Walgreens, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Susan G. Komen collaborate to research tough-to-treat cancers and increase access to care
In an effort to improve the health and well-being of people living with cancer nationwide, Walgreens announced its pledge to contribute more than $25 million to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) and Susan G. Komen, collectively, over the next five years. Through a combination of corporate donations and in-store fundraising, the commitment will enable new research in metastatic breast and pediatric blood cancers, as well as increase access, treatment and support services for those living with these diseases.
Donations and funds raised for LLS will accelerate the delivery of cancer treatment advances to pediatric patients and help patients, caregivers and survivors with the financial, emotional and psychological effects of cancer and its treatment. Patients like 13-year-old Josh Ribeiro of Jacksonville Beach, FL, know firsthand the urgent need to raise funds for lifesaving treatment.
In October 2018, Josh was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). He immediately underwent intense treatment, which came with countless trips to the hospital and multiple side effects, including short term memory loss. He even had to miss his entire sixth grade year in school. But Josh never gives up hope.
“Josh has had a lot of ups and downs throughout his treatment,” said his mom, Nerissa. “But he still wakes up every day knowing that he can beat cancer.”
Josh is still in treatment, which he’ll continue for another three years.
Blood cancers and breast cancer are complex to treat and remain prevalent in the United States. Currently, nearly 1.4 million are living with or in remission from blood cancer in the U.S. and more than 3.8 million people living in the U.S. today have been treated for or are living with breast cancer.
Walgreens customers can help support cancer research and the cancer community by donating to LLS during checkout at the more than 9,500 U.S. Walgreens retail pharmacy locations November 3 through 17.