About
Blood Cancer United — formerly The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) — is a global leader in the fight against blood cancer. Headquartered in Rye Brook, New York, the organization funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world, provides free information and support services to patients and families, and advocates for access to quality, affordable, coordinated care for people affected by all 100+ types of blood cancer.
Mission
Blood Cancer United's mission is to cure blood cancer and improve the quality of life of all patients and their families. Its bold goal: by 2040, enable people with blood cancer to gain more than one million years of life.
What they do
- Funds blood cancer research worldwide through Blood Cancer United Research Grants, the Therapy Acceleration Program (TAP), and the Beat AML initiative
- Provides free education and one-on-one support, including Information Specialists (oncology social workers and nurses), a Clinical Trial Support Center, registered dietitians, support groups, and peer-to-peer programs
- Offers financial assistance, including the Patient Aid Program, Co-Pay Assistance Program, travel assistance programs, urgent need programs, medical debt case management, and scholarships for blood cancer survivors
- Advocates for policy change through its Office of Public Policy, working on treatment affordability, insurance quality, clinical trial access, and pediatric cancer issues
- Runs fundraising campaigns such as Light The Night, Big Climb, Visionaries of the Year, and the Dare to Dream Project for pediatric blood cancer
History
The organization began in 1949, when Rudolph and Antoinette de Villiers founded a fundraising and education organization in memory of their son Robert "Robbie" Roesler de Villiers, who died of leukemia in 1944 at age sixteen. The Robert Roesler de Villiers Foundation later became The Leukemia Society, then The Leukemia Society of America in the 1960s, and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in 2000. In 2025 it was renamed Blood Cancer United to represent all blood cancers.
Scale and impact
Blood Cancer United describes itself as the largest nonprofit funder of blood cancer research, having invested more than $2 billion in research since its founding and supporting over 100 scientists in the most recent year. It has provided $1.7 billion through more than 542,000 financial assistance grants, and its grassroots advocacy network includes more than 50,000 active online volunteers.
Financials
According to ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, for the fiscal year ending June 2025 the organization reported total revenue of $358.7 million, total expenses of $398.1 million, and total assets of $532.2 million. Contributions accounted for 87.9% of revenue.
Governance
Blood Cancer United Inc is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 13-5644916). E. Anders Kolb serves as President and CEO, and the organization is governed by a Board of Directors with research oversight committees and clinical advisors.