Cancer is the 2nd leading cause of death in children. And, leukemia is the most common form of childhood cancer, with up to 4,000 children diagnosed each year in the US alone. While several risk factors increase a child’s likelihood of diagnosis, the exact cause of childhood leukemia remains unknown. Fortunately, research, awareness, and advocacy efforts by charities have led to improved treatment outcomes for children battling leukemia, but the search for a cure continues. So we had to ask: What are the best charities that combat childhood leukemia?

The best charities that combat childhood leukemia are the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and the Leukemia Research Foundation. Charities such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation fund research into childhood cancers and provide patient and family support.

Whether you want to ensure that families dealing with extended hospital stays have a comfortable place to rest, fund cutting-edge research to better understand and treat pediatric leukemia, or help families of newly diagnosed children access vital resources, there is a charity for you. Keep reading to learn more about what the best charities that combat childhood leukemia are all about, how they work, and what your best way would be to contribute.

Here’s What All the Best Charities That Combat Childhood Leukemia Have in Common

The charities on this list were chosen based on their mission, impact, transparency ratings, and achievements.

The majority of these charities operate primarily throughout the US and Canada, but some combat childhood leukemia internationally.

Many of these charities focus on advancing research to find the best treatments for patients with pediatric leukemia. Others focus on alleviating the financial burden of cancer so families can focus on caring for their children.

Some fulfill the physical needs of families such as hot meals and lodging, while others ensure that families’ emotional needs are met through counseling and education.

Yet, they all share a common goal; to minimize the devastating effects of childhood leukemia.

These Are the 9 Best Charities That Combat Childhood Leukemia in 2024

Below are our favorite charities that combat childhood leukemia (you can click on their link to directly jump to their section in this article):

Best Charities That Combat Childhood Leukemia

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

The Leukemia Research Foundation

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation

CURE Childhood Cancer

Rally Foundation

The V Foundation

American Cancer Society

National Children’s Cancer Society

(At the end of this article we’ll also share our six-step approach on how you can select the best charity to support.)

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society: Research and Support to End Blood Cancers

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society was founded in 1949 by Rudolph and Antoinette de Villers to honor the memory of their son Robbie, who died from leukemia at the age of 16. Today, they are the largest nonprofit dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education and patient services.

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“Dedicated to conquering all blood cancers.”

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society combats childhood leukemia by funding research, supporting patients and their families, and advocating for equity in cancer treatment. Their children’s initiative, the Dare to Dream Project, is a comprehensive approach to transform the future of research, treatment, and care for children with blood cancers, including leukemia. For example, in 2022, they launched LLS PedAL, the first integrated, global, pediatric leukemia master clinical trial to test newer, safer therapies on young patients based on their unique biology. And, the organization provides patient support, including free one-on-one support from experts like information specialists and clinical trial nurses.

Since their founding, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society has invested nearly $1.7 billion in blood cancer research and helped advance more than 70% of blood cancer treatment options approved by the FDA since 2017. And, since 2007, they have provided more than $1.55 billion in financial assistance to alleviate patient expenses, including travel, co-pays, and daily expenses. Furthermore, in 2023 they awarded scholarships to 105 childhood cancer survivors.

You can donate to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society via their website. You can also support the organization’s mission by volunteering or creating a fundraiser.

The Leukemia Research Foundation: Focused Research, Increased Breakthroughs 

The Leukemia Research Foundation was founded in 1946 in Chicago by a group of volunteers dedicated to memorializing 12-year-old Sherwin Bessin, who lost their battle with the disease. Today, the organization is the nation’s largest charity focused exclusively on leukemia research.

The Leukemia Research Foundation holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“Let’s find a cure.”

The Leukemia Research Foundation

The Leukemia Research Foundation combats all blood cancers, including childhood leukemia, by funding research and supporting patients. They award grants that cover a broad scope of topics related to leukemia so researchers can investigate the disease from every angle. For example, they investigated the use of an experimental drug to combat the likelihood of relapse post-blood marrow transplant and also explored how to help donor cells survive AML immunotherapy treatment. Furthermore, they provide free patient and family support, including informational materials, educational programs, and peer support. And, their Patient Grant Program helps alleviate the financial burden of treatment. 

Since their founding, The Leukemia Research Foundation has raised more than $87 millio in support of their mission, funding over 600 projects globally. Furthermore, the organization has disbursed more than $5 million in needs-based financial support to patients, with 78 patients receiving grants in 2023 alone.

You can donate to The Leukemia Research Foundation via their website. You can also support the organization’s mission by participating in an event or creating a fundraiser.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: Direct and Personalized Care, Free of Charge

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital was founded in 1962 by Danny Thomas to give back to communities after he found success as an entertainer. Today, the organization is a leading force in the understanding and treatment of childhood diseases, including childhood leukemia.

Charity Navigator gives St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital a 4-star rating. GuideStar gives the charity a Silver Seal of Transparency. 

“No child should die in the dawn of life.”

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital combats childhood leukemia by providing direct treatment at no cost and funding research. For example, they are one of the world’s premier treatment and care centers for children with leukemia and lymphoma, utilizing the coordinated care of a team of experts to ensure the best possible outcomes for children battling the diseases. They also provide resources and support services free of charge to families at all stages of treatment. In addition, they fund research to better understand diseases, including childhood leukemia and lymphoma, and to develop breakthrough treatments. Furthermore, they offer training to future clinicians and biomedical researchers.

Since their founding, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital has helped to push the overall survival rate for childhood cancer from 20% to over 80%. Furthermore, in 1996, St. Jude doctor Peter Doherty was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physiology and Medicine for his research on viral infections and organ transplants. Today, the charity is known as one of the world’s premier pediatric cancer research centers and their international initiative, St. Jude Global Alliance, has grown to 127 institutions in 57 countries. 

You can donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital via their website. You can also participate in a fundraiser or volunteer at a chapter in your community.

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation: A Legacy of Hope

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation was founded in 2005 by Liz and Jay Scott in memory of their daughter, Alex, who raised money for pediatric cancer by operating a lemonade stand before her death. Today, the organization continues their mission to change the lives of children and families living with cancer, including leukemia.

Charity Navigator gives Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation a 4-star rating. GuideStar gives the charity a Platinum Seal of Transparency. 

“Fighting childhood cancer, one cup at a time.”

Alex’s Lemon

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation combats childhood leukemia by funding research, raising awareness, and supporting families. For example, their ALSF Grant Program awards funding to scientists utilizing cutting-edge research to explore new treatments and cures for childhood cancer, including leukemia. Furthermore, their Childhood Cancer Data Lab initiative accelerates cancer research by streamlining access to existing data. The charity also supports families of children with cancer through their Travel for Care program, which offsets the costs of traveling for treatment, and their Super Sibs program, which offers comfort and encouragement to siblings.

Since their founding, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation has helped thousands of children and their families through their battle with childhood cancer. For example, they have awarded over $191.5 million in research grants to date, funding more than 1,000 projects at 150 institutions across the US and Canada. Moreover, in 2022, their Travel for Care program helped over 350 families and their Super Sibs program reached more than 1,900 siblings of children with cancer.

You can donate to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation via their website. You can also volunteer locally or participate in an event.

CURE Childhood Cancer: Fighting Cancer, Supporting Families

CURE Childhood Cancer was founded in 1975 by Emory University Pediatric Oncologist Dr. Abdel Ragab to fund the development of the University’s Pediatric Oncology Program. Today, the charity is dedicated to conquering childhood cancer, including leukemia, through research and patient support.

Charity Navigator gives CURE Childhood Cancer a 4-star rating. GuideStar gives the charity a Gold Seal of Transparency.

“Until there is a cure, there’s CURE.”

CURE Childhood Cancer

CURE Childhood Cancer works to combat childhood cancer, including leukemia, by funding targeted research and providing support to cancer patients and their families. They particularly prioritize research that will lead to more efficient treatment, such as the use of precision medicine to determine the best course of treatment for each individual child. Furthermore, the organization’s Named Funds help loved ones commemorate a child while fundraising for a specific type of research. For example, the United for a CURE fund was established by 3 grieving families to fund critical research related to Acute Myeloid Leukemia. They also offer emotional, financial, and practical support to families through programs like their Open Arms Meal Program and their Early Outreach Program.

Since their founding, CURE Childhood Cancer has improved the lives of millions of children with cancer and their families. For example, since 2010, they have invested over $43 million in cutting-edge cancer research, including more than $12 million in precision medicine initiatives. Furthermore, in 2022, their Open Arms Meal Program provided 16,000 boxed meals to families in hospitals. In the same year, their Early Outreach Program distributed 350 tote bags to newly diagnosed families.

You can donate to CURE Childhood Cancer via their website. You can also attend an event or host a fundraiser.

Rally Foundation: Rallying for a Cure

The Rally Foundation was founded in 2005 by Dean Crowe to fund cancer research after she was inspired by a boy on her husband’s baseball team who was battling a brain tumor. Today, they empower volunteers across the US to raise awareness and funds to cure pediatric cancer, including leukemia.

Charity Navigator gives the Rally Foundation a 4-star rating. GuideStar gives the charity a Platinum Seal of Transparency.

“For Research. For Cures. For Kids fighting cancer.”

Rally Foundation

The Rally Foundation combats childhood cancer by funding cutting-edge research to find new and improved treatments with fewer, less severe side effects. For example, they fundraise to invest in research at all stages, from initial ideas to clinical trials. In addition, they advocate to secure federal funding for childhood cancer research. Parents can also apply to have their children become Rally Kids, creating a research fund in their name so donors can support their child specifically. Moreover, the Rally Foundation’s Family Emergency Fund helps families with the financial burden of a childhood cancer diagnosis.

Since their founding, the Rally Foundation has awarded $29.4 million across 514 research grants to fight childhood cancer. For example, in 2010, they funded research into CAR T cell therapy, leading to a new FDA-approved treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In addition, their advocacy efforts helped secure $144 million in new federal funding from the US Department of Defense for 153 research projects into pediatric cancer. 

You can donate to the Rally Foundation via their website, where you also have the option to choose a specific Rally Kid’s fund to support. You can also fundraise or raise awareness as a Rally Young Professional.

The V Foundation: Victory Over Cancer

The V Foundation was founded in 1993 by famed college basketball coach Jim Valvano during his own fight with cancer, to find a cure for the disease. Today, the organization remains committed to funding research on all types of cancer, including childhood leukemia.

The V Foundation holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up.”

The V Foundation

The V Foundation funds game-changing research and promising scientists to combat cancers affecting adults and children, including leukemia and lymphoma. Through a highly competitive selection process, The V Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Committee awards grants to the most promising people and projects. Grants for childhood leukemia research are funded through the charity’s Dick Vitale Fund for Pediatric Cancer. These include research into immunotherapy for pediatric T-ALL, curbing genetic mutating to halt leukemia growth, and combining therapies to produce better outcomes for children battling childhood cancers. Moreover, their administrative costs are covered by their endowment fund, so 100% of direct donations go straight to research.

Since their founding, The V Foundation has awarded nearly $353 million in funding across 1,258 grants to 163 institutions in the US and Canada. Furthermore, the Dick Vitale Fund for Pediatric Cancer has awarded almost $67 million to end childhood cancer, including leukemia and lymphoma.

You can donate to The V Foundation’s Dick Vitale Fund for Pediatric Cancer via their website. You can also support the organization’s mission by purchasing branded merchandise or participating in a fundraiser.

American Cancer Society: Diverse Research for Diverse Patients

The American Cancer Society was founded in 1913 by 10 doctors and 5 business people to raise public awareness of cancer. Today, the charity is dedicated to ending all forms of cancer, including pediatric leukemia, through research.

The American Cancer Society holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. 

“Attacking cancer from every angle.”

American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society’s research initiatives drive progress toward eliminating cancer, including leukemia, while prioritizing the quality of life for patients and survivors. Their grants support groundbreaking cancer research led by promising scientists and healthcare professionals, particularly those in the early stages of their careers. For example, they funded research into improving treatment for Acute Myeloid Leukemia by examining the etiology of genetic mutations contributing to the disease. Furthermore, another project explored the benefits of improving at-home chemotherapy for children with high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia. They also provide patient support, including compensation for treatment-related travel and lodging, and peer-to-peer support through their Cancer Survivors Network.

Since 1946, the American Cancer Society has invested $5 billion in cancer research, making them the largest non-governmental funder of cancer research in the US. For example, in 2023 alone, they allocated $45 million for 90 research and career development grants across 67 institutions nationwide, aiming to discover new cancer treatments and address disparities associated with the disease. And, they have funded 50 researchers who later earned the Nobel Prize.

You can donate to the American Cancer Society via their website. You can also sign up to fundraise for the charity or you can volunteer with ACS Reach to Recovery.

National Children’s Cancer Society: Community Support for the Whole Family

The National Children’s Cancer Society was founded in 1987 to help families of children with cancer afford bone marrow transplantation, which was experimental and expensive at the time. Today, the charity provides emotional, financial, and educational support to children with cancer, including leukemia, and their families.

The National Children’s Cancer Society holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“Because no family should go through childhood cancer alone.”

National Children’s Cancer Society

The National Children’s Cancer Society combats the psychological factors of childhood cancers, including leukemia, by offering emotional, financial, and educational support. Their financial aid programs assist families with some of the costs associated with cancer treatment. For example, their Transportation Assistance Fund helps families pay for travel and lodging expenses if they need to seek treatment away from home. Furthermore, their Family Support Program pairs families with a case manager who offers practical and emotional support to families throughout their cancer journey. In addition, their Beyond the Cure program helps families navigate life after cancer by providing tailored long-term assessments, as well as offering college scholarship opportunities.

Since their founding, the National Children’s Cancer Society has distributed more than $71 million to the families of more than 49,000 children battling cancer, including leukemia, across 54 countries. Furthermore, their Beyond the Cure Ambassador Scholarship Program has distributed more than $2 million to over 600 childhood cancer survivors to help them achieve their educational goals. And, their innovative Late Effects After Treatment Tool has helped cancer survivors and their healthcare team anticipate the potential future physical and cognitive effects of their cancer treatment. 

You can donate to the National Children’s Cancer Society via their website. You can also support the organization’s mission by attending an event or hosting a fundraiser.

How Can You Select the Best Charities to Support?

The charities on the list are, we deem, the best charities that combat childhood leukemia. However, you may have a particular charity you want to support. Let’s look at what you can do to ensure your contribution has the most significant impact.

• Check out the charity website. Charities that are worthy of your donations are transparent in their mission and their figures. Familiarize yourself with their history, mission, and values. Their website usually is the best place to start.
• Identify the charity’s mission. Without a goal, the charity is likely to fail. If the charity’s mission isn’t clear, it’s probably worth looking for a charity that does have a clear mission. 
• Check if the charity has measurable goals. An effective charity has clear goals. You want to know your donation will help the charity reach its goals. But if it doesn’t have targets, it’s likely to fail or squander your gift. The charity should be able to account for its spending and supply evidence of the work they do.
• Assess the successes or goals the charity has achieved. You wouldn’t invest in a business if it kept missing its targets. In the same way, charities are like this too. If no one is assessing a charity’s progress in reaching its targets, the chances are they’re not making a substantial positive change.
• Check the charity’s financials and stats. Trustworthy organizations will publish financial statements and reports each year. Some might be exempt from having to do so, but they should be able to provide them to public members who are interested in donating.
• Locate sources who work with or benefit from the charity. Word of mouth and first-hand experience of a charity’s work lets you know the charity’s quality. If you’re able to do so, check out the charity for yourself or speak to someone familiar with it. This way, your donation will go to the right place. 

How Can You Best Support These Charities?

After you’ve made your decision, it’s time for you to decide on how you’d like to help the charities you’ve chosen. Check how you can help – each charity runs specific programs that have unique aims. Find out what the aim of such programs is and whether they are right for you. 

Here are a few ways you can help your chosen charity:

• Donate money. You can find donation pages on the websites of most charities. Your donation can be a one-time payment, or you can set it to be deducted regularly at different intervals. You can mostly pay via credit card, but some charities also take PayPal or Bitcoin payments.
• Buy their official merchandise. Charities can also raise money by selling merchandise. So, you can support them by buying the mugs, shirts, caps, pens, pencils, and any other such items they may be selling. Ideally, you should buy as much as you can to share and spread the word about the charity’s activities.
• Engage in volunteer work. As you’ve seen from our descriptions above, some charities engage in a lot of local and grassroots programs. You can help by taking on and organizing the program in your local area.
• Help their fundraising efforts. You can spread the word about the charity in your workplace, school, church, etc., and hold creative fundraising drives on social media or offline within your small circles.
• Share their stories. Most charities have compelling stories that you can share with your audience to attract more people to the cause.

Final Thoughts

Now it is up to you to select the charity that resonates most with you. And whichever charity you end up choosing and contributing to, we are sure that they will immensely appreciate your support. Hopefully, the information within this article has made this selection process a bit easier for you to support charities dedicated to combatting childhood leukemia—based on the causes that matter most to you.

Stay impactful,

PS: Finally, I want to leave you with a thought-provoking TED talk from Dan Pallotta, a leading philanthropic activist and fundraiser, about what is wrong with the way we think about charities – and what we can do about it:

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