December 24, 2019

Happy holidays from the whole team at the CLL Society.

In this season of miracles, we wish everyone the miracle of a complete healing.

Please consider making a tax deductible donation to the CLL Society. Donate now!

This year, someone you know or someone you do not know will need the critical support that the CLL Society provides. THANK YOU!

New this week!

“After years of battling CLL, Dr. Brian Koffman underwent an experimental immunotherapy that has now left him without a single trace of malignancy detectable in his entire body. This week’s @HiddenForcesPod is the story of that miraculous journey. https://t.co/vTsr5lPzaA.” He was interviewed by Demetri Kofinas in Manhattan for his internationally recognized podcast. Please give a listen.

Dr. Koffman continues his countdown of the top 10 ASCO abstracts related to CLL. Here are numbers 4 and 3.

In this brief video review of his #4 of his top 10 CLL abstracts from ASCO 2019, he brings the reassuring news that lowering or holding doses of duvelisib did not appear to lessen its efficacy in relapsed/refractory CLL.

He also shares the good news from ASCO 2019 that 2/3 of the relapsed/refractory CLL patients who were intolerant of ibrutinib were doing well over a year and half out after switching to acalabrutinib. Watch Dr. Koffman’s video review here of his pick #3.

The CLL Society Tribune has been Released!

If you haven’t read all the articles on our last Tribune, please take a look including our report on the website survey and your chance to share your biggest wishes for 2020, and our amazing Ask the Expert’s answers to all your questions, plus Dr. LeClair on Normal Lab Values and Dr. Koffman’s “Did you Know” on progress in CLL, and his interview with Dr. Neil Kay on complex karyotypes.

Which is perfect segue to thank our amazing panel of medical experts that make sure all our info is accurate and on target. Please check out all the doctors and others who volunteer to help us out here.

We are so blessed. Thank you all for your readership and support.

Blessings to all.

Remember CLL Society when you holiday shop!

Don’t forget you can support CLL Society at no cost to you! How? Simply type smile.amazon.com into your browser and select “CLL Society” as your charity. Shop like you normally do, and Amazon will automatically donate a portion of the purchase price to CLL Society.

These small amounts add up, and we are so grateful for every dollar, which will help us provide important education and services to the CLL patient community.

Of course, you can always make a direct donation as well.

For those already donating through Amazon Smile, THANK YOU!

The 1st 2020 post ASH Patient Educational Forum at City Of Hope on Jan. 11

We are excited to be returning to City of Hope on the morning of January 11 for our 5th Annual Post ASH Patient and Caregiver Education Forum featuring the latest news from ASH presented by, among others, CLL superstars, Drs. Rosen and Danilov. View more information and register here for this free CLL-specific educational forum.

Test Before Treat™

Test Before Treat™ CLL Experts, Doctors Mato, Stilgenbauer, Furman, Jain, and Davids endorse Test Before Treat™. Find out what you need to know before every treatment.

Download the Test Before Treat™ one-pager to discuss with your doctor. Pick up one of our free, informative, bright red Test Before Treat™ bracelets at any one of our 2020 Patient Educational Forums.

As part of our campaign for Test Before Treat™ to make all patients aware of the importance of testing before treatment, we are looking for your statement on how your testing before treatment, or sadly, the lack thereof, influenced your CLL management. Please drop us one or two lines at support@cllsociety.org.

Patients and Caregivers Needed for Surveys

Pillar Patient Advocates has a paid ($150) opportunity for 24 patients of varying stages of CLL, who have been diagnosed within the past three years. Find out more here.

Focus Pointe Global is currently recruiting CLL patients for an upcoming medical conditions study. Compensation potential of $1000+. Find out more here.

Our CLL Experts Will See You Online!

Would you like a second look at your CLL? A generous grant funds our Expert Access Program, allowing you to see a world-renowned CLL physician- at no cost- for a second opinion, using our easy online platform. This program is open to all U.S. patients with a CLL diagnosis, and you are welcome to apply here. If you have used the program before, you may reapply if you need new clinical advice.

CLL Society Support Group Meetings Coming Up!

Northeast Ohio CLL Patient Support Group – December 24 @ 7:00 pm

Boston CLL Patient Support Group – December 28 @ 1:00 pm

Long Island CLL Support Group – January 2, 2020 @ 6:45 pm

Special announcement: the Central Florida, Dallas, Denver, Milwaukee, Nashville, Orlando, Portland, Rochester, Washington DC-area, West LA, and Western North Carolina CLL Support Groups will not be meeting in the month of December.

Visit our website for the most up-to-date information on all CLL Society support group meetings.

Lymphoma Research Foundation Meetings

Thursday, January 16, 2020 from 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM in Coral Gables, FL

The Lymphoma Research Foundation invites you to attend a FREE program: Ask the Doctor About Lymphoma: Updates on Lymphoma and Treatment Options at the Hyatt Regency Coral Gables, featuring Craig Moskowitz, MD from University of Miami Health System. Find out more information and register here.

Thursday, January 16, 2020 from 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM in The Villages, FL

The Lymphoma Research Foundation invites you to attend a FREE program: Ask the Doctor About Lymphoma: Updates on Lymphoma and Treatment Options at the The Waterfront Inn, featuring Jennifer Cultrera, MD from Florida Cancer Specialists. Find out more information and register here.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Meetings

The CLL Information & Support Group of Rockland County NY – January 2, 2020 @ 7:00 pm

Saturday, January 25, 2020 from 9:30 AM to 3:45 PM in San Francisco, CA

LLS invites you to attend the Northern California Blood Cancer Conference 2020 being held at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco. This event is free but registration is required. Find out more information and register here.

Saturday, February 29, 2020 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM in Fort Lauderdale, FL

LLS invites you to attend the Florida Blood Cancer Conference being held at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa. This event is free but registration is required. Find out more information and register here.