Thanks for your interest in joining Team Kareem, a national team of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Light The Night Walk! Our goal is to help increase awareness about blood cancer and raise funds to support research to develop treatments for those who are fighting this disease.
Held on fall evenings in communities across the US, Light The Night Walk is The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's fundraising event to pay tribute and bring hope to people battling blood cancer. More than 250,000 people participate in these 2 - 3 mile walks throughout the country to help raise funds for vital, lifesaving research. It's easy to register.
Last year, I stepped out of my private circle to share with the public my diagnosis of Ph+ CML (Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia). Through a CML education partnership with Novartis Oncology, I am committed to showing others with CML that you are not alone, and that with proper treatment, this can be a manageable disease. It is important that people with CML take their medication as prescribed, get frequent blood tests to monitor progression of their disease and keep regular appointments with their doctors.
As a CML patient advocate, I understand what it's like to live with cancer and recognize the importance of supporting lifesaving research. It's because of research that my CML diagnosis, once considered a death sentence, with proper treatment, is now a manageable disease.
Together, today we can bring hope to others with cancer. Sign up for Team Kareem and help change lives. I hope you will join me in supporting cancer research.
If you raise $100 or more, you will be honored as an LLS Champion For Cures and receive night-of-walk benefits including a Light The Night t-shirt, a Light The Night illuminated balloon and a wristband which entitles the walker to food and refreshments. In addition, the Team Kareem members who raise the highest funds on the team will receive a special gift signed by me!
Your team captain,
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Tip from Kareem: Know Your Score!
Just like on the basketball court, when it comes to cancer, I have to know my score.
My specific cancer, Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia, or Ph+ CML, is characterized by an abnormality known as the Philadelphia chromosome which produces a protein called Bcr-Abl. This protein has been identified as the sole cause and driver of CML, which means that the level of Bcr-Abl in your blood indicates the amount of disease still present in your body. Knowing your Bcr-Abl score means knowing how well you are responding to treatment.
Bcr-Abl levels are measured through a simple Polymerase Chain Reaction or "PCR" blood test which is the most sensitive and accurate test to help you monitor your disease. For those like me living with CML, once you and your doctor know your Bcr-Abl score, together you can set goals for achieving your ideal score. Please speak with your doctor about this test.
Stay Connected!
For additional updates on Team Kareem please visit Kareem and Light The Night on Facebook, or follow LLS on Twitter @llsusa.
You can also connect with the CML community at CMLEarth.com, a social networking site for those affected by CML.
Be a Your Own Champion | Take Action
- Actively manage your disease by taking your medication as prescribed
- Get frequent blood tests to monitor your disease
- Meet with your doctor regularly and maintain an open dialogue