The LLS Blog

Read about survivors, research, fundraising and advocacy.

LLS and Burlington Celebrate 20 years of Fighting Blood Cancer Together!

By LLS Staff |

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) and Burlington Stores are marking two decades of an incredible partnership this year. With Burlington’s help, LLS has been able to provide free information, education, and 1:1 support for hundreds of thousands of blood cancer patients. And we’re still going strong. Continuing the momentum, Burlington is committed to helping support lifesaving research for the LLS Children’s Initiative.

LLS Children’s Initiative is a global campaign to finance groundbreaking research, treatments, support, and cures for pediatric blood cancers. Only 5% of oncology drugs have had an initial pediatric recommendation in 40 years, and that’s why we’re uniting doctors, pharmaceutical companies, and scientists to develop safer, less toxic, more effective treatments for children.

In support of LLS’s lifesaving work, now through November 29, Burlington is encouraging customers to donate to LLS at checkout in its more than 790 stores nationwide. Every dollar counts when it comes to helping save and improve the quality of life for pediatric blood cancer patients. Learn more about the partnership and how you can donate.

We know all too well that cancer is a harrowing experience for families—even more so when it’s a child receiving a blood cancer diagnosis. They desperately need information, support, and resources.

 

Leo

That’s how we’ve been able to help support Leo and his family.

At just five years old, fun-loving Leo was diagnosed with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL.) His parents had noticed bruising on his legs, his fatigue, and shortness of breath but because the symptoms didn’t present all at once, they didn’t think it was anything serious. However, at an annual checkup, a blood test led to the words they weren’t at all prepared for - “your son has cancer.”

The hospital recommended LLS to Leo’s family to support them in their time of need. Leo’s father says they’re “forever grateful” for the  financial and emotional support they received from LLS, along with helpful LLS educational tools that helped them navigate through Leo’s treatment information. 

 

Cayden

LLS has been a trusted partner to countless families through their terrible times. Cayden’s story is just one of many.

Courtney became alarmed when Cayden, her playful, three-year-old, developed leg pain and a limp. Then his pain rapidly progressed to his neck, and he lost his appetite. Two weeks of tests and doctors later, cheerful little Cayden was diagnosed with a high-risk form of blood cancer, Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia. He began an intense treatment regimen immediately.

From that moment on, Cayden’s family has been on a mission to get him through the surgeries, chemotherapy and countless overnight hospital stays that he had to endure. And when they needed it most, his parents found a strong support system through LLS.

"Through LLS, I've learned there is a whole community of people out there who were just as passionate and dedicated to fighting this disease as I am," said Courtney. "I became most passionate about the LLS Children's Initiative. Rest assured, I know LLS's great work is helping bring us closer to a world where no parent has to hear, ‘your child has cancer.'"

Imagine more effective treatments so that children can thrive in remission. Imagine a future without pediatric blood cancers. We do—and LLS Children’s Initiative is working on it. Every day.