The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), transitioning to Blood Cancer United in August 2025, is a global nonprofit founded in 1949. It is dedicated to curing blood cancers and improving the quality of life for patients and their families. LLS is the largest voluntary health organization focused on blood cancer, having invested over $1.8 billion in research and serving a wide network of patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.
LLS's mission is to cure various blood cancers, including leukemia and lymphoma, while enhancing patient support. The organization is the largest nonprofit funder of blood cancer research, committing nearly $1.3 billion to advancements in immunotherapy and personalized medicine. LLS also provides free information, education, and support services to help patients navigate their diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, LLS advocates for improved access to care and increased research funding at both federal and state levels.
In 2016, the Lupus Research Institute (LRI), the S.L.E. Lupus Foundation and the Alliance for Lupus Research (ALR) merged to form the Lupus Research Alliance, a private-sector organization supporting biomedical research in lupus.
NMDP (National Marrow Donor Program) is a global nonprofit organization focused on saving lives through blood stem cell and bone marrow transplants. It operates the largest hematopoietic cell registry, with over 22 million potential donors and more than 300,000 cord blood units. This extensive network helps match patients with life-threatening blood cancers and disorders who do not have family donors.
Founded in 1986, NMDP has facilitated over 140,000 transplants, with significant milestones including the launch of NMDP BioTherapies for cell therapy services and the introduction of cryopreservation for reliable transplant access. The organization provides comprehensive services, including donor coordination, logistics, and patient support, while also conducting research to improve transplant outcomes. NMDP emphasizes diversity in its donor recruitment efforts and collaborates with hospitals and blood banks worldwide to enhance its impact.
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) is a nonprofit organization focused on preventing and curing breast cancer through advanced research. Established in 1993 by Evelyn H. Lauder, BCRF has raised over a billion dollars, making it the largest private funder of breast cancer research globally. The organization is highly regarded for its commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and treatment options.
BCRF supports more than 260 scientists from leading universities and medical institutions worldwide. Its streamlined grants program allocates significant funding to research areas such as genetic risk factors, metastatic breast cancer, personalized treatment approaches, and early detection strategies. The foundation also runs the Evelyn H. Lauder Founder's Fund, dedicated to studying the biology of metastasis. BCRF's efforts have contributed to major breakthroughs in breast cancer treatment and understanding, addressing the global impact of this disease.