A N E W S L E T T E R T H AT TA K E S A C L O S E A N D P E R S O NA L L O O K AT T H E

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IN THIS ISSUE

Coleman Foundation Grant ..p3

ABC 7 Jim Gibbons Run ...... p5

Tough Treatment Decisions ... p9

Town Hall Meetings ............ p10

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F A L L 2 0 0 6

The Foundation’s mission is to

conquer leukemia, lymphoma, and

myelodysplastic syndromes by funding

research into their causes and cures,

and to enrich the quality of life of those

touched by these diseases.

LRF Awards $870,000 in Research Grants

The Leukemia Research Foundationhonored the primary tenet of its missionby funding blood cancer research proj-ects in the amount of $870,000 at insti-tutions throughout the United States.The announcement was one of themany highlights of the Foundation’s60th Annual Medical Awards Dinnerheld in July. For the first time in its his-tory, the Foundation offered individual,one-year grants of up to $100,000 – thelargest ever offered by the LRF. See thisyear’s list of research projects, below.

“The Leukemia Research Foundation isproud to once again offer significantresearch dollars to the fight to cureblood cancers,” said Michael Thirman,M.D., director of Leukemia Biology at

the University of Chicago andChairman of the LRF’s MedicalAdvisory Board.

“It is especially gratifying to provideresources to young scientists, who mustcompete for funding at a critical pointin their careers and in an environmentwith fewer grant dollars available fromthe National Institutes of Health(NIH),” Thirman said.

“In each of its 60 years of operations,the LRF has funded critical research inpursuit of its mission to conquerleukemia, lymphoma, and myelodys-plastic syndromes by funding research

L R F F U N D E D R E S E A R C H 2 0 0 6 - 2 0 0 7

RESEARCHRESEARCH

RESEARCH

research

r e s e a r c h

Foundation makes individual $100,000 grants for the first time in its history

All projects supported by $100,000 except as noted.

— continued on page 3

University of Michigan / Sami N. Malek,M.D. Genomic Profiling and ClinicalOutcome in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Mount Sinai School of Medicine (NewYork) / Mariam Merad, M.D., Ph.D. NovelImmunotherapy Strategies for the treatmentof Graft Versus Host Disease

University of Medicine and Dentistry ofNew Jersey / Chih-Cheng Tsai, Ph.D.,Molecular Mechanisms of PLZF-MediatedAcute Promyeloid Leukemia

University of Virginia / Loren Erickson,Ph.D., Immune Tolerance By Regulatory TCells in Multiple Myeloma

Drexel University / Eishi Noguchi, Ph.D.,Roles of the Replication Fork ProtectionComplex in Genomic Integrity

University of Cincinnati / Rhett A. Kovall,Ph.D., Structure-function of Notch-CSLTranscription Complexes: a Structural Basisfor Developing Anti-Leukemia Drugs

University of Washington / Brian Lannutti,Ph.D., ($70,000), MegakaryocyteDifferentiation and Polyploidization;Deciphering the Roles of Lyn and Fyn Kinases

Children’s Hospital Medical CenterCincinnati / Paul Andreassen, Ph.D.,Functional Analysis of the Interaction ofBRCA2/FANCD1 with MonoubiquitinatedFANCD2

MD Anderson / Jan Burger, M.D., Ph.D.Anatomy of the Microenvironment inChronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Focus on theChemokine CXCL13

2 FALL 2006 www.leukemia-research.org

From the President and Executive Director

F O U N D A T I O N N O T E S

Throughout 2006, the LRFhas recognized its 60th yearof operations. While our job

is not done, it is important to paytribute to this impressive milestoneand take great pride in the contribu-tions the LRF has made in serving itsmission in the search for a cure.

It is equally important to ask:“What’s next?”

At the annual Medical AwardsDinner this past July, the newlyinstalled President and Vice Presidentof the LRF were introduced. Thisnatural progression of leadership isheightened by the fact that PresidentFrank A. Martinez and ExecutiveVice President Andy Hanson are bothleukemia survivors.

Frank was diagnosed with acutemyeloid leukemia (AML) in 1994.His initial course of treatment includ-ed three rounds of heavy chemothera-py, which were successful, but herelapsed within months. Frank’s sec-ond round of treatment includedmore chemotherapy, experimentaldrug therapy, full-body radiation andfinally a bone marrow transplant.He’s been in remission for 11 years.Frank is also president of the A LaVida Chapter.

Similarly, Andy was diagnosed withacute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) in1994. He underwent treatment foralmost two years and has been inremission for 12 years. Andy is alsopresident of Andy’s Chapter of Hope.

The have both served in CentralCouncil leadership positions for near-ly a decade. That experience, cou-pled with their very real understand-ing of the diseases we seek to cure, issure to enhance the LRF’s role infunding worldwide medical researchwhile providing emotional and finan-cial support to those currently livingwith blood cancers.

One of the top priorities identified inmoving forward is the need to devel-op a long-term strategic plan for theLRF. This important process was lastcompleted in 2001 and many of therecommendations and directives wererecently implemented. The LRF isnow equipped to conduct a realisticself-assessment and plot the course ofaction for the next five to seven yearsto help lead us closer to our objective.

The LRF deeply appreciates the sup-port and involvements of members,donors, supporters, the medical com-munity, patients, caregivers, volun-teers, and others who have given somuch over the decades. With thatcontinued support we believe theultimate goal will be reached longbefore another 60 years has passed.

Year i n Rev iew FRANK MARTINEZPresident

KEVIN RADELETExecutive Director

Donations of key items are atremendous help in reducingFoundation expenses. Can you,or do you know someone whocan provide any of these items?

Toner cartridges for printersJewel cases and blank CDsCD label insertsPhoto scannerLaptop computer (minimumPentium 4 processor)Desktop computer (minimumPentium 4 processor)New network server

Please contact Karen atKaren@lrfmail.org or847-424-0600 if you are able todonate any of the above items.For specific information, visitwww.amazon.com and view ourwish list. Just type “leukemia” inthe “find a wish list” search box.

LRF Tech Wish List

thanks2 FALL 2006 www.leukemia-research.org

LRF Officers

Frank A. MartinezPresident

Andy HansonExecutive Vice President

Marcia BrinVice President Ways and Means

Sid CohenVice President Financial

Rob GrabemannVice President General Counsel

Gerald BrinTreasurer

Kevin RadeletExecutive Director

Produced by the immune sys-tem, antibodies bind to andneutralize bacteria, viruses, and

toxins (known as antigens).Antibodies are made by B cells. EachB cell makes only one type of anti-body, which binds to only one anti-gen. Normally these antibodies bindweakly to their specific antigen, butB cells have developed a way to makeantibodies bind more tightly bymutating the genes that make theantibody molecules. This process iscalled somatic hypermutation.

People whose immune systems lackthe ability to create these strength-ened antibodies suffer from recurringbacterial and viral infections and donot respond to vaccinations.

Somatic hypermutation has stirredthe interest of research scientist Dr.Alberto Martin. He is uncoveringhow somatic hypermutation actuallyworks in fighting disease. Dr. Martinalso investigates how this process cancause harm by mutating the wronggenes by mistake, which can lead to

cancer. In this way, somatic hyper-mutation may be responsible for alarge proportion of B-cell lym-phomas, a common cancer with ahigh mortality rate in NorthAmerica. Dr. Martin believes thatpart of the answer may lie with arecently identified enzyme, whichhas been found to be involved in themutation of antibody genes. Bystudying how this enzyme functionsduring somatic hypermutation, hehopes to understand how these can-cers arise.

into their causes and cures, and toenrich the quality of life of thosetouched by these diseases,” said LRFExecutive Director Kevin Radelet.

“Every year the work of thousands ofvolunteers and supporters of theFoundation is confirmed by real dol-lars provided for research, as well aspatient support for individuals andfamilies struggling day by day withthese terrible cancers. The LRF iscommitted to providing funding tonew investigators, whose training iscomplete, whose innovation and seedresearch often leads to life-savingbreakthroughs and improved treat-ments for cancer patients. Thisensures that important discoveriesare facilitated early in the process,”Radelet said.

Dozens of proposals from scientistsaround the world were received by theLRF. Each proposal was thoroughlyevaluated and scored by members ofthe Foundation’s Medical AdvisoryBoard, using the same scoring systemas is used by the NIH. Final recom-mendations were made and forwardedto the LRF for funding.

All researchers have received theirfirst quarterly payment and work oneach project is progressing. Visitwww.leukemia-research.org to read“the rest of the story” - in the com-ing months, the LRF plans to poststories highlighting key results of theresearch it has funded.

www.leukemia-research.org FALL 2006 3

S C I E N T I S T S T O W A T C H

Alberto Martin, Ph.D.Department of ImmunologyUniversity of Toronto

P RO J E C T: The role of AID targeting in antibody diversification and lymphomagenesis

Research grants— continued from page 1

LRF Receives Grant from The Coleman Foundation

The LRF has been awarded a grantof $124,400.00 from The ColemanFoundation. The first $100,000 ofthis gift will be used to fund a NewInvestigator Research Grant, whilethe remaining portion is earmarkedto support the LRF’s PatientEducation and Outreach Series,which includes the Spanish TownHall, Town Hall and the BoneMarrow, Stem Cell, Cord BloodTransplant Conference.

“This is the largest grant everreceived by the LRF,” saidExecutive Director Kevin Radelet.

“The Coleman Foundation has sup-ported the work of the Foundationfor many years and this new grantcould not come at a better time forthe development of these impor-tant programs,” Radelet said.

The LRF greatly appreciates thesupport of The ColemanFoundation in helping fund impor-tant cancer research and its com-mitment to enrich the quality of lifeof those touched by leukemia,lymphoma and MDS.

Tax Time ApproachingJanuary 1 is just around the cornerand with the New Year comes taxtime. It is never too early to startthinking about ways to reduce yourtax burden. A time tested way to dojust that is to give a year end gift tothe LRF. Your year end gift will notonly decrease your tax liability butwill also provide meaningful supportto the LRF.

Here are a few year end giving ideasthat will help you save on your tax bill:

Give cash. A gift of cash is fullydeductible up to a maximum of 50%of your adjusted gross income. As

long as your gift is received by theLRF in an envelope postmarked byDecember 31 it will qualify for taxpurposes.

Donate stock. A gift of appreciatedstock will offer a two-fold savings-first there is no capital gains tax andsecond you receive an income taxcharitable deduction for the full mar-ket value of the stock.

Give real estate. This will allow youto avoid capital gains tax as well asreceive a charitable deduction for fullmarket value of the property.

Donate your old car. If not a car thenyour old boat, camper or motorcycle.

The fair market value of such itemscan be used as a tax deduction andvehicles can be donated to the LRFnationwide. For more informationon this program, visitwww.leukemia-research.org. Illinoisresidents please call 1-866-9-Donate(1-866-936-6283). Residents of allother states, please call 1-800-320-0476.

Check with your accountant,attorney, or financial planner beforemaking any decisions. For additionalinformation and to receive a 2006Federal Tax Pocket Guide andCharitable Gift Planning Guidelinesplease call Mike Murtagh at847-424-0600.

4 FALL 2006 www.leukemia-research.org

F U N D R A I S I N G A N D D E V E L O P M E N T

LRF Partners With Medical Research Charities

The LRF has joined MedicalResearch Charities, an organi-zation that represents a selectgroup of nonprofit medicalresearch organizations inworkplace fundraising drivesby providing administrative,fiscal and marketing servicesthat help its members reach alarge number of potentialdonors. LRF benefits substan-tially through its associationwith Medical ResearchCharities through increasedexposure in national work-place fundraising campaignssuch as the Combined FederalCampaign and Neighbor toNation. If you are a federalemployee or your companyparticipates in Neighbor toNation, please look for theLRF when making yourcharitable donation. Look forCFC# 1727 in the company’sCombined Federal Campaignto see how easily support canbe forwarded to the LRF. Tolearn more about the LRF,visit www.leukemia-research.org.

Host an Event and Have FunAre you looking for an opportunity to have some fun? Hosting an event is agreat way to enjoy oneself while reconnecting with old friends, meeting newones and, most importantly, raising funds and awareness in support of thegreat work being performed by the LRF. There are many fun filled ideasfrom which to choose that will not only allow you to enjoy yourself but alsomake a difference in the fight against blood cancer.

Here is an example. For the past two years Dr. Thomas Dunn and his wifeMary have organized a tennis tournament to support the LRF in OrlandPark, Illinois. The Dunns are ardent tennis players and the tournamentallows them to share their passion for the game with others while supportinga cause in which they believe. The event has been a huge success and plansare in the works to expand the tournament next year.

The annual Kingfish Shootout is a wonderful event held each year inCarrabelle, Florida. The Shootout attracts fisherman from all over the GulfCoast. Jimmie Crowder and his family are avid fishermen and they haveused their zeal to raise money to find a cure for leukemia, the disease thattragically claimed the life of his daughter Lisa (see page 11).

A truly innovative and fun idea is to host a Non-Event. The gist of the ideais simple. Send out invitations that require no attendance. The RSVP cardstates: “I am delighted to support the Leukemia Research Foundation bynot attending this event, but by contributing:

• $50.00 for not having to hire a sitter.”• $100 for not having to rent a tuxedo.”• $500 for not having to buy a new dress.”• $___ for not having to make small talk.”

Many people appreciate this type of event because they know that a largerportion of their donation goes toward the cause.

This is just a sampling of the many ways you can have fun while raising fundsto support the mission of the LRF. To see other enjoyable ways help the LRFvisit www.leukemia-research.org or call Andrea Gunn at 847-424-0600.

www.leukemia-research.org FALL 2006 5

C H A P T E R A N D E V E N T H I G H L I G H T S

More than 2,000 runners and walkers gathered at Chicago’s famed GrantPark for the 12th annual ABC 7 Jim Gibbons 5K Run, 3K Walk &Survivors’ Strut on Thursday, June 15. Despite a few sprinkles, everyoneenjoyed the evening with delicious food from Zig Zag Kitchen, ice cold beerfrom Budweiser, and the musical talents of The Rhumbuzzz! Thanks to thegenerosity of Fleet Feet Sports and New Balance, running fans had a chanceto meet Olympic gold medalist, Frank Shorter.

The LRF raised more than $80,000 in net funds, all of which will go towardfulfilling its mission.

On behalf of the ABC 7 Jim Gibbons planning committee and the LRF,thank you to the following sponsors for their support and generosity: ABC7, Allstate, American Airlines, Burrito Beach, CARA, Celgene, ChicagoAthlete Magazine, Circle of Friends, City Beverage, Crain’s ChicagoBusiness, Daily Herald, Fleet Feet Sports Chicago, Hallmark & JohnsonProperty Management, Ltd., John Barleycorn, New Balance, Nine FM,Washburn Graficolor, White Hen Pantry, Inc., Windy City Sports andZig Zag Kitchen.

Thanks ABC 7!

ABC 7 in Chicago produced a 30-minutetelevision special about the ABC 7 JimGibbons 5K Run, 3K Walk & Survivors’Strut that aired Saturday, June 17th.The show was taped live at the eventand included a biography about JimGibbons, ABC 7’s much-heraldedinvestigative reporter who succumbed toleukemia in 1994, run/walk highlights,and interviews concerning the importantwork of the Foundation. The LeukemiaResearch Foundation sincerely thanksABC 7 not only for providing a superiormeans of raising awareness of theFoundation and its 60 years of service topeople fighting blood cancers, but alsofor being a strong supporter, partner andfriend of its mission. Thank you very,very much for helping us find a cure forleukemia, lymphoma and MDS, and provide support to those living withthese diseases.

ABC 7 anchor Cheryl Burton converseswith Women’s Race winner AnetteRonnerman of Chicago before taping asegment of the 30-minute special.

Blood cancer survivors.Pictured from left Asal Azizi,Gracie DeGroff, David Murphy,Dolores Bulakowski, MarissaMonbrod, Lee Wilson, BruceStotzfus, and Dr. Anna Malek.

Gibbons Enjoys Another Successful Year!

The Men’s Race was won by Emisael Favela of Chicago.

Volunteers are an integral part of all LRFevents. People like Arlene and KeithBronstein make events like this onepossible – and successful. Mr. Bronsteinis president and managing director ofTradelink LLC in Chicago, which alsosponsored a team at the event.

ABC 7 Honorary event co-chairs (from left) JanetDavies and Frank Mathie address the crowd with

Olympic Marathon legend Frank Shorter. Davies andMathie were close friends of the late Jim Gibbons and

have been very supportive since day one. Shortermade his third consecutive appearance at the eventand, as a cancer survivor himself, can identify with

the LRF’s mission.

6 FALL 2006 www.leukemia-research.org

C H A P T E R A N D E V E N T H I G H L I G H T S

More than 450 members, volunteersand friends of the LRF acknowl-edged six decades of service to thosetouched by blood cancers at the 60thAnnual Medical Awards Dinner atthe Donald E. StevensonConvention Center – Rosemont, Ill.in July. Highlights of the eveningincluded presentation of theFoundation’s highest honor, the Starof the Year Award to members of theSherwin Pessin Memorial Chapter,including LRF’s founder EstherReckles, current Chapter PresidentHarriet Levy and the chapter’s highpledge earner Frances Absler; theacceptance of $870,000 in researchfunding (see page 1); and a few wordsfrom 15-year-old Nick Shield, who

has endured four transplant opera-tions since being diagnosed withAML at age three.

New Foundation leadership also wasinstalled at the Dinner, which for thefirst time in its history includesleukemia survivors in the presidentand executive vice president offices –Frank Martinez and Andy Hanson,respectively (see page 2). OutgoingFoundation President RobGrabemann delivered a heartfeltmessage that served to motivate allguests and supporters to continue tostrive to find the cure for leukemia,

lymphoma and MDS.Entertainment was provided by theinternationally-recognized TrinityAcademy of Irish Dance.

Outgoing President RobGrabemann (left) will continuehis work with the LRF as generalcounsel, taking over for StevenP. Patt, who steps down after 13years of service.

LRF Executive DirectorKevin Radelet,leukemia survivor andfeatured speaker NickSchield and LRFPresident FrankMartinez.

60th Annual Medical Awards Dinner6 0 Y E A R S O F S E R V I C E

The Foundation’s Star Award was presentedto the LRF’s founder Esther Reckles,current Pessin Chapter President HarrietLevy and the Pessin Chapter’s high pledgeearner Frances Absler.

www.leukemia-research.org FALL 2006 7

C H A P T E R A N D E V E N T H I G H L I G H T S

A little rain did not deter golfers from theNicholas Orjuela “Little Lefty” MemorialChapter’s 2nd Annual Little Lefty ChapterGolf Marathon September 12 in Woodridge.Chapter founders Diana and Miguel Orjuela.

Every July, Advance Transformer, a Division of Philips Electronics NorthAmerica Corporation, invites customers, suppliers, vendors, and otherguests to participate in its annual Charity Golf Outing at the exclusiveBoulder Ridge Country Club in Lake in the Hills, Ill. After a relaxing day onthe links, golfers retreat for cocktails, dinner, silent, and animated live auctions. Philips/Advance underwrites all event costs ensuring that the maximum in net revenue is donated to the LRF each year. This year’s event,held July 24, was no exception as more than $100,000 was raised onceagain. Since 2000, the Philips/Advance golf outing has generated more than$600,000 which the LRF has directed toward funding research programs andpatient financial assistance. Employees of Philips/Advance have also provento be great supporters by contributing thousands more through employeepayroll deductions and purchasing annual holiday greeting cards.

The LRF is proud and grateful to be charity of choice of Philips/Advance andits employees. Over the past seven years their support and contributionshave truly changed lives. Thank you Philips Electronics and AdvanceTransformer!

7th Annual MeganCooper MemorialGolf Outing, July 17at the RedTail GolfClub in Lakewood,Ill.: Andy’s Chapter ofHope held anothersuccessful golf out-ing, generating$17,000 for theFoundation. At left,Jack and SueRayburn withBob Kenison.

The inaugural ALa Vida Golf

Outing, July 12 atHighland Park

Country Club: ALa Vida Chaptermember Robert

Stejskal (left)teamed with LRF

and A La VidaChapter PresidentFrank Martinez to

produce a successful first-

year event

4th Annual J. Don HuelsMemorial Golf Benefit and

Barbeque, July 29 at GovernorsRun Golf Club in Carlyle, Ill.:

(from left) John Weyenberg ofLincoln, Neb., Stuart Huels, andAndy Zupsic from Seattle, Wash.

thank the sponsors that helpedthe J. Don Huels Memorial

Chapter raise more than $21,000.

10th Annual Angels in the Fairway Golf Outing,August 4 at the Grand Geneva Resort and Spa,Lake Geneva, Wisc.. The Joey’s Angels Chapterraised more than $140,000 through this year’sevent. Event and Chapter founders Larry (left)and Patty Mix are presented with $25,000 fromSprint/Nextel’s J.W. Penland.

2nd Annual Jessica Shayne Magid Memorial Golf Tournament,August 4 at Chevy Chase Golf Club in Wheeling: RochelleMagid (left) and Marty Kander of the Wolff-Berger-Croft-

Kolodny Chapter co-chaired another fantastic, family-themedouting that netted nearly $25,000.

Advance Transformer President & CEOBrian Dundon accepts a token of appreciation from the LRF’s ExecutiveVice President Andy Hanson.

8 FALL 2006 www.leukemia-research.org

C H A P T E R A N D E V E N T H I G H L I G H T S

The Dan Barton Memorial Chapter partnered with the Red Knights Motorcycle Chapter #6 to host the 3rrd AnnualCruisin’ for a Cure Motorcycle/Car Rally September 10 in East Dundee, Ill. (from left) Mike Knowlton, vice presi-dent of the Red Knights Illinois Chapter #6 with Jan and John Barton.

The Donald Davidson – Alan Brin Memorial Chapterheld its annual Raffle Dinner at the Rosewood inRosemont, Ill. May 7. More than 400 guests and

supporters raised $163,000 in net proceeds.Enjoying the fun are (left) LRF Medical Grants

Administrator Kelli Fitzgerald, Edith Goranson, MaeWortman and Bea Gorelick.

Fence-In 2006, a production of Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity at NorthwesternUniversity, generated revenue through the Jonathan Michael SchatzChapter of the LRF. Jonathan Michael Schatz was a member of ZBT atNorthwestern when he was diagnosed with leukemia. Each year theFraternity holds Fence-In in Schatz’s memory. In total, the college-basedchapter raised more than $8,200 last year. (From left) LRF past presidentDon Schollenberger, LRF Special Events Manager Andrea Gunn,Phillip Reich, and Peter Koelsch from ZBT, and LRF Executive DirectorKevin Radelet.

Students and faculty of Gregory Middle School, Naperville, Ill. raisedmore than $2,100 at their annual “Cash for a Cure” event held each

spring. left to right: Katherine Battle, Debra Janes, Erica Lansu.

Dads’ Chapter members Debbie Verson (left)and Andy Cole set up registration for the 2ndAnnual Ridin’ for Research held July 9.About a dozen hearty motorcyclists did theirpart to honor those who have been touchedby blood cancers and rode more than 100miles to help find a cure.

Julia Win and Carli Dunn warm up before the 2nd Annual Orland Park Tennis Open was held the weekendof June 23 at Carl Sandburg High School in Orland Park. The hard court competition featured adult

men’s and women’s singles, men’s doubles and mixed doubles, and youth competition for boys and girlsages 10-12, 13-15 and 16-18 in singles. Proceeds of $1,800 benefited the LRF.

The Leukemia Research Foundationannounced its 2006 Hematology-Oncology Nurses of the Year at its60th Annual Medial Awards Dinnerin July. Susan Burke, RN, MA,CPNP., pediatric nurse practitionerat the Children’s Hospital ofWisconsin in Milwaukee, LisaDobogai, MS, APN, CNP, acute carenurse practitioner in the stem celltransplant unit at the University ofIllinois Medical Center in Chicago,and Alla Donets, RN, BSN,oncology nurse at Advocate LutheranGeneral Hospital in Park Ridge,were selected.

The Nurse of the Year Award hasbeen presented annually since 1996to recognize a hematology-oncologynurse or nurses who give their time,compassion, and heart each andevery day to those touched byleukemia, lymphoma, andmyelodysplastic syndromes.The nominations are submittedby patients and families, as wellcolleagues and coworkers.

“The care that hematology/oncologynurses provide daily is nothing shortof amazing,” said Scott Kroman,chairman of the Nurse of the YearJudging committee and former boardpresident of the Leukemia ResearchFoundation.

Here’s what the nominators had tosay about the 2006 Nurses of theyear.

“. . . My daughter loves Susan andalways makes sure she is there whenwe go to clinic. Susan made us feellike we were the only family she hadto care for!”

“. . . Nothing stands in the way ofLisa’s determination to deliver thehighest-quality care to her highly-complicated patients. “We relyimmeasurably on her effervescentand tenacious spirit that gives so

many patients the hope anddirection they need to weather thestormiest of days.”

“. . . Alla takes care of leukemiapatients with care and expertise. Shealways gives 110% when she comesto work and is always advocating forthe patient.”

The winners received a nursingeducation grant as well as fundingfor a gift or program for her unit.

www.leukemia-research.org FALL 2006 9

N U R S E N O T E S

Nurses of the YearS U P P O R T F O R P A T I E N T S & F A M I L I E S

2006 Nurses of the Year (l to r) Alla Donets,Susan Burke and Lisa Dobogai.

This is part one of atwo-partserieswritten by

Lisa Dobogai, MS, APN,CNP, from the University ofIllinois Medical Center inChicago; one of this year’sHematology/OncologyNurses of the Year.

“There are so manythings that go through yourhead as a patient when youare being evaluated andeventually have a stemcell transplant. It can beintimidating, scary andoverwhelming in every waypossible. I often tell mypatients to think of theirillness and transplantexperience as a new fulltime job, because that isexactly what it becomes.It is a collaborationbetween the patient, familyand transplant team. Hereare some high points that any patient should be considering when possiblygoing for a transplant.”

INSURANCE/FINANCIAL ISSUES1. Does your insurance cover a stem cell transplant? 2. Which transplant centers are approved by your insurance companyto perform the procedure?3. Are there any limits to what insurance will pay? 4. What kind of patient’s expenses won’t insurance cover? 5. Does it cover anyexpenses such as travel or lodging for the patient or caregiver?6. Does it cover medications before and after the transplant? 7. Does your policy have an annual or a lifetime maximum? 8. Meet with the financial coordinator for the pro-gram you are evaluating todiscuss the financial impactof the transplant on youand your family. 9. Find organizations, like LRF, who have financial assistance programs available.

CHOOSING A TRANSPLANT CENTER1. How long has this trans-plant center been doingstem cell transplants? 2. Does this transplantcenter do transplants foryour disease? 3. How many transplantshas this center done foryour disease?4. Does this transplantcenter have experience withpatients your age? 5. Do the physicians haveexperience and specialtraining in transplant?6. What is the survival rateat this transplant center forpatients like you? 7. How important is thegeographic location to youand your family?8. What are your impressions after talkingwith or visiting with transplant center and meeting the team?

Look for part two of this series in the next issue of The Microscope, featuring emotional considerations andthe role of the caregiver.

Things to consider before having a bone marrow or stem cell transplant

10 FALL 2006 www.leukemia-research.org

A N N O U N C E M E N T S

TOWN HALL MEETINGIN SPANISH

Próxima ReuniónComunitaria Sobre LaLeucemia Y Linfoma

en Español

sábado, 28 de octubre 2006Saturday, October 28th1:00 pm until 4:00 pm

Gilda’s Club Chicago537 North Wells Street

FREE Parking

Para más información y/opara reservar su espacio,

llame a Jeanette Albarrán al312-464-9900.

FREE Town Hall Meeting on Leukemia and Lymphoma

Presented by The LeukemiaResearch Foundation

Sunday, January 28, 2007from 1:00pm – 4:00pm

The Westin O’Hare6100 River Road

Rosemont, IL

A panel of leading medicalexperts will be on hand toanswer questions from the

audience about the latest inresearch, treatment options

for children and adults, stem cell and bone marrow

transplants, and more. For more information call Linda at: 847-424-0600.

Coming in March 20073rd Annual

Bone Marrow, StemCell and Cord Blood

Transplant Conference

A FREE,One-of-a-Kind Program

specifically designedfor Patients and

Caregivers to provideinformation on availabletreatments for leukemia,

lymphoma and otherblood-related disorders.

Visit www.leukemia-research.org for more

details.

Have you SEENour website lately?Visit www.leukemia-research.org forinformation aboutevents, clinical trialsfinancial assistance, thelatest research funded,and much more!

LRF Chapters:

A La Vida

Andy's Chapter of Hope

The Dads’

Dan Barton Memorial

Danny's Team

Davidson-Brin

Diane Gaydos Memorial

Goland-Orenstein-Sherman

Somebody's Hero - Kathy

Meyers-Grabemann

J. Don Huels Memorial

Joey's Angels

John-O/Bright Eyes

Jonathan Michael Schatz

Nicholas Orjuela "Little Lefty"

Memorial

Pamela Beth Gerson

Lipinski-Callahan-Daly

North Suburban

Penny's Angels

Pessin

Suzanne's Friends~For Life

Troncozo

Valerie Cohen Memorial

Wolff-Berger-Croft-Kolodny

SAVE THE DATE!

www.leukemia-research.org FALL 2006 11

A N N O U N C E M E N T S

Holiday Cards benefiting the LRF are now on sale!

NEW THIS YEAR - The LRF is proud to introduce the online Holiday Card Store.Customers are able to customize verses, font and color and can even upload personal pictures to be placed on cards! Visit www.lrf.holidaycardstore.net<http://www.lrf.holidaycardstore.net/> to select from a large selection of cards,choose various customization options, and purchase holiday cards online.

Customers can also call 847-424-0600 to receive a brochure featuring cards not available for online purchase. Cards purchased online will be delivered within 3 days of receipt of payment. All cards will include this benefit message on the bottom:

“Proceeds from the sale of this card benefit the Leukemia Research Foundation.”60 Years of Commitment - Funding Research, Enriching Lives.

www.leukemia-research.org

For more information about the holiday card program, please call Dorothy at 708-599-5778.

It’s that time of year!

The 4th annual C-Quarter’sMarina Kingfish Shootouttook place September 23-24in Carrabelle, Fla.. More than100 fishing boats wereregistered for the event,which raised more than$120,000 for the LRF.Members of the Crowderfamily (from left) LindseyJackson, Jimmie Crowderand Leigh Jackson host theevent each year in honor ofLisa Crowder Jackson, wholost her battle with leukemiain 2002.

Kingfish Tournament Benefits the LRF

Harrer Park in Morton Grove, Ill. was the setting for Lapsfor Leukemia, hosted by Somebody’s Hero – The KathleenMeyers-Grabemann Chapter. Students from Golf MiddleSchool and Technology Center in Morton Grove helped theChapter raise more than $2,000 Saturday, September 16.

Laps for Leukemia

Choose from these andmany other festive designs!

Saturday, October 28Town Hall Meeting in Spanish

Thursday, November 9Rockin’ for a CureThe Dads’ Chapter

Sunday, January 28, 2007Town Hall Meeting

February 8-13, 2007Ski for ResearchThe Donald Davidson-Alan BrinMemorial Chapter

Saturday, March 17, 200728th Annual Charity AuctionWolff-Berger-Croft-Kolodny Chapter

Saturday, March 17, 20073rd Annual Bone Marrow, Stem Cell,Cord Blood Transplant Conference

Sunday, April 22, 20072nd Annual “Little Lefty” Kohl’sKids for a CureThe Nicholas Orjuela “Little Lefty”Memorial Chapter

Tuesday, April 24, 200735th Annual Fashion ShowLipinski-Callahan-DalyMemorial Chapter

Non-ProfitOrganization US Postage

PAIDEvanston, IL

Permit No. 221

2700 Patriot Blvd., Suite 100

Glenview, IL 60026-8021

Phone: 847-424-0600

Email: info@lrfmail.org

www.leukemia-research.org

C A L E N D A R

For information regarding anyof the listed events, pleasevisit our website atwww.leukemia-research.org,or call 847-424-0600.

You have received TheMicroscope, because yousupport the Foundation.Tounsubscribe to this newsletter,please call 847-424-0600.

You can receive TheMicroscope electronically!Just send your name ande-mail address toinfo@LRFmail.org. When thenewsletter is published, we’lle-mail you a link to the PDFfile on our website.

We welcome your suggestionsand submissions. Please callCarl Alston at 847-424-0600 ore-mail Carl@lrfmail.org toshare your input.

The men’s start of the ABC 7 Jim Gibbson 5KRun, 3K Walk, and Survivors’ Strut

LOO

K!