) and its goal of turning life-saving medical discoveries into cancer drugs at lightning speeds.  Watch this video to learn more about how your fundraising dollars are being used to fast-track cancer drugs.



Freebie Friday: Meet an LLS-Funded Researcher & His Incredible Discovery

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has given Dr. Carl June more than $18 million to fund his blood cancer research and as you will see from this remarkable video, the investment is paying off.  Dr. June is just one of the thousands of researchers LLS has funded since its inception.  In 2011 alone, LLS invested more than $68 million in cutting edge research.  Cures are coming and LLS is driving it.

Freebie Friday: Meet Stacey Russell

Deputy Executive Director Stacey Russell
with Executive Director Patricia Thomson.

Just yesterday at the Saint Valentine’s Day Luncheon and Fashion Show, I was again amazed by the number of people that are touched by blood cancers. The event honored a young boy who generously and without question, donated his bone marrow to his younger brother, now a survivor of leukemia. A committee member spoke about her battle with lymphoma; another was there in honor of her brother who is battling leukemia as we speak. It is stories like those that I hear at the various events and programs that The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) hosts each year to help raise funds and awareness that keeps me motivated to do what I get the privilege of doing every day.

I was lucky enough ten years ago to stumble upon a job opening at LLS and it has definitely changed my life, for the better. Some things have changed ten years later, like the amazing advancements that have been made in treatments, some of the events that take place and some of the people that are no longer here as they lost their battle. Some things have stayed the same… like the generosity of people. Each day, there is a scientist hard at work trying to find the link to a cure due to the generosity of people in the community giving of their time, donating to someone doing a marathon through Team in Training or climbing stairs at the Big D Climb, becoming a corporate sponsor for the Links Fore Leukemia Golf Tournament or coming to the Lone Star Blood Cancer Conference as a caregiver wanting to learn more about how they can help their loved one through their cancer journey.

We all have days where we think what else could go wrong? Its raining and I have a flat tire or whatever the case may be. It seems disastrous then, but in the grand scheme of things, I am healthy, my husband, my kids, my family and friends are healthy, and that is what is important. However, there are so many people here in North Texas, across the US and the world that are not as fortunate. Instead, they are fighting for their lives or their loved one is. This is why getting involved with LLS in whatever way you can is so important, especially now. We are in the business of saving lives, literally, and invite you to be a part of that too. Someday Is Today!

Freebie Friday: Meet Kim Brown

"You have cancer." Three words I can’t imagine hearing from my doctor. What would I do? What would I tell my kids? Where would I go?

In 2006, my husband and I moved our family from the Midwest to Texas. I started a "job" at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) as the North Texas Chapter’s Patient Services Manager. We moved here to be close to my husband’s family – an amazing group to whom family means everything. His grandfather – "Papa" – had chronic lymphocytic leukemia and had been living with it for years. He was the foundation of that family – hard worker, quiet, but with a quick wit and avid Ranger’s fan. I thought he was the first person I knew who had a blood cancer. Little did I know, how many people in my life had been touched by a blood cancer. Amazing what your eyes are opened to once you look around and listen. My childhood swimming coach – multiple myeloma. A high school diving teammate – Hodgkin Lymphoma.

Other cancers too had hit our family – "Nana" fought breast cancer and WON! Uncle Steve fought pancreatic cancer and lost. My mother-in-law beat cervical cancer and melanoma. Papa’s years of cancer, treatments and side effects finally were too much and in 2008, he died. Cancer seemed to follow this family.

Late in the summer of 2007, this family’s core was rocked. "You have cancer." Those words once again hit this family. This time, my father-in-law. Lung cancer. He had surgery immediately and began chemotherapy. The chemo did not set well with him – he had all the possible side effects. He did well for about one year and then he relapsed. It hit with a vengeance. He fought. His family fought. Cancer won. On July 4, 2009, at the young age of 54, we said good-bye to an amazing father, son, brother and grandfather. Why?

Then, fall 2010, once again... "You have cancer." This time, uncle Kent. Lung cancer again. His battle was hard, but short. Cancer took him, too young at the age of 54, around Thanksgiving.

Too many losses for one family. I hate cancer. Cancer SUCKS!

My "job" at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has introduced me to some of the most amazing people you will EVER meet. Full of spirit, fight and courage. Facing unbearable obstacles, they take on cancer. They fight. Many win. Too many (any, is too many for me) do not. Many care for those who are fighting. Wives, sisters, brothers, parents, doctors and nurses. All fighting for one thing – to BEAT CANCER! Cancer changes them…it changed me.

I have the pleasure of talking to these people. I say I have a "job" at LLS, but it is much more. It is with me at all times. It is who I am. And I am proud of that person. A fighter. An advocate. A helper. Helping them find support, providing education, linking them to resources and listening. I am inspired by all those I have met. LLS has provided me with another family. One made up of amazing fighters – staff, parents, patients, families, nurses, social workers, pharmaceutical reps and doctors. We all have something in common…cancer has taken something from us and we want to stop it. We all have our place in this war. Do you? Can you join us? Do you want to beat cancer, too?

"You have cancer." Don’t be afraid of those 3 words. My "job" is to make sure you do not feel alone and to let you know someone is there fighting with you. I have the privilege of helping and comforting those with cancer today. I have the honor of fighting for cures that will change all cancers for the future.

LLS is leading the way in research, patients services and public policy. You would be amazed at what has been accomplished. But we are not done yet. There is a place here for you…and you can make a difference. Join us.

To learn more about what LLS is doing to change the world of cancer and to learn more about your disease and survivorship issues, join me on Saturday, February 28, 2013 at UTSW for the 8^th annual Lone Star Blood Cancer Conference. This conference offers a full day of education, support and inspiration. www.lls.org/ntx/lonestar

Fun facts:

I live in Prosper, TX with my husband, two sons and two dogs. I love the mountains, horseback riding, being outdoors with my family and the Texas Rangers!

Friday Freebie: Meet Michelle Northcutt

I have been with the North Texas chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for almost seven years now and have been in charge of several events in that time span.  But none of them compare to the Saint Valentine’s Day Luncheon and Fashion Show (website) that is going on 30 years.  Having an Apparel Merchandising degree makes this type of event right up my alley but it’s not all about the clothes.  The Spirit of Tom Landry winners each year are my favorite part of the show.  The Spirit of Tom Landry award honors a youth (through age 20) with courage, integrity, dignity and dauntless spirit who has battled blood cancer through personal experience OR who has volunteered extensively on behalf of others who suffer from blood cancers.  This year’s recipient, Joshua Cobler, is a wonderful advocate on behalf of his brother Jude.  I encourage you to visit this website and read more about Joshua and Jude’s journey.  Both will be honored at the upcoming Saint Valentine's Day Luncheon and Fashion show on Tuesday, February 12, 2013 at the Meyerson Symphony Center.  Visit the event’s website at www.saintvalentinesdayluncheon.org to learn more.  I hope to be out of this job one day as we have found the cure for blood cancer’s and my role here is no longer needed.

Freebie Friday: Oklahoma Sooner Player Tackles Cancer

Meet Austin Woods.  The 6-foot 4, 293-pound junior offensive lineman for the Oklahoma Sooners is more than a football player and an academic All American.  He is a Hodgkin's lymphoma survivor with an amazing story.  During his twice-monthly chemotherapy treatments, he did not miss a practice and eventually went on to fulfill his lifelong goal of playing in the Cotton Bowl earlier this year.  Click on the picture above to watch a video about Austin and his amazing personal journey.

Thankful Thursday: Advocacy

Take action now.
Make your voice count.

You are cordially invited to join The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) for a discussion about the role that grassroots advocates play in finding a cure for blood cancers.  Together, our voices have a powerful impact on legislators that will result in much needed support for blood cancer research and patient care.

SAVE THE DATE:Tuesday, January 15, 2013

2:30-4:30p

Presentations & Town Hall Discussion

Baylor University Medical Center

Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center

10th Floor Conference Center

3410 Worth St.  Dallas, TX 75246

Parking in Garage 4 (off Worth St.)

Vouchers are available for attendees

Feating presentations by:

Scott Riccio, Vice President, LLS Advocacy and External Affairs

Brian Rosen, Vice President, LLS Government Affairs

Jon Hoffman, Manager, LLS Advoacy and Volunteer Engagement

Please RSVP by Tuesday, January 8, 2013 to Kim.Brown@lls.org or (972) 996-5905

What does it mean to be an advocate?

• Make your voice heard
• Communicate with legislators about issues that affect blood cancer patients, family members or caregivers
• Represent blood cancer patients among local healthcare coalitions

Freebie Friday: Meet TNT Director Emile Blaine



Blood cancer sucks!　 Cancer sucks!　 I know first hand.　 In 2005, my family was at home celebrating Thanksgiving.　 It was bittersweet because my mother had decided to move back to the South.　 The next day she left to pick up my brother who helped her move into her home.　 In January 2006, I received a text message from my brother who said to call him immediately.　 I did.　 He told me that our mother had been diagnosed with liver cancer.　 My heart sank but I was extremely optimistic.　 I had relationships with some of the best oncologists in the country.　 I made a few calls.　 Each of them said that liver cancer was tough but treatable as long as it was not Stage 4 liver cancer.　 In my heart I knew we would beat this cancer and be celebrating in a few months once my mother was in remission. 　In the meantime, my mother was admitted to the hospital.　 I turned to researching treatments and prayer.　

A week later, I was on a conference call with my mother’s doctors while I was in my commute home from work.　 My brother was in the room with my mom at the hospital.　 The doctors explained her films.　 They explained that the cancer had spread to her lungs, pancreas and kidneys.　 It was indeed Stage 4 liver cancer.　 That weekend, I drove down to be with my mother.　 She had accepted that she was not going to survive even though I still had not.　 I crawled into her hospital bed and we held each other, not saying a word, our hearts speaking to each other saying everything that we couldn’t say.　 She went into hospice.　 I called her sisters, brother and my grandmother and told them they should come down to say their goodbyes.　 I spent all of my time making her comfortable with the best sheets, comfy pajamas and kept her pain medications close.　 　Our whole family was together to watch the Super Bowl with her, laughing like families do, happy to be together again.　 My brothers, sister and I kept a watchful eye on her and was so happy when she ate just a little potato salad and a small bite of baked chicken.　 She hadn’t been able to keep food down for weeks.　

On February 12, 2006, one of the most dynamic, intelligent women I have ever known died.　 I sat for days in a daze.　 We didn’t get a chance to fight. 　Why didn’t we get a chance to fight?　

In the same year, we lost her brother to lung cancer.　 We have since lost her sisters to breast and brain cancers respectively.　 They fought but lost.

This year, my cousin called from Atlanta.　 Her sister, my cousin Mia, was diagnosed with T-Cell Lymphoma.　 I was at the National Team In Training Directors Training during a break when I got the call.　 I went to the LLS website for information.　 I called Mia and we talked.　 She was scared but I was able to put her in touch with Don Armstrong, a first responder a leukemia survivor and one of my best friends.　 When we were about to go in for the next session, 　I turned to the TNT Director from Georgia and told her about my cousin’s diagnosis.　 She gave me the name of the Patient Services Director in Atlanta.　 　Dr. Debra Banker, LLS Vice President of Research Communications, led our session.　 At the end, I asked her about T-Cell Lymphoma.　 She was calm but expressed that there was some urgency in which we needed to proceed. 　We did and my cousin is progressing well with information and resources that she has gotten from LLS patient services.　 We got a chance to fight!

Everyday, I wake up and am so thankful for my journey in life.　 I am thankful to have met people who have inspired me to keep going.　 I think about Bennett who was just a baby when he was diagnosed with a blood cancer whose parents, family and friends have supported him in his battle for years and who will have his last chemotherapy treatment in April of next year.　 I think about Becky who lost her husband to a blood cancer but who remains an active member of Team In Training.　 I think about George who is a survivor and always has a smile when I see him.　 I think about Dave who is battling his blood cancer through a clinical trail that he credits with extending his life.　 I think about them and so many more who are dedicated to the mission and just want to find a cure for blood cancer and improve the lives of patients and their families.　

All of them and so many more did I think about when I crossed the finish line at Nike Women’s Marathon this fall.　 I was the first time I have raised money for blood cancer research through Team In Training and it will not be my last. 　Team In Training gives me an opportunity to fight because blood cancer sucks.　 Cancer sucks.　 　And I believe that a cure for all cancers will come from the blood cancer research that The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is funding.　 I can’t wait for the day when no one else will lose their friend, their child, their spouse, their father, their mother.　

One year ago I joined The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.　 One down, more to go!

Freebie Friday: Light The Night

The 2012 Light The Night Walks raised more than $1 million in North Texas for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  Did we pique your interest?  Want to learn more about this three night event?  Check out this video Aksala Productions made at the Fort Worth Walk location.  

Freebie Friday: Meet Steve Abrey

I have been with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) about seven years. Most of that time was as a volunteer or part time recruiter for Team In Training, the School & Youth (S&Y) program or whatever else was need to promote LLS and its great mission. Three years ago I took a full time position as the program manger for the S&Y program called Pennies for Patients or Pasta for Pennies. This is truly my second career. I retired from Verizon Communications Company in 2002 after a long and successful 32 years. I learned a number of skills at Verizon that I have been able to incorporate into my time with LLS.

The North Texas S&Y program is amazing and certainly my favorite. I absolutely love seeing the smiling faces of elementary students, or any student, when they get excited about helping others and have FUN doing it. Leukemia is the number one form of cancer that affects children and young adults under the age of 20. But, here is what LLS has helped to accomplish… "In 1964 a child’s chance of surviving ALL (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia), the most common form of childhood leukemia, was 3%. Today about 90% of children survive." We will continue to fight, until that number is 100%!

The Society provides all support and collateral materials free of charge for our program. This may include a school visit for an educational kick off assembly, a pasta lunch from Olive Garden, if applicable, and coin counting assistance from our Bank of America partner. I am also very proud, that our expenses for this program are relatively low and this allows approximately .78 cents of every dollar to go towards our mission: "To cure Leukemia, Lymphoma, Hodgkin ’s disease and Myeloma, and to improve the quality of life of patients and families."

When not working at LLS, you will likely find Steve on the tennis court or walking and playing with Max, the family Shiba Inu dog. However during the winter season, he exchanges his tennis racquet for a pair of skies, and swishes down the Rocky Mountains in Collateral or the Caribous in Canada. That was the site of his heli’ skiing adventure several years ago. Steve continues to enjoy spending time with his wife, Kim, his son (who is getting married, September 2013) and two wonderful step daughters.

If you are interested in joining our fight through the S&Y programs, or know of someone who would please check us out at;

www.schoolandyouth.org/ntx and register your school TODAY! We have some incentives for schools that register before the Christmas break.

Freebie Friday: Moments

LIFE ISN'T A MATTER OF

MILESTONES BUT MOMENTS.

- Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy