North Texas Cancer Expo: Keynote Speaker Announced

KEYNOTE SPEAKER ANNOUNCED:
Lila Javan
Two-Time Cancer Survivor & Founder of Climb 2 Cure

The North Texas Chapter is honored to introduce Lila Javan as the keynote speaker for the 2017 North Texas Blood Cancer Conference.  Lila Javan is a two time cancer survivor and filmmaker who has photographed award-winning features, commercials, documentaries and short films. She is also the founder of Climb2Cure, a new LLS fundraising campaign.

Let's take a minute to meet Lila.

"My name is Lila Javan. In 2010, my life was turned upside down when I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of Leukemia (AML). I was told that my only chance for survival was a stem cell/bone marrow transplant. I had a bone marrow transplant that fall – my sister was my donor – and after a year in turmoil, I recovered and rebuilt my life as a cancer survivor.

In 2014, my next adventure was to be a solo trip to Africa to climb Kilimanjaro. The very week that I was booking my flights, I discovered that my cancer was back. In September of 2014, after another summer of chemo, I had a second transplant. This time it was stem cells from an unrelated donor.

While I was in the hospital, a friend took a window frame and placed a beautiful photograph of Kilimanjaro in it. He hung this on my wall opposite my bed. Throughout my treatment, I would
stare at that window and visualized myself climbing the mountain. My doctors and nurses all asked about the picture and I would tell them about my magical trip. An amazing thing happened - my solo trip became a group trip. Now, a group of 14 doctors, nurses, therapists and friends all wanted to journey with me to climb the highest peak in Africa.

I reached out to LLS to see if we could do the trek as a fundraiser for them, and "Climb2Cure" was born.  My solo climb evolved into a new Team In Training fundraising platform for LLS that will continue for years to come and expand to other mountain tops." 

 Lila's team raised an astonishing $133,000 for their climb.  She is turning her journey into a documentary film and already has her sights set on a new climb: Mount Everest.  Lila and her oncologist were interviewed after their climb for this NBC segment.

* * * *

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Lila Javan speak by registering today for the FREE North Texas Cancer Expo that will be held on Saturday, September 16th at the Omni Hotel in Dallas. 

Cancer Prevention & Survival Courses: 4 Part Series

North Texas Executive Director Patricia R. Thomson, Ph.D. is hosting four free classes centered around how your diet can play a role in cancer prevention and survival.  You may have seen her lead a similar class at the North Texas Blood Cancer Conference & Expo last September.

Below is a list and description of each of the classes being held.  Each class will include a cooking demonstration and samples.  Classes are limited to 25 people per session and will be held at the Dallas Leukemia & Lymphoma Society office (8111 LBJ Fwy., Ste 425, Dallas, TX 75251).  You can register for the classes individually or sign up for all four!  Signing up for all four classes at once ensures that you will not be placed on a waiting list for later classes.

Introduction to How Foods Fight Cancer
Saturday, February 11th from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Certain diet patterns seem to have a major effect in helping people diagnosed with cancer live longer, healthier lives.  In this class, you will learn about the right food choices that can help reduce the risk of developing cancer as well as prevent a recurrence.
Register here.

Fueling Up On Low-Fat, High-Fiber Foods
Saturday, February 18th from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
The easiest way to be healthy is to build your meals from foods that are naturally low in fat and to use cooking methods that do not require added fats or oils.  In this class you will learn how to prepare delicious, low-fat dishes made from whole grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits.
Register here.

Discovering Dairy and Meat Alternatives
Saturday, February 25th from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
In this class, you will explore a variety of vegetarian sources of protein, all of which are low in fat, high in fiber, and loaded with cancer-fighting nutrients.
Register here.

Cancer-Fighting Compounds and Healthy Weight Control
Saturday, March 11th from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Both antioxidants and the body's immune system are critically important in fighting cancer.  In this class, the instructor will discuss and demonstrate healthful dishes loaded with immune-boosting nutrients such as beta-carotene, lycopene, vitamin C, and zinc - helping you learn how to easily and naturally maintain a healthy weight and a cancer-fighting nutritional regime.
Register here.

These classes are sponsored by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.  If you have questions about the class, contact Patricia directly at Patricia.Thomson@lls.org

NTX Blood Cancer Conference: We Want to Know What You Think!

As September Blood Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close, we think back to two of the North Texas Chapter's largest patient-focused events: the 11th Annual North Texas Blood Cancer Conference and the Inaugural North Texas Cancer Expo.

If you attended either event, we want to know what you thought!  

Below are the links to three different 10-question surveys.
Please select the survey that applies to you.

I attended the NTX Blood Cancer Conference - General Session CLICK HERE
I attended the NTX Blood Cancer Conference - Health Care Professional CLICK HERE
I attended the NTX Cancer Expo  CLICK HERE

Your participation in filling out this survey will help us continue to make this event one that helps patients, survivors, caregivers and healthcare professionals better equipped to handle a cancer diagnosis.

Thank you for your continued support.

September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month

Looking to get involved with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) during Blood Cancer Awareness Month?  Below you will find all of the upcoming events that you can get involved with this month.  Also, several North Texas businesses and organizations have created opportunities for you to shop and give back to LLS at the same time.  Check out our retail and third party partners, please visit them and thank them for helping to create a world without blood cancers.  

Country mega star Marina McBride and friends are coming to Dallas for the Band Against Cancer - The Sarah Cannon Tour to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The concert is scheduled for Friday, September 16th. The concert is part of a national movement to connect those facing cancer with community-based resources and support close to home. Purchase your tickets online. 

Mark your calendars for Giving Day 2016

Thursday, September 22, from 6 AM Central – Midnight.

North Texas Giving Day is an online giving event for people across the nation (and the world!) to come together to raise as much money as possible for North Texas nonprofits on one day: September 22, 2016.  In seven years, North Texas Giving Day has pumped more than $119 million into the North Texas community. 

A number of local businesses are selling paper balloons at the register to benefit the North Texas Light The Night campaign.  These national partners raise hundreds of thousands of dollars every year to further the LLS mission. Below is a list of the participating retailers:

Burlington Coat Factory

Great American Cookies
Marble Slab Creamery

Pretzelmaker
Hot Dog on a Stick

NTX Blood Cancer Conference: What You Need to Know

The 11th Annual North Texas Blood Cancer Conference and the Inaugural North Texas Cancer Expo are almost here!  When making your plans for this weekend, here are some things you should keep in mind:

When does registration close?

Online Registration 

Online registration for both the NTX Blood Cancer Conference and the NTX Cancer Expo closes at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, September 8th.  Attendees can register online until then at www.ntxbloodcancerconference.org or www.ntxcancerexpo.org. 

On Site Registration 

If attendees do not register online before Friday, registration will open at the NTX Blood Cancer Conference at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 10th.  Registration will be open all day Saturday.

Where do I park?

There is ample parking available at the Sheraton Hotel.  Conference attendees will be responsible for paying for their own parking.  Attendees can also take public transportation to the event.  DART has a drop off location near the hotel.

How do I get my CEUs?

In order to receive the 4.0 free CEU credits from LLS, health care professionals must turn in their evaluation at the registration table AFTER the closing session.  Any evaluations completed and turned in then will not be eligible for the CEUs.  Proof of CEU credits will be emailed AFTER the conference.  Any questions should be addressed to Seetha Modi. 

Will there be any down time?

Not if you don't want there to be!  The NTX Cancer Expo has a full docket of entertainment planned on the main stage (full schedule here) as well as 50+ booths and the LLS World to visit.  

Is there a formal kick-off?

Yes!  The ribbon cutting for the NTX Cancer Expo will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, September 9th.  This is open to the public and attendees will have access to all of the vendors.  Come early to avoid the crowds on Saturday!

Wait, I have more questions.Visit www.ntxbloodcancerconference.org for additional information about the conference and what you can expect and visit www.ntxcancerexpo.org for details about the expo.

NTX Blood Cancer Conference: Pediatric-Focused Sessions

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND: The North Texas Blood Cancer Conference is pleased to re-introduce a number of pediatric-focused elements to the break-out session line-up.  These sessions are filling quickly so do not delay in securing your seat in one of these sessions:

Too Young for This: Talking to Children about Cancer

Caitlin Arndt, CCLS, Children's Health

9:45 a.m. - 10:25 a.m. Session

A Zone of Our Own: Adolescent & Young Adult Panel Discussion

Fort Worth Adolescent & Young Adult Oncology Council

10:30 a.m. - 11:10 a.m. Session

What's New in Pediatric Blood Cancers?

Paul Bowman, M.D., Cook Children's Medical Center

11:15 a.m. - 12:25 p.m. Session

Why, Mommy?  Parenting a Child With Cancer

Brittany Blake, M.S., CCLS, Medical City Children's Hospital

2:45 p.m. - 3:25 p.m. Session

The North Texas Cancer Expo is also hosting a number of events designed for children, including a kid zone, arts and craft area and a pet therapy center.

www.ntxbloodcancerconference.org

NTX Blood Cancer Conference: Healthy Eating and Treatment Success

Living Your Best Life is the focus of both the North Texas Blood Cancer Conference & NTX Cancer Expo in three weeks.  A number of studies indicate that what a person eats during and after their cancer treatment can impact how successfully they respond.  The conference and expo will both feature demonstrations and break-out sessions about how to eat healthier.

As a taste of what’s to come, here are ten tips for healthy eating throughout your cancer journey:

• Although blood cancer is, based on current research, unpreventable, this does not mean you should stray from a healthy diet. Throughout treatment and recovery, your nutritional needs will increase, so it is imperative that you meet them.
• Always speak with your general practitioner, dietician, or another qualified medical professional first, as they will know what is best for you as an individual. Consider referencing this guide once you begin this conversation and throughout your treatment, should you develop eating issues.
•  Take this as an opportunity to explore new sources of essential nutrients, such as bean-based tofu as another source of protein or quinoa to gain more fiber. Additionally, don’t be afraid to try modified recipes that supply the nutrients while adhering to your new dietary limitations.
• With the previous step in mind, determine any food intolerances, new or old, and plan your diet before you begin treatment. Having a well-stocked pantry before treatment begins eliminates the stress of shopping when you simply cannot.
• Avoid any potential for food contamination. Store and cook meals properly, and avoid any foods that cause infection. If it could make you sick when you were healthy, avoid it during treatment.
• During treatment, you must maintain a healthy weight. Drastic weight loss implies malnutrition. Keep your weight even or gain it back through the following healthy means.
• Chemotherapy has been known to drastically change your appetite. This can vary, as you may develop unusual cravings or find even your favorite foods have an unpleasant taste. Consider using the following adjustments if the flavor is slightly off or if the food simply tastes wrong.
• The inability to eat during treatment is common. However, remain hydrated and ingest what you can to get the extra calories and protein you need.
• If you do not develop eating issues, this does not mean your treatment is not working. Eating difficulties affect some patients but not others, as it varies on a case-to-case basis.
• Once you are in remission, if your diet was limited during treatment, continue healthy eating but try to vary it as you adhere to your doctor’s nutritional advice. Learn where your tastes and food preferences are now in comparison to where they were before treatment.

Seats in the healthy eating session are filling very quickly.  If you would like to save your seat, register today at www.ntxbloodcancerconference.org

North Texas Cancer Expo: Main Stage Schedule Released

 JUST RELEASED: MAIN STAGE SCHEDULE

The Inaugural North Texas Cancer Expo on September 9-10th at the Sheraton Hotel in Dallas will feature 30+ vendors and a main stage with a number of demonstrations and sessions  The expo's theme "Living Your Best Life" focuses on how patients and survivors of ALL cancer types can take steps to improve their lives during and after treatment.  

Expo attendees are welcome to stay the whole day or just drop in for part of the day.  The event is free but registration is required.

 Friday, September 9th

3:30 p.m. - Music by Rhett Butler, LLS Patient Navigator
4:00 p.m. - Health Through Juicing, Chris Devero
4:45 p.m. - Laughter Yoga, Presenter to be Announced
5:30 p.m. - Official North Texas Cancer Expo Ribbon Cutting

 Saturday, September 10th

8:30 a.m. -   Chair Yoga, Chelsey Charbeneau, Mastermind
9:30 a.m. -   Health Through Juicing, Chris Devero
10:30 a.m. - Dental Health During and After Treatment, Garrett S. Nelson, DDS
11:30 a.m. - Cooking Demonstration, Katherine Lawrence, Food Saved Me
12:30 p.m. - Nutrition & Plant-Based Cooking, Dr. James & Andrea Conway 
1:30 p.m. -   Practicing Mindfulness, Mari Woodlief, Mastermind
2:30 p.m. -   Finish Your Race, Don Armstrong, Author and AML Survivor
3:00 p.m. -   Music by Rhett Butler, LLS Patient Navigator

The North Texas Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is organizing this event and it runs concurrently to its North Texas Blood Cancer Conference.  

Register today to attend this action-packed event:
www.ntxcancerexpo.org

NTX Blood Cancer Conference: 5 Things to Know about the Keynote Speaker

KEYNOTE SPEAKER ANNOUNCED:
Kenneth C. Anderson, M.D.
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

The North Texas Chapter is honored to have Kenneth C. Anderson, M.D. of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute as the keynote speaker for the 2016 North Texas Blood Cancer Conference.  Dr. Anderson is a pioneer in multiple myeloma research and very involved with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) and its vision of creating a world without blood cancers.  

Below are 5 things you may not know about Dr. Anderson:

1. Dr. Anderson is part of the LLS Screen to Lead Program
2. He is personal friends with Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and they are partners in cancer research
3. Dr. Anderson's mother was a nurse and that inspired him to get into medicine
4. When Dr. Anderson started to focus on the treatment of multiple myeloma the disease had very few treatment options
5. Dr. Anderson was the first person in his family to earn a college degree

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Dr. Anderson speak by registering today for the FREE North Texas Blood Cancer Conference.

NTX Cancer Expo: Frequently Asked Questions

NORTH TEXAS CANCER EXPO FAQs

September 9-10, 2016
Sheraton Hotel – Dallas, TX
www.ntxcancerexpo.org

WHAT IS IT?
The North Texas Cancer Expo hosted by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is a FREE two-day cancer expo featuring more than 30 vendors and a main stage with nonstop educational sessions and entertainment.  The focus is how patients and survivors can live their best life.  The information provided will be beneficial to patients and caregivers of ALL types of cancers. This event runs concurrently with the North Texas Blood Cancer Conference. 

Registration for the North Texas Cancer Expo does not automatically register an attendee to attend the North Texas Blood Cancer Conference.  The Conference is open to the public but a separate registration is required.  Register online at www.ntxbloodcancerconference.org

WHEN IS IT?
Friday, September 9, 2016 from 3:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 10, 2016 from 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

WHO WILL BE THERE?
Vendors and experts presenting information and tips on how to Live Your Best Life, wellness experts, cooking demonstrations, book sales, health and beauty vendors, nutritional resources, a Walgreens “Ask the Pharmacist” panel, healthcare cancer representatives, nonprofit organizations and more!

WHAT WILL HAPPEN ON THE MAIN STAGE?
Live cooking demonstrations, a Walgreens “Ask the Pharmacist” panel, tips on fitness during and after your cancer treatment, book readings, meditation, live music and more!

 WHERE IS IT AND HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The expo is completely FREE!  Registration is required and can be completed online at www.ntxcancerexpo.org.  The Cancer Expo and Blood Cancer Conference will be held at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Dallas (400 Olive St., Dallas, TX 75201).  There are special room rates associated with the conference and details can be found on the website.

I HAVE QUESTIONS. WHO DO I ASK?
Reach out to Seetha Modi at Seetha.Modi@lls.org or (972) 996-5905

NTX Blood Cancer Conference: Frequently Asked Questions

11^TH ANNUAL NORTH TEXAS BLOOD CANCER CONFERENCE FAQs

September 10, 2016
Sheraton Hotel – Dallas, TX
www.ntxbloodcancerconference.org

WHAT IS IT?
A free educational conference that consists of break-out sessions led by leading hematology and oncology experts from across the country.  They will provide the most recent updates on research, breakthroughs, treatment advancements and survivorship issues within the cancer area.  It includes breakfast, lunch, access to the Cancer Expo and an opportunity to hear the keynote speaker.  There are also opportunities to hear from other North Texans through roundtable discussions, a survivorship panel, an “Ask an Oncologist” panel and more.

WHO IS THE KEYNOTE SPEAKER?
Dr. Ken Anderson is the Program Director at the Jerome Lipper Multiple Myeloma Center and LeBow Institute for Myeloma Therapeutics at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.  He is a pioneer in the multiple myeloma research/treatment industry.  He is an LLS-funded researcher and one of the doctors that treated legendary news anchor Tom Brokaw.

WHO ELSE IS PRESENTING?

A complete list of speakers for the general sessions can be found here and a list of speakers for the healthcare professionals can be found here. 

IS IT ALL BLOOD CANCER?
No!  This event has topics that are applicable to patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals of ALL cancers.  Since it is a completely customizable day (participants can select each of their break-out sessions based on their interest), participants can choose to attend the sessions that are most applicable to them.

I CAN EARN CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS?
Nurses and social workers who stay for the entire conference can earn 4.0 FREE CEUs from LLS.  In addition to the credits, LLS is hosting a graduate poster session.  First place will win $500 and there are additional cash prizes available.

WHAT TYPE OF TOPICS WILL BE COVERED?
What’s New in Blood Cancers?
Where Does Fitness Fit?  Exercise & Cancer
Life After Cancer: The New Normal
Too Young for This: Talking to Children About Cancer
A Zone of Our Own: Adolescent & Young Adult Panel Discussion
Parenting a Child With Cancer
Cancer’s Impact on Fertility & Sexuality
And much more.

WHO CAN ATTEND?
Everybody can attend the conference.  There is information geared towards patients, survivors, caregivers, friends and family, health care professionals, students, etc.  The theme is an inspirational one that is focused on Living Your Best Life during and after cancer.

WHAT DOES IT COST?
Nothing!  This event is a completely FREE educational opportunity organized by LLS but registration ahead of the event is required.

WHERE DO I REGISTER?
www.ntxbloodcancerconference.org
Registration to the conference automatically grants an attendee access to the North Texas Cancer Expo.

I HAVE QUESTIONS. WHO DO I ASK?
Reach out to Seetha Modi at Seetha.Modi@lls.org or (972) 996-5905

See the reverse side for FAQs about the NTX Cancer Expo

www.ntxcancerexpo.org

Volunteer Spotlight: Kendall Childers

Kendall Childers is a key volunteer leader in organizing this September's 11th Annual North Texas Blood Cancer Conference and inaugural NTX Cancer Expo.  She wears many hats but her key focus is on creating a seamless registration process for conference and expo participants and volunteers.  Kendall has also held two very successful third party fundraising events for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).  Below she explains why she dedicates her time to our organization:

"My paternal grandfather had leukemia for almost all of my childhood. He fought hard for 13 years and passed away the summer after I turned 21.  I have almost no memories of him without cancer, and my younger brother has none.

I remember exactly where I was when my parents sat us down to tell us the Poppa Tubby was sick. It was surreal. I remember hearing good news and bad news, visiting him in the hospital, visiting him at home and watching him hide some of his pills in the ottoman cushion because he had to take so many. What I remember most was that no matter what he always had a smile on his face and he always wanted to talk about his grandkids and what was going on in our life.

Cancer made him weaker than he was before and it took away his ability to play a full round of golf, but it never once took his spirit. His doctor told him to stop drinking so he switched to singles instead of doubles, maybe not the best thing, but it was his way of holding on to normalcy, his way of saying cancer can have my body but it can't have my mind. Poppa Tubby was my hero, he quickly became the strongest, most brave man I knew, and still is in my eyes today.

He got almost all of his treatment at the City of Hope in California and told his doctors to make him a guinea pig. He was open to any new experimental treatment he could qualify for and for several of those he was the only or one of only a handful that made it through treatment. I think that spirit is what attracted me most to LLS. The amount of money the organization dedicates to research is amazing and it's that research that allowed my grandpa to make it to my high school graduation and buy me a legal drink (two goals he set for himself). Someday is today...this speaks to me because I want more than ever for there to be a day where no one else has to lose their hero."

Registration for the North Texas Blood Cancer Conference and Cancer Expo will open later this month.  Both events are full of pertinent information to ALL cancer patients, survivors caregivers, nurses and social workers.  The events are free but registration is required.  Learn more about both events and the topics that will be covered here. 

Celebrating 15 Years With LLS

This month Sue Lutz is celebrating 15 years as an employee of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).  If you have been around the North Texas Chapter for long, there's no doubt that you've run into Sue.  Her official title is Systems Manager  but she does so much more than that!  She sat down with us and talked about the changes she's seen in North Texas in the last decade and a half.

Biggest Changes:
Technology!  I had never sent an email before I started with LLS and the office only had one printer and it didn't have the capability to print in color.  Online donations are something had not even been thought of yet.  Now it is an incredibly effective and successful means for people to raise money.  Also improved - the quality of the pictures and graphics that we use.  The stories we tell are so much more impactful because they look sharp and are eye catching and engaging.

Office Changes:
I have worked in two different offices and have gone through four lease expansions in each place.  I started at the location on Spurling Drive and at the time we only had 10-12 employees.  I have seen this office grow and change quite a bit since Spurling.  When we added the Lone Star Blood Cancer Conference (now the North Texas Blood Cancer Conference) in 2004 we saw an influx of people coming into our Dallas office and in 2005 we opened up the Fort Worth office.  Now we have more than 30 full and part time staff between the two offices and 6-7 interns each semester.  It is exciting to see our office buzzing and growing like it is.

Board of Trustees:
Danny McQuary, Mona Carlton, Bob Matlock, Frances Broussard - we have such incredible people on the North Texas Board of Trustees.  The people I just mentioned have been involved with our organization for years and have become part of the fabric.  When I started I did not have any contact with the board members but now I know them by name and face because they are here so often and so involved in what we are doing.

Events:
I have seen the LLS signature campaigns change quite a bit over the last 15 years.  One thing that has remained constant - they have all continued to grow and look much more professional each year.  When I first started, we were holding nine Light The Night Walks (it got up to 11 at one point) and we had to do all of the moving of materials and tent construction ourselves.  It was exhausting!

The Saint Valentine's Day Luncheon & Fashion Show and Links Fore Leukemia Golf Tournament were already established when I started.  It is amazing that the people who were involved with these events 15 years ago are still coming and helping and working to improve them.  I am excited to see how the chapter's newest event, Over the Edge, is going to work.  I think it is going to be a hit.

Honored Heroes: 
Oh my gosh, that is just something that I can't even think about right now.  The names escape me but their faces don't.  I remember a little girl named Jenny.  She was diagnosed with leukemia when she was three months old and lost her battle when she was nine months old.  Her passing away hit our chapter very hard and we released balloons in her memory off the roof of this building.  I always like meeting the survivors.  They serve as good reminders that what we are doing here is making a difference.

Thank you Sue for your dedication to LLS, the patients in North Texas and the thousands of people you've touched over the last 15 years.

Patient Access Manager: National Social Worker Month

March is National Social Worker Month and we salute the more than 25,000 social workers in the North Texas community.  This year's theme  "Forging Solutions out of Challenges" perfectly encapsulates the work that these individuals do for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) and our patients on a daily basis.  Social workers are critical to a patient who is looking for help and guidance while trying to juggle a cancer diagnosis, arduous treatment regimen, financial and legal concerns, just to name a few.

While most people think of social workers as support during treatment, they are truly a part of the entire cancer journey.  This is why LLS is dedicated to help these dedicated individuals stay up to date on the latest treatments, therapies and support services for these patients.  LLS offers 4.5 FREE CEUs to social workers as part of the Blood Cancer Conference & Cancer Expo.

We work closely with the social workers and case management teams to ensure that LLS resources are available to all who can benefit from our services.  Every day there are men and women right here in our community who go above and beyond the call of duty to help families during their blood cancer journey.  

In honor of national social work month, I invite you to thank a social worker who has touched your life.  My heartfelt gratitude to all the providers who are dedicated to serving our blood cancer community every day! 

Your friend, 

Seetha
_________________________________________________________________________________

Seetha Modi is the Patient Access Manager of the North Texas Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and author of this monthly blog series.  She has an Masters in Public Health and has experience working with varied aspects of the healthcare industry, including hospitals, the CDC and other health-related nonprofit organizations.

Contact Seetha:

Seetha.Modi@lls.org

(972) 996-5905

Patient Access Manager: World Cancer Day

Today is World Cancer Day, a day when humanity rallies together across borders and oceans to unite in the fight against cancer.  The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is leading the way.  For us, World Cancer Day is a day of action. We act because adequate funding for research CAN put cures within reach. 

The Cancer Moonshot Initiative officially just kicked off on Monday! This historic project aims to end these diseases once and for all.  Just as Americans came together to put astronauts on the moon, we must be bold to push beyond the boundaries that have stood in the way of cures.

If you want to be part of this effort, the first step is telling your story – to make sure our leaders in Washington understand the many burdens of cancer: emotional, financial, spiritual, and physical. Join the moonshotmission to find cancer cures! Tell Washington how cancer has touched your life and your loved ones.  By taking action today, you're standing with the millions of patients, families, and researchers in the search for cures and treatments to alleviate the suffering cancer brings upon us. Cancer is personal, and with your help, we can advocate for the changes that will improve the lives of the people we hold most dear.

LLS is pioneering cutting-edge precision therapies.  The science of immunotherapies presents a paradigm shift that has forever changed the landscape of cancer care.  Using a patient’s own immune system to kill cancer, providers can work with a patient’s genetics and lifestyle to develop a personalized therapeutic plan.  You can learn more about how LLS identifies and supports promising researchers here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iU8iruhryTs

Today, we celebrate the researchers, providers, survivors, caregivers, and supporters in our international oncology community.  We here at LLS recognize that there is a shared experience and sense of solidarity among everyone affected by cancer.  On September 9 and 10^th, LLS North Texas will be hosting a Cancer Expo to highlight health, wellness, and support resources for everyone in our community.  Please save the date and plan to attend! More information on vendors and schedule coming soon! 

Your friend,

Seetha

___________________________________________________________________________________

Seetha Modi is the Patient Access Manager of the North Texas Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and author of this monthly blog series.  She has an Masters in Public Health and has experience working with varied aspects of the healthcare industry, including hospitals, the CDC and other health-related nonprofit organizations.

Contact Seetha:

Seetha.Modi@lls.org

(972) 996-5905

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Lone Star Blood Cancer Conference

Everything is Bigger In Texas

  

And the annual Lone Star Blood Cancer Conference is no exception.  The North Texas Chapter is thrilled to announce several BIG changes coming to this unique North Texas Event.

NEW DATE
September 9 - 10, 2016
We are pushing this event to Blood Cancer Awareness Month and are expanding it to two days of incredible presentations, inspiring Honored Hero talks and more!  Much more!
 

NEW NAME
North Texas Blood Cancer Conference & Cancer Expo
The event will still continue to focus on blood cancer advancements and treatment options but the NEW expo component of the day will have elements that will be beneficial to the patients and caregivers of all cancers.

NEW ELEMENT
Cancer Expo
Explore resources for patients, survivors and their families.  Learn about healthy eating, nutrition, and wellness, watch exciting cooking demonstrations, peruse vendor booths for products and activities for life after cancer.  The two day Cancer Expo will be available before, during and inbetween sessions.

WE ARE MOVING

Sheraton Hotel
The event outgrew its space and will be moving to the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Dallas

NOT EVERYTHING IS CHANGING
We are keeping our most unique elements:
Renowned Researchers Presenting the Latest Advancements
Free Continuing Education Credits for Nurses & Social Workers
Break-out Sessions, Based on Diagnosis
Latest on Survivorship Issues
Sessions Lead by Experts in the Hematology/Oncology field

WE NEED YOUR HELP
We want to know what you'd like to see during this event.  Please click here to fill out a brief survey to let us know specific topics and vendors you would like in visit during the conference.

Thank you to the North Texas Cancer Conference's Generous Presenting Sponsor: