About Us
What began as a shared mission has grown into a powerful national movement driven by purpose, progress, and personal impact. For three decades, the Lymphoma Research Foundation has been a trusted source of hope, advancing groundbreaking research and supporting everyone affected by lymphoma. As we mark this milestone, we’re building on our legacy—expanding our reach, empowering patients, and driving bold new advances in science, education, and advocacy. The next 30 years begin now—and we’re just getting started.
Featured Anniversary Events
Blood Cancer Awareness Month
September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM), a time to honor the millions whose lives have been affected by this disease, and spotlight the needs of individuals affected by lymphoma.
Lymphoma Giving Day
September 15 is Lymphoma Giving Day! Making a gift on Lymphoma Giving Day is the very best way to support our mission and transform the lives of all those touched by this blood cancer.
Educational Forum on Lymphoma
The Educational Forum is a virtual two-day conference that provides the lymphoma community with information about the diagnosis and treatment of lymphoma, as well as clinical trials, and research.
Annual Gala
The Annual Gala is a special evening celebrating advancements in lymphoma research and patient care and the visionaries, researchers, and advocates making them possible.
Honoring Our Past,
Advancing Toward a Cure
Andrew Evens, DO, MSc, MBA, Chair of the Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Board, reflects on 30 years of the Lymphoma Research Foundation.
Upcoming Events
Stay connected and get involved—explore upcoming events that expand your knowledge, raise critical funds, or connect with others in the lymphoma community.
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Oct 12
Our History: Three Decades of Impact
Look back on the pivotal moments that have shaped the Lymphoma Research Foundation’s legacy—
from groundbreaking research to transformative patient support.
1995
Joseph Bertino, MD (in memorium) pictured above.
Foundation and Scientific Advisory Board is Formed
The Lymphoma Research Foundation, along with its Scientific Advisory Board (SAB), was established to drive progress in lymphoma research.
- Today, the SAB includes 45 leading experts exemplifying the Foundation’s role in fostering research leadership.
1996
First Educational Forum on Lymphoma is Hosted
The first Educational Forum on Lymphoma is held in California, creating a new space for patient education and support.
- Today, the Educational Forum remains the largest lymphoma-specific patient conference in the world, with four additional education program series meeting patients at every stage of their journey.
2003
First Lymphoma Walk Hosted
The Foundation hosts its inaugural Lymphoma Walk, launching its peer-to-peer fundraising efforts.
- Since then, the community fundraising program has raised over $18 million, engaging supporters nationwide.
2003
Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL) Initiative Formed
Also in 2003, the Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL) Initiative was established, positioning the Foundation as one of the largest private funders of MCL research.
- The Mantle Cell Lymphoma Consortium (MCLC) has become the Foundation’s largest scientific initiative, advancing breakthroughs in MCL and influencing the broader field of lymphoma research.
2008
Lymphoma Rounds is Established
To expand its impact on healthcare professionals, the Foundation launches Lymphoma Rounds, a continuing education program tailored for clinicians treating lymphoma.
- Now reaching markets like Puerto Rico, the program reflects the Foundation’s strong commitment to Health Equity. Building on its success, the Foundation is also developing a new education program for nurses.
2010
Blood Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) is Designated
Thanks in large part to the Foundation’s Advocacy Program, the U.S. Congress designates September as National Blood Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM).
- Today, the Foundation commemorates BCAM by building community and raising awareness—also launching its own Giving Day on World Lymphoma Awareness Day (WLAD).
2014
Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Initiative Launches
The Foundation debuts #EraseLymphoma, in partnership with the Paul Foundation, a campaign dedicated to raising awareness and offering tailored support to adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients and survivors.
- Ellen Walker, founder and CEO of the Paul Foundation now serves on its Board of Directors, underscoring the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to the AYA community.
2018
Forefront of CAR T-cell Programming
The Foundation hosts the first CAR T-cell therapy education program in the U.S., delivering vital information to the lymphoma community about this groundbreaking treatment.
2019
Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Consortium is Formed
The Foundation launches the Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Lymphoma Consortium, a first-of-its-kind initiative uniting pediatric and adult lymphoma experts to improve care and outcomes for AYA patients.
- Before this, no similar national platform existed to connect these critical voices in lymphoma care, and now the consortia has more than 70 members.
2020
COVID-19 and Lymphoma Initiative Established
From the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Foundation sought to understand and address the unique challenges faced by people with lymphoma and CLL. To address these needs, the Foundation established the first and only COVID-19 scientific program, the COVID-19 and Lymphoma Initiative.
- By convening a panel of experts in the fields of lymphoma, epidemiology, infectious disease, and public health, the Foundation has contributed to the body of evidence on this important subject and brought important attention to the needs of the lymphoma community.
2021
Foundation Expands Research Mentoring Program
The Foundation expanded its Lymphoma Scientific Research Mentoring Program (LSRMP) to foster and develop the next generation of laboratory and translational researchers.
2021
Addressing Health Disparities in Research and Care
In addition to expanding its mentoring program, the Foundation introduces its new Health Equity Initiative (HEI) to address disparities in research careers and patient care. As a part of this initiative, the Foundation launches Lymphoma.org en Español, expanding access to resources for the Spanish-speaking community.
2023
500 Grantees Funded
A milestone is reached as Dr. Elise Chong (University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine) becomes the Foundation’s 500th grantee, reflecting decades of investment in the next generation of lymphoma researchers.
2024
Foundation Undergoes Brand Evolution
The Foundation undergoes a brand evolution, aimed at modernizing its visual identity and reflecting its vital role within the lymphoma community. The rebrand reinforces the Foundation’s commitment to eradicating lymphoma and serving the patients, caregivers, physicians, researchers, and donors touched by the disease.
2025
Foundation Celebrates 30th Anniversary
The Lymphoma Research Foundation celebrates three decades of progress, while looking toward the future with bold ambition and renewed commitment. Through strategic investments in innovative research, the development of high-quality patient and professional education, and a growing leadership role in policy and advocacy, the Foundation is setting the standard for excellence in lymphoma science and care.