PAL report

Patients Against Lymphoma (PAL) published their 2012 annual report a few days ago.  It's worth reading.

PAL is the nonprofit that sponsors Lymphomation.org, a web site that I have described before as the first place any lymphoma patient should visit if they want information. It has information about different types of lymphoma, treatments, and research, as well as links to patient experiences, support groups, information for caregivers, and lists of lymphoma specialists. It's an incredible resource, one we're lucky to have.

The annual report provides evidence of its popularity and effectiveness: more than half a million different visitors last year, with just under 11 million hits. I'm glad people have found this resource.

PAL's missions include encouraging research and supporting patients, and as the annual report makes clear, those missions overlap when it comes to clinical trials. Encouraging participation in trials helps meet the aims of lymphoma research, helps current patients find new treatments that aren't yet widely available, and of course helps future patients by ensuring that new treatments are safe and effective. PAL is very big on clinical trials, and they rightly refer to patients who agree to be a part of trials as "Heroes." They take risks to help people they don't even know. (Which is pretty much what Superman and Wonder Woman do, isn't it?)

The link above will take you to part I of the annual report, where you'll find a focus on clinical trials: PAL's support of them, and even links to some of the lymphoma-related trials going on. It's certainly worth a look. And its worth considering whether or not a trial would be beneficial (see the link in the report for whether or not it's something to consider).

I'll try to link to part II when it's available.