NEW ORLEANS – Imagine the fear right now of someone whose immune system is compromised. Imagine having a child like this? A loved one?
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), the world’s largest nonprofit health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education and patient services, is not backing down during this difficult time, in fact, according to Katie Triplett, executive director of the Mississippi/Louisiana chapter of LLS, the calls have been pouring in with people looking for educational and financial assistance related to COVID-19.
This is why Triplett is proud to announce that the LLS Man & Woman of the Year program will continue on — the kickoff party tomorrow (Thursday, April 2 at 6:30 p.m.) has just been moved to Zoom.
Typically held at the National World War II Museum and drawing a crowd of over 300, the kickoff invites anyone to join in the excitement from their home as this year’s candidates are announced. RSVPs should be sent to Madeleine.Davis@LLS.org. The Zoom meeting ID is 106559616#.
For those looking for financial and educational assistance in their fight against blood cancer, LLS has multiple resources to help – see below.
“We really want to spread the word that we are here to support families,” said Triplett. “I truly believe they need us now more than ever.”
To learn more about LLS and the Man & Woman of the Year Event, check out the April issue of Biz New Orleans Magazine.
LLS Online and Virtual Support During the COVID-19 Outbreak
Resources listed below can be found at www.lls.org
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is here for you!
Speak one-on-one with an Information Specialist who can assist you through cancer treatment, financial and social challenges and give accurate, up-to-date disease, treatment and support information. Our Information Specialists are master’s level oncology social workers, nurses and health educators.
How to Contact an Information Specialist:
- · Call: (800) 955-4572 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET)
- · Leave a message 24/7 and we’ll call back. Call (800) 955-4572 to use the automated response system 24 hours a day, seven days a week. An Information Specialist will return your call the next business day. You can also listen to recorded information about LLS and our programs.
- · Chat live online: Click here to chat (Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET)
- · Email: Click Here All email messages are answered within one business day.
LLS Online and Virtual Support during the COVID-19 Outbreak
The following resources are always available on LLS.org, but may be particularly helpful to blood cancer patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 outbreak.
For updates from LLS about Coronavirus, please check this page regularly CORONAVIRUS: RESOURCES & WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW.
The LLS Blog – A place where patients and caregivers can read about survivorship, research, fundraising and advocacy.
Recent COVID-19 entries include:
o 4 Things Cancer Patients Need to Know about the Coronavirus By Gwen Nichols, MD, LLS Chief Medical Officer | March, 2020
o Helping Blood Cancer Patients Adjust to the New Normal By Gwen Nichols, MD, LLS Chief Medical Officer | March, 2020
LLS Community – An online support forum to get connected with other patients and caregivers and stay up-to-date on the latest diagnosis and treatment news.
Weekly Online Chats – Live, weekly online chats moderated by an oncology social worker that provide a friendly forum to share experiences and chat with others about anything from the initial phase of diagnosis to treatment and survivorship.
Patti Robinson Kaufmann First Connection program – Peer to peer support to connect with other patients and caregivers who have gone through similar experiences.
The Bloodline with LLS Podcast – Disease-specific and general survivorship episodes for download that remind you there is hope after a diagnosis. Listen in as experts and patients guide listeners in understanding diagnosis, treatment, and resources available to blood cancer patients.
Caregiver support resources – Online chats, webcasts and resources including the Caregiver Workbook with
One-On-One Nutrition Consultations – Patients and caregivers may receive free one-on-one phone and email consultations with a registered dietitian with expertise in oncology nutrition.
Reputable websites/COVID-19 resources
The following resources may be helpful to patients and families during the COVID-19 outbreak. CDC Website for real time updates and recommendations:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
CDC If You Are at Higher Risk: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/high-risk-complications.html
* There are really good tips in this post for individuals who are at risk of getting sicker from COVID 19
CDC What to do if you are sick:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/steps-when-sick.html
CDC Keeping the workplace, school and home safe:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/workplace-school-and-home-guidance.pdf
CDC Cleaning: How to clean and disinfect:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/home/cleaning-disinfection.html
CDC/SAMHSA’s DISASTER DISTRESS HELPLINE: 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746
CONTACT YOUR LOCAL COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT WEB SITE for LOCAL UPDATES
https://www.naccho.org/membership/lhd-directory
worksheets to help you stay organized, and
information and resources to use throughout the caregiving journey.
NOTE: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society provides this information as a courtesy and in no way implies endorsement of the organizations or resources listed.