Welcome to the Wisconsin Patient Services Page! The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) is committed to reaching out to those with leukemia, Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, myeloma and MDS in meaningful ways. Many programs have been developed to meet the needs of patients, families and healthcare professionals.

To find out more about these programs in Wisconsin, please contact the Patient Services staff: Sandy Lardinois, MSW at (262) 785-4220 or (800) 261-7399 ext. 2, via email at: sandra.lardinois@lls.org or Barbara Nehls-Lowe, MPH, (800) 901-0771, ext.1, via e-mail at: barbara.nehls-lowe@lls.org.

Family Support Groups
Consider a discussion group to meet with others who understand the importance to gather to exchange information, and to provide mutual support, comfort, and friendship. Speakers present at most meetings. Refreshments served and there is no charge. Contact person: Sandy Lardinois at (800) 261-7399, ext. 2 or sandra.lardinois@lls.org. See the link below for more details.

First Connection
First Connection matches newly diagnosed patients with a selected peer who has survived a similar diagnosis. The peer provides a sense of empathy, an understanding ear, and important resource information. To receive information on how to be matched with a trained volunteer or to become a volunteer yourself, please call Sandy at (262) 785-4220 or (800) 261-7399 ext. 2.

Patient Financial Aid
Two separate financial aid programs provide financial support to patients with blood cancers. The Society's Patient Financial Aid Program offers reimbursement up to $150 per year to help patients offset expenses. Receipts are no longer required. To apply, the patient must be a U.S. resident and be in active treatment or ongoing medical follow-up for leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma or myelodysplastic syndromes or another blood cancer. The patients' physician must complete and sign the bottom portion of the application form.  The patient must return the completed application to LLS, 200 S. Executive Dr., Suite 203, Brookfield, WI  53005, attn: Sandy. The Patient Financial Aid program begins each July 1 and ends each June 30.  Patients must reapply every year (after June 30th).  As always, reimbursement is based on fund availability. 

The Society's Co-Pay Assistance Program offers financial support towards the cost of insurance co-payments and/or insurance premium costs for prescription drugs up to $5.000 per year.  There are eligibiltiy requirments.  This applies as long as funds are available.. Please call the chapter at (262) 785-4220 or (800) 261-7399 ext. 2 for more information about these two programs. Or call the Co-Pay Program directly at 877-557-2672 or visit: www.LLS.org/copay.

The Trish Greene Back to School Program for the Child with Cancer
The LLS's Back-to-School initiative is designed to ensure that help going back to school is available for all children with cancer. We provide information and resources for parents, teachers, and other school personnel and healthcare professionals to ease the transition of a student returning to school after a cancer diagnosis. Please see the information under Patient Education about the next Childhood Cancer: Easing the Transition Back to School conference.

The Society provides free information including literature, posters, videos and educational programs. Information is available through the chapter office as well as through our national Information Resource Center (IRC) at (800) 955-4572.

The Chapter offers the following free public educational programs

        Accessing Financial Resources for Patients with Cancer - for hc  providers, Sept. 19, 2009, Madison

        Annual Full Day Conference on Myeloma for Patients and HC Providers - October 3, 2009, Pewaukee

• Cancer Clinical Trials-
• Childhood Cancer: Easing the Transition Back to School
• Exploring Myeloma Workshops

Please call the Chapter at (800) 261-7399  ext. 2 or visit the calendar page for program dates, times, and locations. Many of these programs are appropriate for health professionals as well and offer free CEUs for nurses and social workers. Many educational programs are available via teleconference and webcasts through our Home Office. Call the IRC for more details at (800) 955-4572.

Advocacy
The goal of our Advocacy Program is to achieve increased governmental cancer research funding and to improve public health policy to benefit individuals that have been diagnosed with cancer. Call the chapter to get involved as an advocate. Let your voice be heard. Contact person: Barbara Nehls-Lowe, (800) 901-0771, ext. 1 or barbara.nehls-lowe@lls.org. Also, please visit our online Legislative Action Center today at www.lls.org.

The IRC, located in the Home Office in White Plains, NY, offers accurate and current disease-related and coping information on blood cancers. The IRC maintains a library of resources, free publications, and the option to speak directly to IRC information specialists, who are social workers, nurses, and health educators. They are available to speak with callers Monday through Friday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Eastern time, at (800) 955-4572. Information specialists will respond to email requests at infocenter@lls.org. You may also call (800) 261-7399 for information about programs and services in your community.

Help the Wisconsin Chapter at special events, educational programs, in the office, and with many other actitivies. Call the chapter office for more information. You can make a difference in the lives of others!

All of the above services are supported entirely by your donations. The chapter hosts many fundraising events throughout the year. Special events for this year include: Light the Night Walk in multiple locations, Man Woman of the Year Campaign, Team in Training, Scenic Shore 150, Radiothons, Golf Events, and Pennies for Patients. If you are interested in participating in any of these events, please call 800-261-7399.

Wisconsin Family Support Groups - Join patients and supporters in a friendly and caring environment for discussion and information.

Honored Patient Program - Honored Patient Program

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