Cancer Survivor Becomes Patient Advocate, the Lymphoma Research Foundation Donor

By Steven Eichberg

Upon my initial diagnosis in June 2012, which started as a lump in my groin, I felt it was critical to get the best and most up-to-date information about my lymphoma. After some searching and speaking to friends in the medical field, I was led to the Lymphoma Research Foundation and their patient support line.

I found not only were my questions answered, but I also received excellent information for myself and my spouse that we could take with us to my first appointment with my new oncologist.

This simple call that armed me with information morphed into my becoming a patient support advocate for the Lymphoma Support Network. In this role, I help others who are going through the same therapeutics as I did, especially over the past six years while in and out of treatment.

From this support work for the foundation, I became a small donor and over time, realized I needed to do more. So in November 2019, I was asked to join the the Lymphoma Research Foundation Board of Directors and in June of 2020 became board chair.

My work has been focused on increasing the dollars we give as grants to our innovative researchers each and every year, as well as helping to improve the lives of fellow patients, caregivers and families dealing with a lymphoma diagnosis.

We also started a Health Equity Initiative in early 2020 to not only fund research focused on disadvantaged groups but support them through better and timely information to help them through their cancer journey, which includes having our website now in Spanish.

As a recent member of the Mason Society, I cannot think of a better way to support our innovative research and continued patient support than through leaving a legacy to the Lymphoma Research Foundation. But even if you are unable to leave an endowment or legacy gift, any donation you make to the Lymphoma Research Foundation will support the efforts that have brought me and so many other patients to remission.

And there are many ways to give, including through donor advised funds or your personal will. So help the Lymphoma Research Foundation continue to drive our research and support our entire patient community. Eventually we will find a cure!

To learn how you can use your estate plan to support patients like Steven or give a gift that boosts the innovative, life-saving research happening through the the Lymphoma Research Foundation, contact Laura Wallenstein at 917-696-7481 and lwallenstein@lymphoma.org today.