News

Lisle High School holiday fair benefits leukemia research

Posted November 06, 2008 10:00 pm

By Christie Willhite

Proceeds from the Holiday Craft Fair and Bake Sale at Lisle High School are split between the home and school organization and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Illinois. Courtesy of Marilyn Buchholz

If you'd like your charity, community organization or service group featured, contact Christie Willhite at (630) 955-3536 or cwillhite@dailyherald.com.

Often when people head to holiday craft fairs, they have one of two goals in mind: either find some original, handmade items to decorate with or give as gifts, or find some good ideas for your own crafting.

But when craft fair fans flock to Lisle High School on Sunday, Nov. 9, they'll be helping the bazaar organizers fulfill a completely different mission.

The fair aims to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Illinois chapter, while helping out the Lisle High School Home and School Organization. Proceeds from the fair are split between the two groups.

Marilyn Buchholz, a craft fair organizer, discusses the society's efforts.

Q. What is your mission?

A. To cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

Q. How do you work toward accomplishing that goal?

A. We raise money through various events to support blood cancer research and patient services. We have many programs for patients such as support groups, patient financial aid and workshops that address survivorship issues. Our First Connection program links newly diagnosed patients to a peer volunteer who has experienced a similar diagnosis. Another program is the Trish Greene Back to School program for children with cancer, which was designed to increase communication among health care professionals, parents, patients and school personnel to assure youngsters a smooth transition from active treatment back to school.

Q. Who do you serve?

A. We serve all people who are diagnosed with these blood-related cancers and their families.

Q. When and why did the organization start? How has it grown?

A. The organization began in 1949 when Rudolph and Antoinette de Villiers started a small fundraising and education organization in honor of their son, who died from leukemia in 1944. The foundation grew steadily, opening its first chapters in the New York City area. The name was changed to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in 2000 to reflect its commitment to curing all blood cancers. Since then, the society has been developing new initiatives that have strengthened the organization's role as the leading private funder of blood cancer research and provider of programs for patients and their families.

Q. What kind of successes have you had?

A. 864 patients were educated last year; 362 received Patient Aid last year; 136 received First Connections from Illinois; 236 attended our Family Support Groups; 1598 patients served by Patient Service Programs in Illinois in the last fiscal year.

Q. What challenges does the society currently face?

A. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is trying to increase the public's awareness of its numerous programs and services for cancer patients. There is a challenge to increase the level of fundraising each year for these programs and for blood cancer research.

Q. What do you wish the community at large knew about the society?

A. Funding from generous donors means that the society is able to identify promising young researchers and help support their work. Researchers and scientific advisers who have been affiliated with the society include Joseph Burchenal, who established the chemotherapy program at New York's Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, now the standard model around the world; Brian Druker, a leader in the development of Gleevec, a revolutionary nontoxic pill that treats chronic myelogenous leukemia and other cancers; and E. Donnall Thomas, a co-recipient of the 1990 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine and the first scientist to successfully perform a bone-marrow transplant between two humans.

Q. How can readers get involved?

A. There are numerous ways you can get involved with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. You can make a contribution or get involved with one of our fundraising events such as the Light the Night Walk, Team in Training and School and Youth programs. You also can volunteer with Patient Services and family support groups or become an advocate for the society. Whatever your interest, there's a way for you to get involved, have fun and accelerate cures. To find out more visit the Illinois chapter's Web site at lls.org/il.

Vital statistics

Number of contacts per year: More than 800 patients, families and professionals contacted the Illinois chapter patient services for blood cancer information and referrals between July 1, 2007, and July 1, 2008.

Annual budget: The Illinois chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society puts $4 million a year directly to blood cancer research

Sources of funding: Fundraising through events and programs such as the Light The Night Walks, Team in Training, School and Youth programs, The Leukemia Cup Regatta and Man & Woman of the Year along with the Donor Development department

Amount raised: We have raised $2,200 for the Lisle High School HSO and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in the past three years

Number of full-time employees: 34 full-time employees at the Illinois chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

To donate to the craft fair and bake sale: Make checks payable to Lisle Sr. High School HSO, Lisle High School, c/o Marilyn Buchholz, 1800 Short St., Lisle, IL 60532

To volunteer for the craft fair and bake sale: (630) 355-9863 or mbuchholz@lisle202.org

Info: (630) 493-8212, lightthenight.org/il or lisle202.org

More than 30 crafters will display their wares at the Lisle High School holiday fair. Courtesy of Marilyn Buchholz

Visitors to the Holiday Craft Fair and Bake Sale can learn about the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at a table highlighting fundraising events. Courtesy of Marilyn Buchholz

Holiday Craft Fair & Bake Sale What: More than 30 crafters, a bake sale and visits with Santa Why: To benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and the Lisle High School Home and School Organization Details: 50 percent of the proceeds will support research for leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma and other blood-related cancers; 50 percent will go the Lisle High School HSO When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 9 Where: Lisle High School, 1800 Short St. Admission: $2 Info: (630) 355-9863

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