It all began with a group of parents whose children had leukaemia. Sat around a kitchen table, they decided to set up one of the first ever support groups to help others going through a similar situation. What once started as one, has grown to over 25 support groups across the UK. Leukaemia Care registered with the Charity Commission on 11th September 1969 by the name of “The Leukaemia Society” and has since transformed into a national charity with a passionate team of employees, trustees and, of course, volunteers.
To celebrate this important milestone, throughout 2019 we are running our yearlong #LC50 campaign to help raise awareness of both the charity and the signs and symptoms of leukaemia.
50 patient issues
During the campaign, we will be highlighting key issues faced by blood cancer patients across social media. This will help to raise awareness of the everyday problems faced by leukaemia patients and will give patients and carers a chance to share and learn tips from others.
Meet the experts
Once a month, our Advocacy Officer, Charlotte Martin, will be doing Facebook Live videos all about the common issues that blood cancer patients face. In these videos, she will be joined by an industry expert and will give you the opportunity to ask questions and gain advice directly from the professionals.
#Spot Leukaemia
Since 1969 the survival rate for those diagnosed with leukaemia has improved dramatically due to major improvements in medical therapies that came with the turn of the millennium. However, late diagnosis is now a major barrier.
As a result of this two years ago, we launched our #SpotLeukaemia campaign. The aim of the campaign is to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of leukaemia among both the public and primary healthcare providers. Early diagnosis saves lives.
Over the year we will continue to raise awareness and will be asking you to get involved and help us to improve public knowledge on the signs and symptoms of leukaemia.
The six most common symptoms experienced by all leukaemia patients prior to diagnosis are:
- Fatigue
- Feeling weak or breathless
- Fever or night sweats
- Easily bruising or bleeding
- Pain in bones or joints
- Frequent infections
Wear your spot leukaemia pin badge with pride
Show your support for blood cancer patients by wearing our Spot Leukaemia pin badge. Our pin badges are free and can be ordered here.
We’d love to see your selfies wearing your badge with pride. So, don’t forget to mention us on social media and add the hashtag #SpotLeukaemia to your posts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Share our symptoms cards and help raise awareness
Order our symptoms cards online and share with your friends, family, local community and even GP surgery and help us raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of leukaemia.
Order your free symptoms cards here.
Share your blood cancer story
If you’ve been affected by a blood cancer, sharing your story can help others going through a similar situation and help the public to better understand leukaemia.
Get in touch with us and share your story here.
Tune in to our Meet the Experts Facebook Live Videos
Tune in and interact with us on social media during our “Meet the Expert” themed live streams. The experts are here help you deal with the issues you are facing, so ask questions and gain advice directly from the professional
Share your memories
Do you have a particularly long-standing connection with Leukaemia Care or any old pictures of old fund-raising events from times gone by? If so, we’d love to hear from you to help contribute to our yearlong campaign. Please send any memories to campaigns@leukaemiacare.org.uk.
If you have any further questions about our 50th year campaign, then you can contact our Campaigns and Advocacy team. They are available Monday to Friday from 9:00am – 5:30pm. If you would like to speak to them, you can:
- Call our office line on 01905 755977
- Send them an email at campaigns@leukaemiacare.org.uk