The Minnesota Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society currently serves individuals residing in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. We are committed to reaching out to patients with leukemia, Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma, as well as their families, friends and healthcare providers.
The chapter's Patient Services programs include:
First Connection
First Connection is a peer-to-peer support program for patients and family members in all stages of treatment and survival. Connections are made via telephone by trained volunteers who have been successfully treated for the same diagnosis. Patients and caregivers can learn coping skills and gain hope from the volunteer survivors who share their special perspective on the recovery process. Click here or contact our office if you would like to request a First Connection match or if you would like to become a trained volunteer.
Family Support Groups
The chapter currently sponsors Family Support Groups in Duluth, St. Paul, St. Louis Park, Robbinsdale and Sioux Falls, SD. We also have a telephone support group that meets in the comfort of your own home. The Family Support Group Program is based on the idea that open communication is critical for coping with all the feelings that arise during illness. The groups are facilitated by healthcare professionals. Patients, family members and friends affected by blood cancer are welcome to attend. All support groups are free. For more information about Family Support Groups, please click here or contact our office.
Patient Financial Aid
The Society provides limited financial assistance to help patients with a significant financial need. A maximum of a $150 stipend per year is available. Please click here or contact our office for an application or for more information.
Patient & Professional Education Programs
The Society is a beacon of help and guidance to all those touched by blood cancers. Educational programs on a variety of topics are offered free of charge to patients, caregivers and professionals. These programs can help clarify treatment options and strengthen decision-making and coping skills. If you are a health care professional and are interested in having an education program held at your organization, please let us know!
The Trish Greene Back to School Program for the Child with Cancer
The Trish Greene Back to School Program was developed to foster communication among healthcare professionals, parents, young patients and school personnel in preparation for a child's return to school after cancer treatment. Informative materials, videos, and a wealth of literature are available.
Information Resource Center
The Information Resource Center (IRC) provides patients, family members and healthcare professionals with the latest information on blood cancer. The Information Specialists, trained Master's level oncology professionals, are available by phone (800-955-4572) Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (CST). You can also reach the IRC via email (infocenter@lls.org) or live chat online at www.lls.org (click on "Live Help").
Advocacy
The need for blood cancer advocacy has never been greater. Opportunities to advance cancer cures are more promising than ever and public support is critical. We rely on the active involvement of volunteers to increase awareness of the needs of cancer patients among legislators at both the federal and state level. If you are interested in being a part of our Advocates Network, or learning more about advocacy in the Minnesota chapter, please click here.
For more information about our Patient Services programs, please contact:
Libby Gordon, Patient Services Manager
(763) 852-3012 or (888) 220-4440
Patient Financial Aid - The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society provides financial assistance to people with blood cancers. Learn more about the program here.First Connection FAQ's - Answers to the most commonly asked questions about the peer-to-peer support program, First Connection
Minnesota Family Support Groups - Learn more about family support groups offered in Minnesota.
More Info about Support! - Sign up to receive more information about any of our Family Support Groups.
Advocacy - Become an advocate for issues impacting blood cancer patients.
Registration - Sign up for a program.
Host an Education Program - Indicate your interest in hosting a educational program with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.