Our Mission
The Children’s Leukemia Research Association, established in 1965, is driven by a clear and vital mission: to advance the cause against blood cancer through research, with a focus on identifying its origins and developing curative solutions for leukemia and related blood disorders. Additionally, we extend our unwavering support to families grappling with the financial challenges of blood cancer-related expenses, both for children and adults.
The burden of cancer often brings unforeseen financial strain. Families suddenly find themselves grappling with mounting medical bills, reduced incomes due to caregiving responsibilities, and the necessity for one spouse to cease working during treatment. For many, cancer becomes synonymous with overwhelming financial stress.
At the Children’s Leukemia Research Association, we stand as a steadfast resource for families facing these trying circumstances and an integral catalyst for the progression of blood cancer research. Our operations are 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.
We are proud to be part of this revolutionary scientific research.
We know there are cures 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.
Watch to learn about our story
Who We Help
Since the early 2000s, the Children’s Leukemia Research Association has been a beacon of hope for individuals battling blood cancer. We extend vital support by covering medical expenses, including prescription copays and treatment-related costs, recognizing that cancer-related medical bills can place an immense financial burden on patients and their families.
WITHIN THE FIRST THREE YEARS FOLLOWING A DIAGNOSIS, A BLOOD CANCER PATIENT CAN EXPECT TO PAY ANYWHERE BETWEEN $200,000 to $800,000 ON TREATMENT ALONE.
In the challenging landscape of blood cancer treatment, our mission is clear: no one should have to worry about how their medical bills will be paid. Your invaluable support empowers us to help patients and propel advancements in treatments and cures.
- Since 2001, the CLRA Patient Aid Program has provided $1.4 million in co-pay reimbursements assistance to 600 patients with blood cancer and related diseases.
- 85 patients in 25 states were supported in the 2020/2021 fiscal year.
- 102 patients in 26 states were supported in 2020 at the height of the pandemic.
- 120 patients in 26 states were supported in 2022 with a record total of reimbursement over $240,000.
Remarkable progress is being made in the field of blood cancer research, with extended lives and saved lives standing as testament to these efforts. While not every patient enters remission, we remain resolute in our mission. Researchers, backed by the Children’s Leukemia Research Association, are at the forefront of studying tumors and harnessing the power of human genome sequencing to unveil the root causes of blood cancer. This promising avenue offers great hope, as a deeper understanding of the human genetic code is poised to usher in more effective treatments and, ultimately, life-saving cures.
Learn more on Research Grant Program.
Patients
Steps to Apply
Made possible through the generosity of our Donors, The CLRA Patient Aid Program has provided $1.4 million in co-pay reimbursements assistance, consisting of medical bills for treatments and medications including chemotherapy, IVIG, antibiotics, vitamins, and more.
Researchers
How the Program Works
For over 55 years, the Children’s Leukemia Research Association has remained at the forefront of blood cancer research. To this day, we’ve provided over $5,000,000 in grant funding to support over 550 researchers in groundbreaking blood cancer studies that are not replicated elsewhere.
Our Stories Illustrate the Impact
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.
About Us
When you contact CLRA, you engage with our knowledgeable staff and dedicated volunteers who can readily connect you to essential resources. Our deep understanding of cancer’s financial toll comes from direct conversations with patients. The rapid accumulation of medical bills upon diagnosis and treatment is a stark reality. Insurance coverage may fall short, with denials or limited reimbursements
for critical procedures.
IIn contrast to larger cancer support organizations that employ income-based eligibility criteria, Children’s Leukemia Research Association prioritizes aiding families who, despite managing daily expenses, find themselves financially strained by the substantial added costs of cancer treatment. These are the individuals and families we are uniquely equipped to assist.
We are proud to receive Guidestar’s Platinum Transparency designation.