Contact: Andrea Greif, (914) 821-8958, andrea.greif@lls.org

WHITE PLAINS, NY, April 10, 2008 - The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) has appointed John Walter as its president and chief executive officer, with the task of leading the world's largest organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research as it strives to find cures and prolong and enhance the lives of  patients with leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma.

Walter, who has been with LLS since 1995, most recently as chief operating officer, succeeds Dwayne Howell, Ph.D., who retired in February.

"After conducting a nationwide search, the LLS Board of Directors agreed that John Walter was the best candidate to steer us as we move toward achieving our mission of curing blood cancers and improving the lives of patients and their families," said LLS Chairman David Frantze. "The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is a $300 million plus organization committed to identifying the best scientists in the world in the field of blood cancer research and providing the funding to help them find cures and better therapies.  In John, we have somebody at the helm with the vision and leadership qualities to provide support for our patients in their journey dealing with these devastating diseases."

Walter started his career at LLS as senior vice president of finance and information technology, during which time he enhanced the efficiencies and internal controls of the organization by centralizing all finance and treasury operations in the United States and Canada. He also established LLS's information technology and Web functions.

He served as chief financial officer, and then, as executive vice president, strategic alliances and new business development, he designed and implemented LLS's Co-Pay Assistance Program, a service that helps blood cancer patients with their health insurance premiums and prescription drug co-pays.

He came to LLS from the March of Dimes, where he worked for nine years. He had previously worked at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette and at Bristol-Myers Squibb, where he had broad international experience.

About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, headquartered in White Plains, NY, with 68 chapters in the United States and Canada, is the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education and patient services. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Since its founding in 1949, LLS has invested more than $550 million in research specifically targeting leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Last year alone, LLS made 5.1 million contacts with patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals.

For more information about blood cancer, visit www.LLS.org or call the LLS
Information Resource Center (IRC), a call center staffed by master's level social workers, nurses and health educators who provide information, support and resources to patients and their families and caregivers. IRC information specialists are available at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.