9 Best Charities That Fight Leukemia (Complete 2024 List)

9 Best Charities That Fight Leukemia (Complete 2024 List)

By
Diana Stancu

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Leukemia is a type of blood cancer that affects white blood cells in the bone marrow. It’s a major health concern, accounting for one in three cancer diagnoses in children. It’s also the eleventh most frequent cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Fortunately, charities around the globe are working tirelessly to develop new treatments, improve the lives of patients, and, ultimately, find a cure for the disease. So we had to ask: What are the best charities that fight leukemia?

The best charities that fight leukemia are the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the Leukemia Research Foundation, and the Leukaemia Foundation. Charities like the CLL Society and Children’s Leukemia Research Association improve the lives of patients and their caregivers through education and research.

Whether you want to support innovative research into leukemia, contribute to better treatments and cures, or ensure that patients and caregivers receive education and support, there is a charity for you. Keep reading to learn more about what the best charities that fight leukemia are all about, how they work, and what would be your best way to make a contribution.

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

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

They primarily operate in the US, the UK, and Australia, but their efforts impact leukemia patients worldwide. 

The charities below fight to improve the lives and outcomes of leukemia patients by providing educational resources and financial assistance to help them afford life-saving medicine. In addition, they support patients’ mental well-being through support groups and psychological counseling.

Furthermore, most of the charities advance research into leukemia by awarding research grants to promising scientists to develop better treatments and possible cures.

Yet, through all these different approaches, all of the charities share the same goal of preventing and eliminating leukemia while supporting patients along their journey.

These Are the 9 Best Charities That Fight Leukemia in 2024

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

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

1

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society: Fighting Blood Cancers

Logo for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

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Their transparency & ratings:

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator and holds the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar

We help patients navigate their cancer treatment and ensure they have access to quality, affordable and coordinated care. Research will help us achieve an end to cancer.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

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What they do:

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society funds large-scale research projects for all types of leukemia to develop treatments that improve or save patients’ lives. For this, they award research grants to promising scientists to discover potential cures, advance their expertise, or improve current treatments. Moreover, they advocate for changes that will ease the burdens of blood cancer patients, such as making treatments more affordable or improving the quality of health insurance. The charity also helps patients by providing an extensive library of educational resources and by running various support groups to improve their mental well-being. 

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What they’ve achieved:

To date, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has invested more than $1.5 billion in blood cancer research. For example, between 2016 and 2021, they helped advance 75% of the almost 100 FDA-approved blood cancer treatment options. Furthermore, in 2021, they funded over $91 million in leukemia research and invested a quarter of their annual funds in their Beat AML® Master Clinical Trial, which seeks a cure for myelogenous leukemia. In the same year, they provided more than 42,000 patients with over $241 million in financial grants, to help them afford life-saving treatments.

Ways to contribute:

You can donate to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society on their website. You can also start a fundraiser or participate in their fundraising campaigns, such as their Light the Night event. In addition, you can volunteer or advocate for leukemia patients.

2

Leukemia Research Foundation: A World Without Leukemia

Logo for Leukemia Research Foundation
Leukemia Research Foundation

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Their transparency & ratings:

Charity Navigator gives the Leukemia Research Foundation a 4-star rating, with a 100% score on three metrics. The charity also holds the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar

Through our patient-centered approach, we are on the path to finding a cure – and won’t stop until we do.

The Leukemia Research Foundation

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What they do:

The Leukemia Research Foundation works to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of all types of leukemia. For this, they award grants to researchers worldwide to understand the biology of cancer cells, identify risk factors for leukemia, and prevent relapse after treatment. Furthermore, they provide informational content and educational programs for patients to help them understand their diagnosis and treatment options. In addition, they run online support groups and mentoring programs to aid patients’ mental health. They also offer patients financial assistance for the costs of leukemia treatments. 

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What they’ve achieved:

To date, the Leukemia Research Foundation has invested $83 million in over 600 projects and grants fighting leukemia. 48% of them have resulted in clinical trials or new treatments against the disease. They have also offered over $5 million in financial grants to struggling patients and have involved 6,500 people in educational programs. For example, in 2021, they awarded $1.4 million in scientific grants to 14 blood cancer scientists. In the same year, they provided $151,000 in financial grants to 100 patients and gave peer support services to 4,000 individuals

Ways to contribute:

You can donate to the Leukemia Research Foundation on their website. You can also contribute by joining their fundraising events, buying their merchandise, or starting a personal fundraiser.

3

Leukaemia Foundation: Curing and Conquering Blood Cancer

Logo for Leukaemia Foundation
Caring for the Carer

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Their transparency & ratings:

According to their financial report, the Leukaemia Foundation spent 37% of their total income on patient support services, 37% on fundraising events, 10% on research grant funding, and 14% on management expenses. 

We care deeply, we’re bold, and we always step up and make it count for people living with blood cancer.”

Leukaemia Foundation

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What they do:

The Leukaemia Foundation offers a broad informational library for caregivers and patients to better understand leukemia. They also help patients with educational resources, emotional counseling, and support groups to improve their quality of life. Moreover, they provide research opportunities for scientists by supporting clinical trials and awarding scholarships and grants, such as the Translational Research Program. In addition, they support patients’ needs by advocating for better policies, easier access to new medicines, and optimal caregiving

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What they’ve achieved:

To date, the Leukaemia Foundation has invested more than $54.5 million in research projects and patient support to improve their livelihoods. For example, in 2021, they invested nearly $6.4 million in 37 research projects to develop leukemia treatments. In the same year, they provided 49 online support groups and webinars to 344 individuals. They also supported 7 clinical trials that included 150 patients. In addition, they distributed nearly 600 financial grants worth $164,000 in total to aid the costs of treatments for struggling patients. 

Ways to contribute:

You can donate to the Leukaemia Foundation on their website. You can also contribute by volunteering, starting a fundraiser, or through workplace giving.

4

CLL Society: Smart Patients Get Smart Care

Logo for CLL Society
The CLL Dragon

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Their transparency & ratings:

The CLL Society has a 94% encompass rating from Charity Navigator. They also hold the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar

We are a patient-centric, physician-curated organization that addresses the unmet needs of the CLL community worldwide.”

The CLL Society

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What they do:

The CLL Society provides an informational library for those living with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and their caregivers. They also offer toolkits for the newly diagnosed and information about various treatments or medications while connecting CLL patients to promising clinical trials. In addition, they award scientific grants to researchers to better understand CLL and meet patients’ needs. Furthermore, they alleviate the emotional burden of CLL by organizing patient support groups and connecting patients with medical experts who can address their struggles.

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What they’ve achieved:

Since their founding, the CLL Society has remained committed to helping CLL patients and caregivers. For example, in 2021, they invested nearly $1 million across all their patient programs. In the same year, they involved 1,800 people in 36 support groups across the US and connected patients to 120 medical experts. They also organized webinars and educational forums for 2,125 individuals. In addition, they offer Young Investigator Awards worth $150,000 in total to early career scientists investigating CLL. 

Ways to contribute:

You can donate to the CLL Society through their website. You can also volunteer, join their educational events, or subscribe to their newsletter

5

Leukaemia Care: Your Blood Cancer Charity

Logo for Leukaemia Care
Leukaemia CARE Charity Animation

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Their transparency & ratings:

According to their financial report, Leukaemia Care spent 74.5% of their total income on charitable services and 25.4% on fundraising events. 

We are here for everyone affected by leukemia and related blood cancers. We believe in improving lives and being a force for change.

Leukaemia Care

⚒️

What they do:

Leukaemia Care helps patients during their leukemia journey by providing educational resources to identify symptoms and a toolkit for the newly diagnosed. They also aid patients’ emotional well-being with support groups or one-on-one discussions, as well as online forums. In addition, they fund psychological counseling and financial grants to ease the impact of leukemia on people’s lives. Moreover, they organize numerous awareness campaigns and patient advocacy groups to understand their medical needs and ensure that pharmaceutical companies protect patients’ interests.

🚀

What they’ve achieved:

Since their founding, Leukaemia Care has continued to improve the lives of people living with leukemia and other blood cancers. For example, in 2020, they supported 1,565 people across 49 online supports and forums. In the same year, their one-on-one support services reached 77 patients. Moreover, they funded psychological counseling for 70 individuals with up to six sessions with a counselor of their choice, through their Ann Ashley Leukemia Counseling Fund.

Ways to contribute:

You can donate to Leukaemia Care on their website. You can also get involved by volunteering or joining their fundraising events. In addition, you can participate in their advocacy campaigns or buy their merchandise

6

Leukaemia UK: Stopping Leukemia from Devastating Lives

Logo for Leukaemia UK
Leukaemia UK About Us

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Their transparency & ratings:

According to their financial report, Leukaemia UK spent 71.7% of their total income on charitable activities and 28.2% on fundraising events.

We bring together the leukemia community so we can find and fund the life-changing research that matters most to people affected. We make sure patients are truly at the heart of our work.

Leukaemia UK

⚒️

What they do:

Leukaemia UK fights to save or improve patients’ lives by funding research grants to increase knowledge of the disease and improve existing treatments. For example, they conduct research projects to speed up the detection of leukemia, empower the immune system, or prevent relapse after bone marrow transplants. In addition, their Patient Experience Advisory Panel empowers patient communities to share their needs and struggles with the charity. This enables Leukemia UK to advocate with decision-makers to ensure they employ good practices and address patients’ challenges.

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What they’ve achieved:

Since their founding, Leukaemia UK has continued to offer critical help to leukemia patients. For example, between 2015 and 2020, they funded over $7 million in research and care projects across the UK. Moreover, in 2020, they awarded five John Goldman Fellowships to 5 researchers, worth more than $600,000 in total. In the same year, they supported 17 early career researchers from 11 different countries with International Scholarships. They also offered financial grants to $150 to 43 people in need through their Helping Hand Fund.

Ways to contribute:

You can donate to Leukaemia UK via their website. You can also get involved by buying their eCards or joining their advocacy group. In addition, you can participate in their fundraising events and hiking challenges.

7

The Blood Cancer Foundation of Michigan: Supporting Patients and Families

Logo for The Blood Cancer Foundation of Michigan
Celebrating 2021: A year of hope and empowerment with BCFM

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Their transparency & ratings:

The Blood Cancer Foundation of Michigan has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, with a 100% score for Accountability & Transparency. They also hold the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar

Our mission is to ensure the emotional, social and financial stability of Michigan patients and families as they navigate their blood cancer journey.”

The Blood Cancer Foundation of Michigan

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What they do:

The Blood Cancer Foundation of Michigan provides supportive resources for leukemia patients and caregivers, such as an educational library and toolkits for the newly diagnosed. They also support patients’ emotional struggles through personalized psychological counseling and award financial grants to help them get life-saving medicine. In addition, their Social Support program provides opportunities for patients to connect with other leukemia patients and caregivers during holiday parties, movie nights, picnics, and other events. To access the services, patients enroll in the charity’s online community.

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What they’ve achieved:

To date, the Blood Cancer Foundation of Michigan has served over 30,500 people diagnosed with leukemia. For example, in 2021, they supported nearly 2,700 patients and more than 10,000 caregivers from 80 Michigan counties. In the same year, they offered patients over $100,000 in financial assistance grants and supported them with 1,415 hours of psychological counseling. Moreover, their social support groups connected 6,500 individuals, and their virtual communities helped 80 people with leukemia to share their struggles in a compassionate environment. 

Ways to contribute:

You can donate to the Blood Cancer Foundation of Michigan on their website. You can also volunteer or participate in their fundraising events. In addition, you can create a personal fundraiser or start a corporate partnership

8

Children’s Leukemia Research Association: Supporting Blood Cancer Patients

Logo for Children's Leukemia Research Association
About CLRA

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Their transparency & ratings:

The Children’s Leukemia Research Association has a 61% encompass rating from Charity Navigator, with a 100% score for Leadership & Adaptability. They also hold the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar

We love to talk to our patients, to learn their names and stories. We get to know our patients because we care. This is what sets our small and mighty organization apart from others.

The Children’s Leukemia Research Association

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What they do:

The Children’s Leukemia Research Association offers financial aid to child and adult patients with leukemia through their CLRA Patient Aid Program. The program distributes financial grants to patients for various medicinal needs during their treatment process. In addition, they fund additional drugs necessary after bone marrow transplant. Furthermore, the charity supports researchers leading experimental projects that advance more efficient treatments and possible cures. For this, they award scientific grants to the most promising proposals for research projects. 

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What they’ve achieved:

To date, the Children’s Leukemia Research Association has supported more than 550 researchers with over $5 million in grants to lead blood cancer research projects. They have also provided $1.3 million in financial assistance to 525 people with leukemia and other blood cancers. For example, in 2021, they awarded over $200,000 in financial grants to patients, each grant offering up to $3,000 for treatment-related medicine. In the same year, they invested $220,000 in research projects from 3 scientists

Ways to contribute:

You can donate to the Children’s Leukemia Research Association on their website. You can also contribute by buying their merchandise or shopping at Amazon or Kroger.

9

Leukemia Texas: Caring, Serving, Supporting

Logo for Leukemia Texas
LeukemiaTexas Overview

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Their transparency & ratings:

Leukemia Texas has an 87% encompass rating from Charity Navigator, with a 100% score for Culture & Community. They also hold the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar

Our mission is to help Texans beat leukemia through patient aid, research, and innovation.

Leukemia Texas

⚒️

What they do:

Leukemia Texas conducts research projects in Texan universities and research centers to improve treatments and advance possible cures for leukemia. They do this by awarding scientific grants to researchers and supporting them during their examinations. Moreover, their Young Investigator Award funds research by promising scientists at the early stages of their careers. The charity also runs a Patient Aid program which offers financial assistance of $1,000 per year to help struggling patients afford the costs of treatments for leukemia and improve their life expectancy. 

🚀

What they’ve achieved:

Since their founding, Leukemia Texas has invested over $7.5 million in research grants and served hundreds of thousands of patients through financial assistance. For example, between 2015 and 2020, they awarded over $1.5 million in research grants to Texan scientists, whose projects became internationally recognized and helped improve curative treatments. In the same period, they offered over $1 million in Young Investigator grants and developed 5 research projects worth $630,000 in total. Moreover, in 2021, they offered $312,000 in financial assistance for 312 patients.

Ways to contribute:

You can donate to Leukemia Texas via their website. You can also contribute by volunteering or participating in their fundraising events.

How Can You Select the Best Charities to Support?

The charities on the list are, we deem, the best charities that fight 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 website 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. The 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 fighting leukemia – based on the causes that matter most to you.

Stay impactful,

Illustration of a signature for Diana

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:

The way we think about charity is dead wrong | Dan Pallotta

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