WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., Oct. 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) was saddened to learn of the death of Senator Arlen Specter from complications related to non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Specter, Senator from Pennsylvania from 1980 until 2010, had previously fought Hodgkin's disease in 2005, and later survived a brain tumor and heart bypass surgery.

Specter was an ardent advocate for medical research, continually pushing for more funding for the National Institutes of Health budget.

"Our thoughts are with Senator Specter's family," said LLS President and CEO John Walter. "LLS is relentless in its pursuit of new therapies to defeat these diseases."

In light of his death, LLS is available to provide background on both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. To arrange interviews please contact Andrea Greif, 914-821-8958 or andrea.greif@lls.org.

About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society ® (LLS) is the world's largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services.  

Founded in 1949 and headquartered in White Plains, NY, LLS has chapters throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more, visit www.LLS.org or contact the Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. www.lls.org.

Andrea Greif
W: (914)821-8958
C: (914)772-3027
andrea.greif@lls.org

SOURCE The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society