Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Launches Outreach Efforts Through Online Social Networking

Michigan Chapter Seeks Additional Supporters Through
Facebook, MySpace and Twitter

Madison Heights, Mich � The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) Michigan Chapter has joined the social networking trend in an effort to draw younger generations of supporters. The blood cancer charity recently created profiles on popular networking sites, including Facebook, MySpace and Twitter that feature up-to-date information at users� fingertips.

�Blood cancers have no boundaries and attack people of all ages,� says Peggy Shriver, executive director of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Michigan Chapter. �Therefore it�s important that we have resources available for younger generations, including an online community where they can not only find support, but also assist us with our mission to find a cure.�

Both MySpace and Facebook boast having more than 100 million active users while Twitter users number around 2 million. In addition to placing pertinent information regarding the organization on these sites, LLS � Michigan also features videos, pictures, blogs, updated event calendars and more on these pages.

LLS � Michigan Chapter has not only created chapter-wide profiles on Myspace, Facebook, and Twitter, but has also created specialized profiles for their Light The Night and Team In Training (TNT) programs in an attempt to connect the participants of these events with one another. Through these sites, TNT participants and Light The Night walkers can develop fellowships with survivors and supporters alike. Participants will also find current information regarding their events, fundraising suggestions, training tips and more.

�Each year we have thousands participate in our Light the Night and Team in Training programs,� says Shriver. �These participants attend events with a common bond to begin with � to find a cure. However, we want to provide a place where LLS supporters can socialize and form friendships so that their dedication to the mission grows even stronger with time.�

All supporters of LLS are encouraged to use these profiles. Links of online profiles include:

Myspace:
� http://www.myspace.com/llsmichigan 
� http://www.myspace.com/tntmichigan
� http://latino.myspace.com/lightthenightmichigan

Twitter:
� http://Twitter.com/lls_michigan 
� http://Twitter.com/ltn_michigan 
� http://Twitter.com/tnt_michigan 

Facebook
� http://www.facebook.com/pages/Leukemia-Lymphoma-Society-Michigan-Chapter/29458336357
� http://www.facebook.com/pages/Madison-Heights-MI/Team-in-Training-Michigan/39602191076
� http://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Light-the-Night-Michigan/30559257971

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, headquartered in White Plains, NY, with 68 chapters in the United States and Canada, is the world�s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education and patient services. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin�s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Since its founding in 1949, LLS has invested more than $600 million in research specifically targeting leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Last year alone, LLS made 6.3 million contacts with patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals.
For more information about blood cancer, visit www.LLS.org or call the LLS Information Resource Center (IRC), a call center staffed by master's level social workers, nurses and health educators who provide information, support and resources to patients and their families and caregivers. IRC information specialists are available at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.