Transforming Lives, Advancing Research, and Inspiring Hope

At the Sherelle McKinley Thomas Leukemia Foundation (SMTLF), we are in the beginning stages of building a transformative legacy for families affected by Aggressive Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL).

Patient Support Programs

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Financial Assistance Program

To provide financial relief for families navigating the overwhelming costs of APL treatment and care.

Planned Features:

  • Treatment Grants: To help cover medical expenses like chemotherapy, medications, and hospital stays,

    Emergency Living Expense Support: To assist with rent, groceries, and utilities during active treatment.

    Travel & Lodging Assistance: To ease the burden of traveling for specialized treatment or second opinions.

Our goal is to raise the necessary funds to launch this program in the near future.

Support This Vision
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Emotional Support & Peer Groups

To build safe, inclusive spaces for patients, caregivers, and families to share, connect, and heal.

Planned Features:

  • Virtual & In-Person Sessions for both patients and caregivers.

    Multilingual Options to increase accessibility.

    Facilitated Conversations led by trained professionals and survivors.

Emotional support is powerful—our future groups aim to help improve overall well-being.

Join the Interest List

Research Initiatives

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Future Research Grant Program

To support pioneering research that advances treatment, care, and potential cures for APL.

Planned Features:

  • Competitive grants for Basic, Clinical, and Translational Research

    Collaborative projects across institutions

    Flexible funding ranging from $50,000–$1,000,000 (subject to fundraising success)

Our vision includes supporting clinical trials that could save thousands of lives

Help Fund the Future
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Research Partnerships & Global Collaboration

To forge meaningful partnerships with world-class institutions, universities, and hospitals worldwide.

Planned Features:

  • Joint research initiatives with oncology leaders

    Secure, centralized data-sharing

    Public education and awareness campaigns

We aspire to build 10+ strategic partnerships within our first three years

Collaborate With Us

Community Engagement

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Volunteer Program – Coming Soon

To create a vibrant, purpose-driven volunteer community committed to making a tangible difference

Planned Features:

  • Flexible roles for local and virtual volunteers

    Training and recognition programs

    Opportunities for students, professionals, and survivors to get involved

Our future volunteers will be the heart of our movement

Get Involved Early
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Advocacy & Awareness Campaigns

To amplify patient voices and influence policy that ensures accessible and affordable APL treatment for all.

Planned Features:

  • Advocacy toolkits for families

    Legislative briefings and partnerships

    Awareness events and public campaigns

Together, we can raise awareness and secure funding for critical research.

Join Our Advocacy Network

Why Your Support Matters

SMTLF is built on a mission of hope, healing, and humanity. While we are just beginning, every donation, every volunteer, and every voice helps us move closer to launching these life-changing programs.

Be part of our journey from day one. Help us build a future where no one faces APL alone.

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