Our Story
How we began
Our story began in Toronto in 1955 when five women concerned with the lack of focus on leukemia research decided to raise money for research. At the time, the prognosis of a leukemia diagnosis was very poor. To start, they raised funds for the City of Hope Hospital in California. Then their focus changed to Canadian research and funds raised were directed to Canadian hospitals shortly after the first provincial charter for the City of Hope Leukemia Fighters was issued in 1957.
In 1965, the official name was changed to Toronto Leukemia Fighters. This was also the first year all monies raised were donated to Mount Sinai Hospital, which invested heavily in leukemia and related blood disorders. For the next 10 years, over $400,000 was raised and invested in research taking place Mount Sinai Hospital.
In 1972, the organization's name changed again to the Leukemia Research Fund and in 1983, we merged with the Crusade Against Leukemia. We expanded outside Toronto over the next few years.
A long-standing partnership with UFCW
The Honourable Bob Rae suggested an alliance with United Food and Commercial Workers Canada (UFCW), whose charity of choice up until that point was the Leukemia Society of America. Since 1985, UFCW Canada and its members have been our single largest supporter. Leukemia Research Fund of Canada (LRFC) became a federally registered charity in 1992.
Our partnership with Max Parrot
Max Parrot, Canadian snowboarding champion, is involved with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada as a spokesperson and ambassador. His story serves as an inspiration to the blood cancer community, especially to young adults who are going through the disease.
Our affiliation with Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in the United States
Our affiliation with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) in the United States, formerly the Leukemia Society of America, became official in 2004. The LLS in the US was involved not only with funding research, but also with providing support to people affected by a blood cancer and their caregivers. The Leukemia Research Fund was renamed The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC) as of July 1, 2004. Services were added to the Canadian mandate. While we are affiliated with LLS, we remain a separate entity and a registered charity in Canada that is focused on funding Canadian research and supporting Canadians in need as they go through their cancer experience.
Our mission
We won’t stop until there is a cure for leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, myelodysplastic syndromes and myeloproliferative neoplasms and are able to improve the quality of life of people affected by blood cancers and their families by funding life-enhancing research and providing educational resources, services and support.
What we do
In Canada, there are currently 155,593 people living with or in remission from one of the 137 types of blood cancers. Our story may have started out of a concern for leukemia research, but today, we are the largest registered charitable health agency dedicated to supporting the blood cancer community in Canada. Our focus has grown and now includes:
Funding research from bench to bedside
Rethinking how a person navigates their blood cancer experience
Providing targeted blood cancer information
Offering tools for psychological and emotional support
Empowering Canadians to take charge of their blood cancer experience through practical support and advocacy
What we have accomplished together
Who we serve
Our staff and volunteers are spread across the country to ensure our programs and services reach individuals and families in urban cities and rural communities alike. Many of our programs have been adapted for remote access so that distance is never an issue for critical resources or our support services. Our services and programs are specially developed and customized for the following groups:
Individuals with a blood cancer diagnosis including children, teens, young and older adults
Caregivers of a person with a blood cancer
Survivors of a blood cancer
Families and friends grieving the loss of a loved one to a blood cancer
Teachers and school administrators concerned about students touched by a blood cancer
Healthcare professionals, such as, oncology nurses, social workers and pharmacists
Researchers interested in the areas of hematology and blood cancers
Contact our National Office
Toronto, ON
M2J 4P8
How we are organized
Board of Directors

Her vision has been a driving force behind many successful culture, engagement and coaching initiatives at SW&A leading the firm to be named as one of Canada’s Best Workplaces, as well as, an Employee Recommended Workplace in 2017 and 2018.
The blood cancer cause is a personal one for Jennifer. She is a 14-year leukemia survivor and is dedicated volunteer for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada. She is also a keen adventurer who enjoys new challenges including biking, hiking, trekking, and zip-lining in some of the most exotic and beautiful parts of the world. She is a mother of two, Matt 22 and Kate 20, who she is helping transition through university to adulthood. Her husband Murray enjoys accompanying her on her adventures.


Gord is an audit committee member, past treasurer and board member of the HomeSpace Society, a non-profit organization providing housing for Calgary’s homeless. He is the past chair of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and a former trustee of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra Foundation. He has served on and advised numerous Boards of Directors over his career both in the corporate and non-profit sector.
Gord was diagnosed with an aggressive Prolymphocytic Leukemia in 2015 and began treatment immediately, which included a successful stem cell transplant from his donor, his sister.

He has been an active member of many international scientific societies. He has served in senior elected executive roles in the International Society of Experimental Hematology, and served as President and then as Editor in Chief of the associations journal, Experimental Hematology. He was a founding member in 1999 of the NCE-funded Stem Cell Network and remains active in the Canadian Stem Cell Network Foundation. He currently serves on the Scientific Advisory Board of the Hemato-Linne Stem Cell Program (centered in Lund, Sweden) and bluebird bio and has previously been an advisor to the hematology research program at Millenium and Systemix. He has previously served as an advisor to the Terry Fox Foundation and currently sits on the Medical-Scientific committee of the Leukemia Lymphoma Society of Canada. Dr. Humphries has served on numerous review panels both nationally and internationally including serving as member of the Score Committee of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (USA), member and chair of the scientific panel for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society of Canada, the hematopoiesis panel of the National Cancer Institute and site visit panels for the Terry Fox Program.
As an experienced professional with more than 25 years of retail management, Ozzie is known for driving brand performance and operational excellence. In his 16 years at The Beer Store, he has held various management roles starting his career as a Store Manager, District Manager, and General Manager of Retail Operations before transitioning to his current role as Vice President, Retail Operations.
Over the years he has been involved in the community in many different capacities. His passion for family and community have driven him to volunteer as School Council Chair for several years. In addition, he has volunteered as an Auxiliary Police Officer for the Waterloo Region Police Service and has served as a Coordinator for the Cambridge Core Areas Patrol, an award-winning community support initiative. Ozzie has been an active supporter of LLSC from the first day that The Beer Store and LLSC paired up. From being a District Coordinator to sitting on the Bottle Drive Provincial Committee, LLSC has always been an important charitable partner to him because of the great work they do!

Currently, Jeffrey is the CEO of Edison Oncology Holding Corp., a company he established to develop and commercialize new therapies in the fight against cancer. Prior to founding Edison Oncology, he led the growth of DelMar Pharmaceuticals, Inc. from its inception in 2010 through its listing on NASDAQ and advancement of its lead product candidate to pivotal Phase 3 clinical trials. In addition to his role at Edison Oncology, Jeffrey serves as an independent director and chair of the Compensation Committee for Sernova Corp., where he has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2008.
Jeffrey has been recognized as a “Top 40 under 40” executive by Business in Vancouver magazine and is the former Chair of the Greater Vancouver Economic Council.
Jeffrey is active in his community through volunteerism with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training program and as former Chairman of the Board for Covenant House Vancouver.

Dr. Berman is a pediatric hematologist/oncologist and internationally recognized for pioneering research using zebrafish to study leukemia, childhood solid tumours, and rare inherited diseases, with a recent focus on inherited bone marrow failure syndromes. His laboratory has served as the Atlantic node of the Centre for Drug Research and Development and a national hub for zebrafish modeling of orphan diseases. He has served as president of the Canadian Society for Clinical Investigation, president of the Canadian Hematology Society and is a founding member of the Canadian Rare Disease Models and Mechanisms Network. He is currently Chair of the Board of Directors of the national Maternal Infant Child and Youth Research Network and a member of the board of the Ontario Institute of Cancer Research (Chair of the Research Committee) and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Institute of Cancer Research.
Dr. Berman has been engaged with LLSC for many years in a variety of capacities, including as a grant recipient, speaker at Light the Night events, grant reviewer, Chair of the Operating Grant Review Panel, and member of the Med/Sci Committee. He is passionate about translating research findings from the bench to the bedside to improve the outcome and quality of life for individuals suffering from blood cancers

In 2017, Dan’s uncle passed away from AML leaving his wife and two teenage daughters behind. He is actively involved in several community service organizations. Currently, he is the proud member of Montreal’s Light the Night Walk Volunteer Leadership Committee where he was Chair of the Walk in 2016. Dan and his wife are proud to raise two amazing daughters together.


Frédéric was the managing partner of a consulting practice specialized in business intelligence and economic and industrial development for 14 years before he joined the Quebec Cluster of Metal Transformers as Chief Executive Officer.
As a speaker and strategic advisor, Frédéric wrote several industry reports and briefs, participated in parliamentary committees, and organized strategic forums for the development of industry clusters.
In early 2017 Frederic was diagnosed with an aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma stage IV and, thanks to the support of the Canadian medical community, he is now undergoing his maintenance treatment.

Paul wasn’t going to allow a cancer diagnosis to stop him from continuing his active lifestyle. Shortly after finishing his curative chemotherapy treatments in the fall of 2011, he was re-elected to the Newfoundland Labrador House of Assembly and elevated to cabinet. Paul continued his political career while undergoing two years of maintenance treatments and in 2014 became the 12th Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador.
In the fall of 2018 Paul retired from politics but stepped up his involvement with LLSC. As a lifelong volunteer with a long history of serving with local, regional and national organizations, Paul was delighted to join the LLSC Board of Directors and enjoys being an active volunteer with the local Light The Night organizing committee.
Paul is particularly passionate when it comes to services and supports to people affected by blood cancers and their families and believes in the benefits and value of much needed blood cancer research.
Paul and his wife Cheryl reside in their home town of Conception Bay South, Newfoundland Labrador.

brings a great depth of industry knowledge as a Portfolio Manager and Wealth
Advisor to his clients. Cameron customizes advanced financial planning
strategies and unique wealth protection solutions to meet the needs of
families, businesses and philanthropic organizations on national and
international levels. As a Portfolio Manager, he offers discretionary investment
management services to his clients.
Born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Cameron completed his education in
Toronto earning an Honours degree in Economics at York University. He is a
Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Canadian Investment Manager (CIM), Options
licensed (OLC), Financial Management Advisor (FMA) and is licensed to provide
insurance solutions to protect and preserve your personal and corporate
wealth.
Cameron is actively involved with a variety of professional and charitable
organizations including his former role as Director on the Board of the Better
Living Health Centre. He has also served on their Planning Committee Board
and Finance Board. In his former role as Branch Manager at RBC Royal Bank,
Cameron initiated RBC's participation in the Meals on Wheels program. He
recently co-chaired the Special Events Committee of the Yonge Bloor Bay
Business Association, which continues to support local businesses and
charities in the Yorkville community.
Cameron served on the RBC Dominion Securities Advisory Board which
comprised of advisors from across Canada. He represented RBC investment
advisors for the Metro Toronto and Northern Ontario regions, alongside his
fellow board members, working to improve client service and the client
experience at RBC Dominion Securities. Since 2020, Cameron has been involved
with the RBC Dominion Securities Investment Advisor Mentorship Program. He coaches new Advisors who are looking to grow their business. Currently, he is a member of the prestigious RBC Dominion Securities Executive Council.

In addition, Amber channels her passion for people and culture by leading the SW&A Engagement strategy. With a focus on Whole Person Development, including connection and belonging, recognition and energy management, Amber is always looking for new ideas and approaches to ensure the team is truly thriving even during these challenging times. Amber has also built custom Whole Person Development programs for SW&A clients to help their teams succeed.
Amber’s daughter Reese, now 15 years old, is a childhood cancer survivor. While the diagnosis was not a blood cancer, there’s no doubt some of treatment she received was informed by the research done on blood cancers. Plus, Amber and her family became close to other families with children going through leukemia treatment at Sick Kids hospital….each and every one of them a true warrior and inspiration. Amber, her husband and daughter love international travel, exploring new restaurants around Toronto and relaxing at the cottage.
Amber has volunteered her ideas and her time as a member of LLSC’s Talent and HR Committee for the past year.

A UFCW member for nearly 25 years, Derek has served the union in various capacities, including local steward, national representative, and regional director. As Special Assistant, Johnstone engages stakeholders as the union’s research, communications, and skills development principal. He also serves as administrator of the union’s strike and lockout resource, the National Defence Fund.
From 2014 to 2019, Derek served as Vice-Chair of the Ontario Prevention Council, where he worked with employers, civil society organizations and academics to develop and advance the province’s health and safety system and provide enhanced protections for vulnerable worker populations.
Like many UFCW Canada members – who have collectively raised more than $43-million for blood cancer research – Derek is an enthusiastic participant in LLSC fundraising initiatives.
Derek is a graduate of Western University, and has completed professional education programs in public relations, board governance and group benefit plans.


A fervent believer in the importance of volunteerism, Angela has been involved in a number of community organizations over the years including as a director of the Foundation of the Women’s Centre of Montreal since 2015. As a survivor of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma thanks, in part, to so many giving so much, Angela is committed to contributing to the mission of the LLSC.


Previously, Richard was the Vice President of Student Services for CPA Ontario where he oversaw the operations, strategic and financial planning, business development, regulatory requirements, and policy development relating to a 20,000-student portfolio. Collaborating with provincial and national bodies across Canada, he led aspects of unifying three professional accounting bodies into one, while implementing a new post graduate program. He also led large-scale digital transformation projects and co-developed and implemented a multimillion-dollar funding model for Ontario universities that led to the creation of four specialized research centers.
Richard also worked at CIBC World Markets where he was a Director in Equity Research and was quickly ranked by Brendan Woods International as a “Rising Star”. Previously, he was a Treasury Manager with Pepsi Canada and became a CA with KPMG in 1999. Richard also volunteered on several Not-for-Profit Boards, including Hospice Palliative Care of Ontario and Family Services Toronto.

His public service also includes 11 years in the New Jersey senate and assembly, where he was chair of the appropriations committee and majority conference leader. Previously, Bagger worked at Pfizer for more than 16 years in a series of positions of increasing responsibility within the company’s U.S. pharmaceuticals, corporate affairs and worldwide pharmaceuticals divisions. He currently teaches at the Rutgers University Eagleton Institute of Politics and is a Commissioner of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
He received a bachelor’s degree from Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs and a law degree from Rutgers University Law School.
Executive Committee

Her vision has been a driving force behind many successful culture, engagement and coaching initiatives at SW&A leading the firm to be named as one of Canada’s Best Workplaces, as well as, an Employee Recommended Workplace in 2017 and 2018.
The blood cancer cause is a personal one for Jennifer. She is a 14-year leukemia survivor and is dedicated volunteer for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada. She is also a keen adventurer who enjoys new challenges including biking, hiking, trekking, and zip-lining in some of the most exotic and beautiful parts of the world. She is a mother of two, Matt 22 and Kate 20, who she is helping transition through university to adulthood. Her husband Murray enjoys accompanying her on her adventures.


Gord is an audit committee member, past treasurer and board member of the HomeSpace Society, a non-profit organization providing housing for Calgary’s homeless. He is the past chair of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and a former trustee of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra Foundation. He has served on and advised numerous Boards of Directors over his career both in the corporate and non-profit sector.
Gord was diagnosed with an aggressive Prolymphocytic Leukemia in 2015 and began treatment immediately, which included a successful stem cell transplant from his donor, his sister.

He has been an active member of many international scientific societies. He has served in senior elected executive roles in the International Society of Experimental Hematology, and served as President and then as Editor in Chief of the associations journal, Experimental Hematology. He was a founding member in 1999 of the NCE-funded Stem Cell Network and remains active in the Canadian Stem Cell Network Foundation. He currently serves on the Scientific Advisory Board of the Hemato-Linne Stem Cell Program (centered in Lund, Sweden) and bluebird bio and has previously been an advisor to the hematology research program at Millenium and Systemix. He has previously served as an advisor to the Terry Fox Foundation and currently sits on the Medical-Scientific committee of the Leukemia Lymphoma Society of Canada. Dr. Humphries has served on numerous review panels both nationally and internationally including serving as member of the Score Committee of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (USA), member and chair of the scientific panel for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society of Canada, the hematopoiesis panel of the National Cancer Institute and site visit panels for the Terry Fox Program.
As an experienced professional with more than 25 years of retail management, Ozzie is known for driving brand performance and operational excellence. In his 16 years at The Beer Store, he has held various management roles starting his career as a Store Manager, District Manager, and General Manager of Retail Operations before transitioning to his current role as Vice President, Retail Operations.
Over the years he has been involved in the community in many different capacities. His passion for family and community have driven him to volunteer as School Council Chair for several years. In addition, he has volunteered as an Auxiliary Police Officer for the Waterloo Region Police Service and has served as a Coordinator for the Cambridge Core Areas Patrol, an award-winning community support initiative. Ozzie has been an active supporter of LLSC from the first day that The Beer Store and LLSC paired up. From being a District Coordinator to sitting on the Bottle Drive Provincial Committee, LLSC has always been an important charitable partner to him because of the great work they do!

Currently, Jeffrey is the CEO of Edison Oncology Holding Corp., a company he established to develop and commercialize new therapies in the fight against cancer. Prior to founding Edison Oncology, he led the growth of DelMar Pharmaceuticals, Inc. from its inception in 2010 through its listing on NASDAQ and advancement of its lead product candidate to pivotal Phase 3 clinical trials. In addition to his role at Edison Oncology, Jeffrey serves as an independent director and chair of the Compensation Committee for Sernova Corp., where he has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2008.
Jeffrey has been recognized as a “Top 40 under 40” executive by Business in Vancouver magazine and is the former Chair of the Greater Vancouver Economic Council.
Jeffrey is active in his community through volunteerism with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training program and as former Chairman of the Board for Covenant House Vancouver.


Frédéric was the managing partner of a consulting practice specialized in business intelligence and economic and industrial development for 14 years before he joined the Quebec Cluster of Metal Transformers as Chief Executive Officer.
As a speaker and strategic advisor, Frédéric wrote several industry reports and briefs, participated in parliamentary committees, and organized strategic forums for the development of industry clusters.
In early 2017 Frederic was diagnosed with an aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma stage IV and, thanks to the support of the Canadian medical community, he is now undergoing his maintenance treatment.
