MEDIA RELEASE

MEDIA RELEASE
For additional information call:
Carl Alston, Director of Communications
847-919-6250
[email protected]
September 29, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Blood Science Foundation
Receives Leukemia Research Foundation’s Highest Honor
The Blood Science Foundation (BSF), an operating unit of the Institute for Transfusion
Medicine (ITxM), is the 2010 recipient of the Star Award presented by the Leukemia
Research Foundation (LRF), based in Wilmette, Illinois. The Star Award is the highest
honor bestowed upon corporations or individuals by the LRF. The award is presented to a
select few who have taken the Foundation to new heights and truly created a legacy in pursuit
of a cure for blood cancers. The Blood Science Foundation is only the 23rd recipient of the
Star Award in the LRF’s 65-year history.
The LRF was the recipient of a multi-year, $150,000 grant form BSF in 2009. The grant
money, distributed over three years, provides funding specifically in support of the
Educational Conferences and Patient Financial Assistance Programs offered by the LRF.
“The Leukemia Research Foundation is truly honored to receive support from ITxM and its
many business units including the Blood Science Foundation, LifeSource, and the Central
Cord Bank,” said Kevin Radelet, executive director of the LRF. “The impact on services we
provide to blood cancer patients is exceptional.”
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LRF Star Award / 2
The LRF is privileged to be one of the first external organizations to receive philanthropic
support from the BSF. As one of six business units, BSF shares the overall mission of ITxM
– to engage our blood donor community, advance transfusion science, and touch more
patients with our clinical expertise.
ITxM, based in Pittsburgh, PA, is better known in the Chicago area as the parent company of
LifeSource. The LRF is grateful to benefit from the daily involvement of employees of
LifeSource and their support of numerous educational, support and fundraising events.
The Star Award was presented at the LRF’s Medical Awards Dinner Sunday, September 26
in Chicago.
About Blood Science Foundation
Founded more than 55 years ago, the Blood Science Foundation ensures that ITxM has the
financial resources to provide long-term lifesaving services to the communities we serve. The
Foundation supports ITxM by expanding the efforts of the Research Institute, making capital
expenditures, and providing additional funds for operating budgets as necessary.
The growth of the Blood Science Foundation is representative of the financial stability and
fund investment of ITxM. Now, with the Research Institute’s partnership with the University
of Pittsburgh, the Foundation is increasing its support of research initiatives by providing
multi-million dollar funding for important investigative projects. These long-term efforts
may one day lead to a better understanding, and improved treatment, of blood disorders.
The Foundation’s commitment to the Research Institute and its extensive clinical research
projects is just one more way we can fulfill our lifesaving mission.
-more-
LRF Star Award / 3
About The Leukemia Research Foundation (LRF)
The Leukemia Research Foundation, headquartered in Glenview, Ill., is dedicated to funding
research and providing support to people affected by blood cancers. The Foundation’s
mission is to conquer leukemia, lymphoma, and myelodysplastic syndromes by funding
research into their causes and cures, and to enrich the quality of life of those touched by
these diseases. For nearly 65 years, thousands of volunteers and 22 chapters have helped the
Foundation raise more than $50 million to help fund research specifically targeting aspiring,
eager, and innovative scientists and physicians around the world, provide patient financial
assistance, and offer educational and emotional support for patients and their families.
Leukemia Research Foundation information is available at www.leukemia-research.org, or
by calling 847-424-0600.
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