View this email in your browser Dear Member, Wow! 2020 has been a year we will not forget. I am sure we are all looking to a brighter 2021.   We thought we should close out the year with a newsletter full of GOOD NEWS! Karen Van Rassel Leadership Award for 2020 Recipient: LIPA The Lymphoma Patient Association in Serbia (LIPA) is the recipient of the Karen Van Rassel Leadership Award for 2020! Congratulations to the hardworking volunteers who are making differences for patients every day. More information about their work is available here. Watch these videos to see Maja Kocić’s reaction to finding out this news, as well as a heartfelt thank you for the award.  COVID-19 Updates COVID-19 vaccines are starting to be administered. While it will take a while to have enough of the population vaccinated for global herd immunity, the results from clinical trials are good. At the recent American Society of Hematology meeting (ASH), leading experts from around the world were all clear that they recommend patients with lymphoma (including CLL) be vaccinated. Generally, there is recognition that patients will not develop the same number of antibodies as healthy people in response to the vaccine, but the specialists currently believe any response is better than none. Even after patients receive the vaccine, it is recommended they continue to practice COVID safety measures. There is some caution around which vaccines to use for immunocompromised people as some are made from small amounts of live virus, which may be an issue. It is important that patients have discussions with their doctor locally on what is the right choice for them. Patients were not part of the group who received the vaccine in clinical trials so it will be important to track results. Continue to follow the COVID updates page for more information as it becomes available.   Introducing the Global Cancer Coalitions Network (GCCN) The group of cancer coalitions LC collaborated with on the COVID-19 impact survey and joint statement now has a name: Global Cancer Coalitions Network (GCCN). We believe there is more we can do working together. The Joint Statement on COVID-19 has been updated. On World Cancer Day, 4 February 2021, we invite you to join members of the cancer community from around the world at GCCN’s first Coalition Connection event, an interactive session that will examine the effects of COVID-19 and the innovative strategies patient advocacy organisations have employed in the wake of this global health crisis. The results from the latest survey and other key issues of isolation and new communication methods will be discussed at the GCCN World Cancer Day event Coalition Connection: COVID-19. View Poster Register Now The Year of the Nurse and the Midwife The Year of the Nurse and the Midwife is ending, but there is still time to share these videos, thanking the fabulous nurses who care for our patients. World Cancer Day 2021 World Cancer Day is fast approaching on 4 February. UICC has many resources to help you recognise the day. And don’t forget to join the GCCN Coalition Connection: COVID-19 event. As we close out 2020, thank you for continuing to support those affected by lymphoma. It was needed this year more than ever. Wishing everyone peace and good health in 2021 and hopefully we will be able to gather together again! Warm regards, Lorna