Blood Cancer Awareness Month 2023

 

One year ago this month I joined Exeter Leukaemia Fund as Chief Executive Officer. Like so many organisations, ELF had been through many changes as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, but I was delighted to find a dedicated staff team, an enthusiastic supporter base, and a long history of changing the lives of blood cancer patients across Devon. 

Each September we mark Blood Cancer Awareness month. Along with other charities around the country, we seek to raise awareness of the hundreds of conditions that fall under the umbrella of blood cancer, and to highlight the amazing support offered by ELF and NHS staff and volunteers to ensure every blood cancer patient in Devon has access to the best possible services. 

Over 3,000 people in the South West will be diagnosed with blood cancer this year. They need your support to ensure the best possible outcomes.  

This Blood Cancer Awareness month, we are asking our supporters to do three things; 

Give – help us support patients all year round. 

September is Blood Cancer Awareness month, but we support patients throughout the year. Signing up to make a regular donation ensures patients receive the help they need, when they need it. Just £10 a month could fund three counselling sessions while £20 a month could provide an emergency grant to a patient in need. Sign up here to make a regular donation. 

Register – to give blood or become a stem cell donor.  

Thousands of patients rely on donated blood and stem cells as part of their treatment. You can help by registering to donate or encouraging friends and family members to. Visit blood.co.uk or dkms.org.uk to learn more. 

Share – raise awareness and help make a difference 

Blood cancer is the fifth most common cancer in the UK, and the third biggest cancer killer. Yet many people know very little about it. Across this month we will be sharing information about blood cancers and other blood disorders. You can help raise awareness by sharing our posts or talking about the issues with your friends and family. 

The past year has been one of discovery, of celebration, and of challenge. Although we support many hundreds of patients, and their families, we know there is still so much more we can do.

Thank you for your support. 

Molly Southwood 
CEO, Exeter Leukaemia Fund