Libby Gordon Addresses St Paul Group

Meeting of the St Paul Myeloma Support Group
June 9, 2010

The speaker was Libby Gordon from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). The LLS covers all blood cancers, including myeloma, and is a very robust organization with a variety of programs. Locally, the LLS office is staffed by 29 fundraisers and Libby, who is the Patient Services Manager.

• Financial Grants:
  
  
  • Every patient can receive $150 each year by submitting a one-page form, no income requirements. This is no longer a reimbursement program.
    
  • The LLS budget year ends June 30, so apply before July 1 and then again in July or later.
  
  
• Co-pay assistance:
  
  
  • This reimbursement program does take income into consideration.
    
  • Patient must have insurance and meet income requirements.
    
  • It can pay up to $10,000 per year.
    
  • Usually they pay the co-pay directly.
    
  • The application may be made on-line or by the phone.
  
  
• Other programs for patients:
  
  
  • There are many educational booklets, either on-line or by mail. Cancer, nutrition, finances, ...
    
  • LLS does lots of teleconferences on various subjects.
    
  • "First Connection:" This program matches a patient with another myeloma survivor - a mentor, more or less. A First Connection can be requested on line or by phone.
    
  • Information resource center, a toll-free hot line for answers to any questions. They can look for appropriate nearby clinical trials, support groups, and more, including medical questions. They can also answer financial questions. They have voice mail - you can leave a question 24/7.
    
  • There is a quarterly newsletter.
  
  
• Fundraising: LLS does not actively solicit funds from patients, but anyone might especially enjoy "Light the Night," September 26 at the new Target Field. It includes illuminated balloons, various colors, with survivors white, support red, etc. Festivities begin at 5:00 pm, the walk at 7:00, maybe a mile, inside the stadium.

Thanks to Libby for her presentation, and thanks to the LLS.