Copelink Blog

CancerCare today announced the launch of the first-ever Acute Myeloid Leukemia Awareness Month, to be held in June. The goal of the campaign is to put a spotlight on acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a rare and difficult-to-treat blood cancer that typically affects older adults.

AML Awareness Month will feature in-depth information about AML on CancerCare’s website, including a video that features Turner Sports broadcaster Craig Sager who is coping with the diagnosis. Craig is best known as a sideline reporter for many NBA games; he is also well known for the colorful outfits he wears during broadcasts. The video features his wife, Stacy, and his children including his son, Craig Jr., who donated his bone marrow twice in an effort to save his father.

“I am proud to lend my voice to this effort,” Craig Sager said. Craig recently learned that his cancer had returned for a third time, but is more determined than ever to beat AML. “I intend to keep fighting for myself and for my family. It is important that the cancer community focus on advancing new treatments that will help both the quality of life and lifespan of patients with AML.”

Craig Sager, Jr. added, “It’s been a real journey over the past two years for me. I had to educate myself about AML and bone marrow donation. I watched my dad cope with this horrible disease all while keeping a positive attitude about the future. My hope is we can put the spotlight on AML and ultimately be able to offer more and more new treatments for patients who are in such need. I also hope our story will encourage more family members, friends and the general public to consider donating bone marrow or platelets which can be lifesaving for someone with AML.”

On June 17 and June 28, CancerCare will sponsor free virtual education programs on AML for people living with the diagnosis, their family and friends as well as health care professionals. CancerCare is also launching a social media effort during the month of June featuring Sager to help raise awareness of AML - follow #amlawareness, #sagerstrong or #CancerCare to join in!

To learn more about AML and AML Awareness Month, please visit: www.cancercare.org/amlaware.