Loss of Author and Filmmaker Nora Ephron

Where would we be without our relationship delusions from "When Harry Met Sally", "You've Got Mail", and "Sleepless in Seattle"?

Fandom4LLS recognizes and mourns the loss of author and filmmaker Nora Ephron from acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). Please take a moment to read the article below.

LLS Mourns the Loss of Author and Filmmaker Nora Ephron 

 White Plains, NY (June 27, 2012) - The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) was deeply saddened to learn of the death of the supremely talented Nora Ephron, from acute myelogenous leukemia (AML).

Ephron had been battling myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), which then progressed to AML.
MDS is a group of diseases of the blood and bone marrow, with varying degrees of severity. Sometimes MDS can develop as a result of treatment for a different cancer.  MDS is often a precursor to AML, a rapidly progressing blood cancer that results from acquired changes in the DNA of a developing marrow cell.

LLS is currently funding a Phase III trial for a promising new drug, rigorsertib (trade name Estybon®) being developed by Onconova Therapeutics Inc with support from LLS's Therapy Acceleration Program. The drug inhibits multiple molecular processes critical in the growth and survival of cancer cells. Encouraging earlier stage trials showed disease reduction in MDS patients who did not benefit from other therapies, and reduced need for red blood cell transfusions.  The goal of the Onconova project is to develop a treatment for MDS so the disease does not progress to AML. Both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency have recognized this drug could fill an unmet need for MDS patients.

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

It's YOUR donations to LLS that fund these research projects, and help develop treatment and potential cures for cancer. Please take a moment to donate using the button on the right in honor of Nora Ephron and all those who battles these horrible cancers.