Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada

About Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada:

Founded in 1955, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC) works to find cures for blood cancers and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. To achieve its mission, LLSC has three main programs: research, public education, and patient support. LLSC reports that 138,100 Canadians have blood cancer and with over 137 types of blood cancers and related disorders, they struggle to navigate through their cancer journey. In F2017, research was 56% of program costs, public education was 28%, and patient support was 16%. LLSC does not charge patients, caregivers, or doctors for using its programs or materials.

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada’s research programs financially supported 41 research projects, 28 of which were new projects in F2017. These projects investigate ways to prevent, detect, and treat blood cancers and related pre-malignant conditions. One of its grant programs focuses on novel ideas with high potential to drastically improve diagnosis or treatment – ten winners were awarded in this program in 2017.  

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada’s education program teaches the public and healthcare professionals about the different types of blood cancers and the challenges faced by people affected by them. LLSC posts an educational video library, webcasts, and free information booklets on its website. It also holds information sessions, health exhibits, professional conferences, and health education training sessions.

The First Connection Program is one of LLSC’s patient services programs. First Connection connects patients at any stage of diagnosis with a volunteer who has gone through the same challenges of living with blood cancer—LLSC reports 190 peer-to-peer matches in F2017. The LLSC also runs Family Support Groups that provide patients and their families with a place to share support, knowledge, and feelings in a friendly environment. There are currently 15 groups stationed across Canada. LLSC also held 40 patient education sessions in F2017 for patients, their families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. Another program offers one-to-one information specialists to assist cancer patients through their treatment and provide advice on financial and social challenges.

Financial Review:

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada is a large charity with total donations of $17.4m in F2017. Administrative costs are 10% of revenues and fundraising costs are 23% of donations. For every dollar donated, 67 cents goes to the cause, up from 54 cents in F2016. LLSC now falls within Ci’s reasonable range for overhead spending. The charity’s funding reserves of $5.1m include $650k in donor-endowed funds. Excluding donor-endowed funds, the charity’s reserves can only cover 61% of annual program costs and grants, showing a need for funding.

This charity report is an update that has been sent to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada for review. Comments and edits may be forthcoming.

Updated on May 15, 2018 by Joeyanne Cheung.