About Us

Children’s Leukemia Research Association is dedicated to supporting blood cancer patients across the United States. We love to talk to our patients, to learn their names and stories. We get to know our patients because we care. We understand the need for financial assistance with medical bills. This is what sets our small and mighty organization apart from others.

Since 1965, the Children’s Leukemia Research Association has supported researcher studying leukemia and blood related cancers to develop treatments and cures. Since the 2000s, we have provided financial assistance to children and adults with blood cancer and their families. While there have been great strides in research and treatments, there is still a long way to go. We aren’t ready to stop.

We understand that although when everyday bills can be paid, there is no financial planning for a cancer diagnosis. It’s a huge added expense that financially impacts patients and their families.

We hear stories from patients who share stories of treatments that are needed but often insurance will either not cover or coverage is minimal. We hear stories about high copays for targeted chemo medications.

Time and time again we hear from patients and their families that they don’t know how they will pay medical bills related to a blood cancer diagnosis.

Often cancer support organizations that are much larger than CLRA base financial need on a poverty level formula. This means families that earn enough to pay everyday bills do not have the budget for cancer-related medical bills but they do not qualify for assistance. These are the patients we can help.

In 2021, 186,400 people were diagnosed with blood cancer. That means about every three minutes someone is diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma, or multiple myeloma.

Blood cancer medical care is expensive. In the three years after diagnosis, blood cancer costs patients $200,000 to $800,000 depending on the type. That can ruin a family financially.

In 2020 and 2021 we were able to support eight scientific research grants and financially assist 85 patients in 25 states. At the height of the pandemic in 2020, we were able to help 102 patients in 26 states. In 2022, we reimbursed over $240,000 to 120 patients in 26 states.

We are grateful to our Donors who financially support us.

We are grateful to our staff and volunteers, including the Board of Trustees and Medical Advisory Committee, who give their time and expertise to support patients and researchers.

We are grateful we can continue to help patients and support research opportunities.

We are dedicated to continuing the legacy that began more than 50 years ago.