Our Mission
The Children’s Leukemia Research Association, established in 1965, is driven by our mission to support research efforts towards finding the causes and a cure for leukemia and to assist families in meeting the financial obligations incurred in treatment.
We are proud to be part of this revolutionary scientific research.
We know there are cures and improved treatment options on the horizon..
With your support, we are getting closer every day.
We’re able to help more patients with their medical bills.
We’re able to support the research that is changing lives.
And we cannot do this without you.
Our work is sustained by the generosity of compassionate donors who share our commitment to aiding blood cancer patients and advancing research towards the eradication of leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood-related disorders.
Your support is not only essential but deeply appreciated in the pursuit of our mission.
Watch to learn about our story
Who We Help
Since its inception in the early 2000s, the Children’s Leukemia Research Association has served as a beacon of hope for those confronting blood cancer. Our commitment extends beyond emotional support; we provide vital financial assistance for medical expenses, including prescription copays and treatment-related costs.
The staggering reality is that within the first three years of diagnosis, a blood cancer patient may face an overwhelming financial burden, with treatment costs alone ranging from $200,000 to $800,000.
In this challenging landscape, our mission is crystal clear: no individual should have to endure the additional stress of worrying about medical bills. It’s through your unwavering support that we can offer tangible assistance to patients and drive progress in treatment and research endeavors.
- Since 2001, our CLRA Patient Aid Program has disbursed $1.6 million in co-pay reimbursements, aiding 600 patients battling blood cancer and related diseases.
- In 2022, we supported 120 patients across 26 states, reimbursing over $240,000 in medical expenses.
- The following year in 2023, our reach expanded to 140 patients in 28 states, with reimbursements exceeding $250,000.
These numbers underscore our commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by blood cancer. While not every journey ends in remission, our resolve remains unshakable. Backed by the Children’s Leukemia Research Association, researchers are tirelessly exploring the intricacies of tumors and leveraging the power of human genome sequencing to uncover the root causes of blood cancer. This avenue of exploration offers a beacon of hope, promising more effective treatments and ultimately life-saving cures.
Learn more about our Research Grant Program and join us in our pursuit of a future free from the grips of blood cancer.
Patients
Made possible through the generosity of our donors, the CLRA Patient Aid Program has provided $1.8 million in co-pay reimbursements assistance, consisting of medical bills for treatments and medications including chemotherapy, IVIG, antibiotics, vitamins, and more.
Researchers
For almost 60 years, Children’s Leukemia Research Association has been on the leading edge of leukemia research. We have supported projects at more than 55 different institutions with more than $5,000,000 of grant money to support the most promising leukemia/blood cancer research that is not duplicated elsewhere.
Our Stories Illustrate the Impact
Three Words By Theresa S.
“Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Oh my Gosh…..
I love you
You’ve got this
We need help
There are grants?
Here for you
You are approved
Aid in mail
Thank you CLRA
Ring the bell
Still in treatment
Long maintenance phase
Still here Theresa
More resources available
Aid in mail
Thank you CLRA“
-Theresa S.
Research grant recipient, Dr. Zakrzewski an Associate Member of the Center for Discovery and Innovation and a Pediatric Stem Cell Transplant Attending Physician at Hackensack University Medical Center was interviewed recently. Dr. Zakrzewski said, “CLRA has really helped us to speed things up in 2022.” Watch the complete interview.
-Dr. Zakrzewski, Research Grant Recipient
“Last year, at 80 years of age, I was diagnosed with Mantle Cell Lymphoma. The news was devastating to myself and my family.
The medical bills were overwhelming me. The stress of the cancer fight is enough and having to deal with financial worries on top of it all was a lot to deal with.
My daughter found CLRA. I was so happy when she informed me that I had help with my bills. I can’t thank you enough for your help in my fight against MCL. I just received news this week that I am in remission!”
-Andy C., MCL patient
“Children’s Leukemia Research Association has been very helpful with the financial burden of MDS. They have provided financial help for co-pays related to my MDS. They have also promptly responded to messages I have left. I’m thankful for the support.”
Fran, MDS Patient
“My CML diagnosis was stunning to me and my family. I had to stop working permanently. The financial strain was overwhelming. I had exhausted my savings on co-payments for treatment.
My oncology team worked with Ms. Tara and I was successfully enrolled in the program. It means the world to me that Children’s Leukemia Research Association was able to assist me and my family in a critical time of need. I can’t thank you enough for your support.”
Carlton, CML Patient
“My child Mason was diagnosed with leukemia. A lot of times people don’t realize the cost of childhood cancer. My wife had to stop working so we are on one income. Some of the treatments are not covered by insurance. We weren’t ready emotionally or financially. It’s good to have the support of the Children’s Leukemia Research Association. They are a much-needed resource. We are grateful for what they have done for our family.”
Arthur, father of a child diagnosed with Leukemia
There are many options available but when a patient with leukemia relapses, as 20-30% do, there aren’t a lot of therapies available. We need to do better. With the grant from the Children’s Leukemia Research Association, our lab was able to research and identify a novel targeted therapy for leukemia. Our lab is able to model the human anatomy so that we can study leukemia-related tumors.”
Daniel Herranz, Assistant Professor at Rutgers Cancer Institute
is focused on finding novel therapies for blood cancers.
“The Children’s Leukemia Research Association is always there for the patients. They help us get past their bills. I never thought I would be in this situation and I am grateful every day. I am not a number. The team at CLRA is supportive and kind. They always answer the phone and email to check on me. They are appreciated more than they know.”
Angie is a mother, a Multiple Myeloma patient, and a recipient of CLRA funds to help cover medical expenses.
