Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/784242
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Brings Hope to Cancer Patients B Y M I C H A E L C H AT F I E L D T he organization known today at the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) was founded in 1949 to fund research into find- ing cures for blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma and to provide education and patient services. With 74 chapters across 49 US states, LLS was on track to raise $298 million in 2016, according to a December 14, 2016, Forbes magazine listing of top charities. And since 2013, $2.2 million of that impres- sive total has been due to the efforts of the Silicon Valley and Monterey Bay Area chapter. The local chapter was founded as a unit in 1972, encompassing Santa Clara, San Benito, San Mateo, Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties. But that doesn't mean our little corner of the world takes a back seat to the giant South Bay. "When we think of the larger chapter and how we grow our mission, we think about Monterey specifically," says Courtney Karnes, executive director of the local chapter. "The Monterey area community is highly philanthrop- ic and its passion and commitment make it rally around causes such as LLS. There's a real sense of pride and engagement there." To learn more about LLS and how to volunteer, visit www.lls.org/silicon-valley-monterey-bay-area. SHORTCUTS GIVING BACK The Silicon Valley and Monterey Bay Area chapters of the Leukemia and Lymph- oma Society (LLS) have raised $2.2 million since 2013, due to local philanthropy. 86 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 1 7