While we all are navigating uncertainty and challenges in these unprecedented times, there is promising news: science is racing forward. Dedicated researchers around the world are collaborating in new ways, sharing data openly and advancing our understanding of the novel virus that causes coronavirus disease (COVID-19). In fact, more than 70 countries have joined the World Health Organization in accelerating research on effective treatments for COVID-19 and about 20 institutions and companies are pushing to develop a vaccine. What’s more, numerous drugs initially approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat blood cancers are now being explored to control the hyperimmune response to COVID-19. LLS-funded researchers are bringing these COVID-19 trials to the forefront. You can read some of the latest scientific papers on COVID-19 here.
LLS remains as committed as ever to our mission – including staying the course with our investment in cutting edge blood cancer research around the globe. We’re proud to support our global community of pioneering researchers who are adapting and innovating in this new normal. To inspire blood cancer patients, families, researchers, healthcare professionals, volunteers and supporters everywhere, I’d like to reflect on how far we’ve come in treating blood cancers in the past three years alone, thanks to the tireless work of LLS-funded researchers who are relentless for cures.
As the coronavirus continues its spread, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) has a vital role to play in ensuring our government takes every step necessary to protect cancer patients. With that in mind, we’re sharing with our community what LLS has been doing to make sure the unique needs of blood cancer patients are being heard by the government at this unprecedented time.
First, some background: LLS’s Office of Public Policy is focused on influencing the laws, regulations and rules – at all levels of government – that affect cancer patients. The team, operating in Washington, D.C. and across the country, includes experts in lobbying, grassroots advocacy, communications and policy research. Their goal is to advance public policies that promise the safe and speedy development and approval of new cancer treatments, as well as policies that break down the barriers to care that patients often encounter. COVID-19 hasn’t changed this focus at all. In fact, it makes our public policy work even more critical, since cancer patients and survivors are vulnerable to serious illness if infected with this new disease.
LLS is hearing from patients who are concerned about being able to pay household bills, like their mortgage payments, because they’ve been furloughed without pay and are facing potential job loss as a result of the pandemic. In addition, patients are facing Medicaid barriers – and this is impacting access to the care they need. “I need those benefits now. I’ve got leukemia and polycythemia vera. I won’t survive another 15 months unless I can find a way to pay for the medication that could save my life. This is critical. We need help now,” writes a patient.
LLS is committed to putting patients and their families first during this time. You might have seen the news that Congress passed recently three pieces of coronavirus legislation, totaling more than $2 trillion. As federal lawmakers began formulating the coronavirus relief packages last month, LLS played a lead role organizing 29 national patient advocacy organizations to deliver a letter to Congressional leadership urging swift adoption of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.
Now law, this measure takes steps to facilitate social distancing and provide no-cost COVID-19 testing, among other things. Currently, Congress is in recess – most lawmakers have left Washington and returned to their districts – but their work and ours isn’t close to being done.
We continue to push for even more from Congress as well as the White House. Just this week, LLS organized 33 patient organizations to send a letter to Congressional leaders urging them to adopt key reforms in their fourth round of COVID-19 legislation. Additionally, we launched an effort to reach governors in all 50 states, asking them to take action where they have authority. More than 22 national patient organizations are partnering with us in this coordinated campaign, along with additional state and local organizations.
Together with our partners, we are advocating for policies that we believe are critical to protecting both public health and the interests of patients, including:
Expanding Medicaid eligibility and funding so more low-income people can access healthcare during this critical time
Removing Medicaid barriers that prevent people from getting the care they need
Providing more opportunities for telemedicine to increase social distancing and reduce the risk of transmission of the novel coronavirus
Relaxing restrictions on drug refills so patients can ensure adequate supplies and reduce their travel to pharmacies
Opening a special enrollment period on Healthcare.gov so anyone who needs to can buy health insurance right now, ensuring affordable access to healthcare
Ensuring access to COVID-19 treatment, testing and vaccines (when available) for all patients who need it
Protecting patients from surprise medical bills that might come from treatment and testing for COVID-19
Providing additional funding for community health centers to address this crisis
Thankfully, LLS works with a vibrant grassroots advocacy community, comprised of many passionate volunteer advocates who are helping to elevate the voices of cancer patients during the pandemic. So far, they’ve sent more than 6,800 letters to Congress urging lawmakers to adopt policies like those described above – and the number of letters grows every day.
We invite you to join us as we continue to take action to protect cancer patients during the coronavirus crisis and beyond. We promise to keep standing up for our community and keep you up-to-date on how our shared efforts help to move the needle.
As all of us continue to adjust to a new normal amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, it’s essential to practice good self-care and prioritize our health. Margaret Martin, RD, MS, LDN, CDE, a registered dietitian at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), highlights the importance of staying well-nourished through nutrition. “Your body’s ability to fight infection and disease depends on your immune system. Although there are no special foods or dietary supplements that can prevent COVID-19, healthy living strategies can help support your immune system now and all year long,” she says.
Margaret answers below some frequently asked questions from patients and caregivers on how to eat healthy during this time.
LLS is here for you. We encourage blood cancer patients, survivors, caregivers and families to contact our Information Specialists for free, one-on-one support at 800-955-4572 or by email or chat here.
Q. Can I catch the virus from food?
COVID-19 is not a foodborne illness. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports, “Currently, there is no evidence of food or food packaging being associated with transmission of COVID-19. Like other viruses, it is possible that the virus that causes COVID-19 can survive on surfaces or objects. For that reason, it is critical to follow the four key steps of food safety — clean, separate, cook, and chill.”
Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling food per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. Food safety rules also apply to take-out and delivery foods, which should be eaten within two hours of cooking, and leftovers must be stored safely and reheated to a safe temperature. For more information on food safety for blood cancer patients, view LLS’s Food and Nutrition Facts.
Q. How can I make meal times feel less lonely?
Sharing a meal virtually with loved ones and friends is a great way to boost spirits and stay in touch. Schedule video chats over meal times. Consider hosting a virtual potluck where everyone shares their favorite dishes or recipes.
