Where Are The Donations Going? Blood Cancer United aka LLS

Introduction

Where do your donations really go, and how do they make a difference? This is a question worth asking, and one I can answer from deeply personal experience. As the owner of The Smelly Panda Soap Company and a lymphoma survivor, I understand firsthand the critical importance of organizations like Blood Cancer United, formerly known as the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). From discovering what is Blood Cancer United and learning what does LLS stand for to understanding how does Blood Cancer United support survivors and exploring what is lymphoma awareness, this personal journey reveals the real impact of your support. Learn about cancer survivor stories, discover how donations help blood cancer research, explore patient support programs, and understand how eco-friendly self-care and healthy changes align with supporting a cause that truly matters. This is my story, and the story of countless others whose lives have been transformed by Blood Cancer United.

My Personal Journey

Before diving into where donations go, let me share why this matters so much to me.

My Diagnosis

A life-changing moment:

• Diagnosed with a rare form of lymphoma
• Life turned upside down
• Fear, uncertainty, and questions
• Need for support and information
• Journey as a cancer survivor began

Why Skincare Matters

The connection between cancer and what we put on our bodies:

• What goes ONTO our bodies is as important as what goes INTO them
• Chemotherapy and treatments make skin sensitive
• Harsh chemicals can irritate compromised skin
• Natural, gentle products become essential
• Eco-friendly self-care supports overall health
• Healthy changes start with conscious choices

The Smelly Panda Mission

Born from personal experience:

• Create natural, gentle skincare products
• Support cancer survivors and awareness
• Give back to organizations that help
• Promote eco-friendly, healthy living
• Make a difference beyond business

What Is Blood Cancer United?

Understanding this vital organization.

What Does LLS Stand For?

The history and evolution:

• Original name: Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS)
• New name: Blood Cancer United
• Founded: 1949
• Mission: Cure blood cancers and improve patient quality of life
• Scope: Leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other blood cancers
• Impact: Millions of lives touched

Why the Name Change?

Evolution to better reflect mission:

• More inclusive of all blood cancers
• Reflects broader scope of work
• Emphasizes unity in the fight
• Modern, forward-looking identity
• Same mission, expanded vision

The Mission

What Blood Cancer United stands for:

• Fund blood cancer research
• Provide patient support and education
• Advocate for patients and families
• Improve quality of life for survivors
• Work toward a world without blood cancers

Where Are the Donations Going?

Transparency about how your support makes a difference.

Blood Cancer Research

Funding that saves lives:

Research Grants

• Funding for promising research projects
• Support for clinical trials
• Development of new treatments
• Improved therapies and outcomes
• Hope for future cures

Breakthrough Therapies

• Blood Cancer United has funded research leading to:
• Targeted therapies
• Immunotherapies
• CAR T-cell therapy
• Precision medicine approaches
• Improved survival rates

Impact

• Over $1.6 billion invested in research since 1949
• Contributed to nearly every major breakthrough
• Survival rates have doubled, tripled, or even quadrupled
• Continues to fund cutting-edge research

Patient Support Programs

Direct help for those fighting blood cancers:

Information and Education

• Free information resources
• Educational materials about blood cancers
• Treatment information
• Help understanding diagnosis
• Guidance through treatment journey

Financial Assistance

• Co-pay assistance programs
• Travel assistance for treatment
• Help with medication costs
• Support during financial hardship
• Reduces burden of cancer costs

Emotional Support

• Support groups for patients and families
• One-on-one peer support
• Connection with other survivors
• Emotional guidance through journey
• Community and understanding

Information Specialists

• Free access to trained specialists
• Answer questions about blood cancers
• Help navigate treatment options
• Connect to resources
• Available by phone

Advocacy and Policy

Fighting for patients' rights:

• Advocate for patient access to care
• Push for insurance coverage of treatments
• Support legislation benefiting patients
• Ensure patient voices are heard
• Work to improve healthcare system

Awareness and Education

Spreading knowledge saves lives:

• Lymphoma awareness campaigns
• Education about blood cancer symptoms
• Importance of early detection
• Community outreach programs
• Public education initiatives

How Does Blood Cancer United Support Survivors?

The comprehensive support system.

Throughout the Journey

Support at every stage:

At Diagnosis

• Information about your specific cancer
• Help understanding treatment options
• Connection to specialists
• Emotional support during shock
• Guidance on next steps

During Treatment

• Financial assistance programs
• Information about side effects
• Support groups
• Help navigating healthcare system
• Resources for caregivers

After Treatment

• Survivorship resources
• Long-term health monitoring guidance
• Support for late effects
• Community of survivors
• Continued advocacy

My Personal Experience

How Blood Cancer United helped me:

• Provided crucial information about my rare lymphoma
• Connected me with other survivors
• Offered emotional support during treatment
• Helped me understand my options
• Gave me hope and community
• Continues to support my journey

What Is Lymphoma Awareness?

Understanding and spreading knowledge about lymphoma.

What Is Lymphoma?

The basics:

• Type: Blood cancer affecting lymphatic system
• Two main types: Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
• Many subtypes: Over 70 different types
• Symptoms: Swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, fever, night sweats, weight loss
• Treatment: Varies by type and stage

Why Awareness Matters

Knowledge saves lives:

• Early detection improves outcomes
• Understanding symptoms leads to earlier diagnosis
• Reduces stigma around cancer
• Increases support for research
• Builds community for survivors
• Educates public about blood cancers

Spreading Awareness

How you can help:

• Share information about lymphoma
• Support Lymphoma Awareness Month (September)
• Participate in awareness events
• Donate to Blood Cancer United
• Share survivor stories
• Educate others about symptoms

Cancer Survivor Stories

The power of shared experiences.

Why Stories Matter

Connection and hope:

• Survivors inspire others
• Shared experiences reduce isolation
• Provide hope during dark times
• Show that survival is possible
• Create community and understanding
• Humanize statistics

My Story

From diagnosis to advocacy:

• Rare lymphoma diagnosis changed my life
• Treatment journey was challenging
• Support from Blood Cancer United was crucial
• Inspired creation of The Smelly Panda Soap Company
• Now give back through donations and awareness
• Use my business to support the cause

The Impact of Sharing

Why I share my story:

• Help others feel less alone
• Raise awareness about lymphoma
• Show that life continues after cancer
• Inspire support for Blood Cancer United
• Connect with other survivors
• Turn my experience into positive impact

Eco-Friendly Self-Care and Healthy Changes

How conscious choices support overall wellness.

The Connection

Why it matters for cancer survivors and everyone:

• What we put on our bodies affects our health
• Harsh chemicals can harm sensitive skin
• Natural products are gentler
• Eco-friendly choices support planet health
• Healthy changes create better quality of life
• Self-care is essential for wellness

Eco-Friendly Self-Care

Making conscious choices:

• Choose natural, plant-based products
• Avoid harsh chemicals and synthetics
• Support sustainable, eco-friendly brands
• Use products safe for you and environment
• Practice self-care that aligns with values

Healthy Changes

Supporting overall wellness:

• Eat nutritious, whole foods
• Stay active and exercise
• Manage stress
• Get adequate sleep
• Use natural personal care products
• Create healthy environment
• Support your body's healing

The Smelly Panda Approach

Our commitment:

• Natural, gentle soap and skincare
• No harsh chemicals or synthetics
• Eco-friendly and sustainable
• Safe for sensitive skin
• Support for cancer awareness
• Portion of sales donated to Blood Cancer United

How You Can Support Blood Cancer United

Making a difference together.

Direct Donations

Give to the cause:

• One-time donations
• Monthly giving programs
• Memorial or honor gifts
• Workplace giving
• Planned giving

Participate in Events

Get involved:

• Light The Night walks
• Team In Training endurance events
• Local fundraising events
• Virtual events
• Create your own fundraiser

Purchase from The Smelly Panda

Support through shopping:

• Percentage of sales donated to Blood Cancer United
• Get quality natural products
• Support small business
• Contribute to cancer research and support
• Practice eco-friendly self-care
• Make your purchase matter

Spread Awareness

Education makes a difference:

• Share information about blood cancers
• Tell others about Blood Cancer United
• Share survivor stories
• Participate in awareness campaigns
• Educate about symptoms and early detection

Volunteer

Give your time:

• Volunteer at events
• Become a peer supporter
• Help with local chapter
• Share your skills
• Make direct impact

The Impact of Your Support

Real results from donations.

Lives Saved

Measurable impact:

• Survival rates have dramatically improved
• New treatments developed
• More patients living longer, better lives
• Hope for future cures
• Every donation makes a difference

Patients Supported

Direct help:

• Thousands receive financial assistance
• Millions access free information
• Support groups help countless families
• No one fights alone
• Community and resources available

Research Advanced

Progress toward cures:

• Groundbreaking research funded
• Clinical trials supported
• New therapies developed
• Better understanding of blood cancers
• Closer to cures every day

Final Thoughts

So where are the donations going? They're going to research that saves lives, support that helps patients and families navigate the cancer journey, advocacy that ensures access to care, and awareness that leads to earlier detection and better outcomes. Understanding what is Blood Cancer United and what does LLS stand for reveals an organization with a 75-year history of transforming the landscape of blood cancer treatment and support.

Learning how does Blood Cancer United support survivors shows the comprehensive network of resources, from information specialists and financial assistance to support groups and survivorship programs, that help patients at every stage of their journey. Discovering what is lymphoma awareness reveals why education and understanding matter so much—knowledge truly saves lives.

As a cancer survivor, I can tell you firsthand that Blood Cancer United makes a real, tangible difference. The support, information, and hope they provide are invaluable. The research they fund leads to the treatments that save lives—including mine. Every donation, every awareness campaign, every shared story contributes to a world where blood cancers are more treatable, more survivable, and one day, curable.

My journey with lymphoma led me to create The Smelly Panda Soap Company with a mission that goes beyond business. Understanding that what goes onto our bodies is as important as what goes into them, I'm committed to creating natural, eco-friendly self-care products that are gentle on sensitive skin while supporting healthy changes and overall wellness. And I'm equally committed to giving back to the organization that supported me—Blood Cancer United.

When you purchase from The Smelly Panda Soap Company, you're not just getting quality natural soap and skincare—you're supporting blood cancer research, patient programs, and awareness. You're joining a community of people who believe in making a difference. You're helping ensure that others facing a blood cancer diagnosis have the support, information, and hope they need.

Thank you for caring about where donations go. Thank you for supporting causes that matter. Thank you for choosing eco-friendly self-care that aligns with your values. And thank you for being part of the fight against blood cancer. Together, we're making a difference—one bar of soap, one donation, one life at a time. 💜