MEDIA RELEASE For additional information call: Carl Alston, Director of Communications 847-919-6250 [email protected] September 29, 2010 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Blood Science Foundation Receives Leukemia Research Foundation’s Highest Honor The Blood Science Foundation (BSF), an operating unit of the Institute for Transfusion Medicine (ITxM), is the 2010 recipient of the Star Award presented by the Leukemia Research Foundation (LRF), based in Wilmette, Illinois. The Star Award is the highest honor bestowed upon corporations or individuals by the LRF. The award is presented to a select few who have taken the Foundation to new heights and truly created a legacy in pursuit of a cure for blood cancers. The Blood Science Foundation is only the 23rd recipient of the Star Award in the LRF’s 65-year history. The LRF was the recipient of a multi-year, $150,000 grant form BSF in 2009. The grant money, distributed over three years, provides funding specifically in support of the Educational Conferences and Patient Financial Assistance Programs offered by the LRF. “The Leukemia Research Foundation is truly honored to receive support from ITxM and its many business units including the Blood Science Foundation, LifeSource, and the Central Cord Bank,” said Kevin Radelet, executive director of the LRF. “The impact on services we provide to blood cancer patients is exceptional.” -more- LRF Star Award / 2 The LRF is privileged to be one of the first external organizations to receive philanthropic support from the BSF. As one of six business units, BSF shares the overall mission of ITxM – to engage our blood donor community, advance transfusion science, and touch more patients with our clinical expertise. ITxM, based in Pittsburgh, PA, is better known in the Chicago area as the parent company of LifeSource. The LRF is grateful to benefit from the daily involvement of employees of LifeSource and their support of numerous educational, support and fundraising events. The Star Award was presented at the LRF’s Medical Awards Dinner Sunday, September 26 in Chicago. About Blood Science Foundation Founded more than 55 years ago, the Blood Science Foundation ensures that ITxM has the financial resources to provide long-term lifesaving services to the communities we serve. The Foundation supports ITxM by expanding the efforts of the Research Institute, making capital expenditures, and providing additional funds for operating budgets as necessary. The growth of the Blood Science Foundation is representative of the financial stability and fund investment of ITxM. Now, with the Research Institute’s partnership with the University of Pittsburgh, the Foundation is increasing its support of research initiatives by providing multi-million dollar funding for important investigative projects. These long-term efforts may one day lead to a better understanding, and improved treatment, of blood disorders. The Foundation’s commitment to the Research Institute and its extensive clinical research projects is just one more way we can fulfill our lifesaving mission. -more- LRF Star Award / 3 About The Leukemia Research Foundation (LRF) The Leukemia Research Foundation, headquartered in Glenview, Ill., is dedicated to funding research and providing support to people affected by blood cancers. The Foundation’s mission is to conquer leukemia, lymphoma, and myelodysplastic syndromes by funding research into their causes and cures, and to enrich the quality of life of those touched by these diseases. For nearly 65 years, thousands of volunteers and 22 chapters have helped the Foundation raise more than $50 million to help fund research specifically targeting aspiring, eager, and innovative scientists and physicians around the world, provide patient financial assistance, and offer educational and emotional support for patients and their families. Leukemia Research Foundation information is available at www.leukemia-research.org, or by calling 847-424-0600. ###