News Releases

M&I Joins the Fight to Help Blood Cancer Patients Live Longer, Better Lives

LEAWOOD, KS, March 27, 2012 – Approximately every four minutes someone in the United States is diagnosed with some type of blood cancer. Approximately every 10 minutes someone in the United States dies from a blood cancer. M&I, a part of BMO Financial Group is hoping to help change those statistics.

M&anp;I announced that they will be the presenting sponsor for the Leukemia &anp; Lymphoma Society's Joie de Vivre (Joy of Life) April fund raiser. Dollars raised from the event will support critical research to help diagnose and treat blood cancers, patient support, and informational programs.

Black Tie Ball Campaign Manager Tori Snowden expressed her excitement about the partnership. "Your incredible generosity makes it possible for us to continue life-saving research as well as provide support for our local patients and their families."

In the 1960's, survival rates from blood cancers were pretty dismal. For example, Hodgkin Lymphoma patients survival rate was 40 percent, Leukemia was only at 14 percent. Thanks to medical advances and new treatments, the survival rate for Hodgkin Lymphoma is now 86 percent and Leukemia survival rates have improved to 57 percent. Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma survival rates have improved from 40 percent to 70 percent.

"The LLS is a national leader in blood cancer research, which is why we are partnering with them to help raise additional funds in order to help keep important research moving forward," said Dave Rambo, Director and Regional Senior Vice President, M&I, a part of BMO Financial Group. "As an organization committed to supporting the needs of our communities, we are anxious to do our part by helping raise awareness and provide financial support to increase survival rates."

About BMO Harris Bank N.A.
Based in Chicago, BMO Harris Bank N.A. provides a broad range of personal banking products and solutions through over 650 branches and approximately 1,350 ATMs in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Nevada, Arizona a nd Florida. BMO Harris Bank's commercial banking team provides a combination of sector expertise, local knowledge and mid-market focus throughout the U.S. Deposit and loan products and services provided by BMO Harris Bank N.A. Member FDIC. BMO Harris BankSM and M&I® are trade names used by BMO Harris Bank N.A. BMO Harris Bank is part of BMO Financial Group, a North American financial organization with 1,600 branches, and a retail deposit base of approximately $180 billion.

About the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Founded in 1949 and headquartered in White Plains, NY, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the world's largest voluntary (nonprofit) health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education and patient services. LLS has chapters throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more, visit www.LLS.org.

BMO Harris Bank is a trade name used by BMO Harris Bank N.A. Banking deposit and loan products and services are provided by BMO Harris Bank N.A. Member FDIC. Brokerage products are offered through Harris Investor Services, Inc. (HIS), a registered broker/dealer, member FINRA/SIPC, and SEC-registered investment advisor. Insurance products are offered through Harris Bancorp Insurance Services, Inc. (HBIS). Investment banking services are provided by BMO Capital Markets Corp. (BMOCMC) and BMO Capital Markets GKST, Inc. (GKST), a Municipal Bond Dealer and member FINRA and SIPC. Financial planning and investment advisory services are provided by Sullivan, Bruyette, Speros & Blayney, Inc. (Harris SBSB), an SEC registered investment advisor. Family Office Services are provided by Harris myCFO, Inc. Investment advisory services are offered by Harris myCFO Investment Advisory Services LLC (Harris myCFO), an SEC-registered investment advisor and wholly-owned subsidiary of Harris myCFO, Inc. Stoker Ostler Wealth Advisors (Stoker Ostler) is an SEC-registered investment advisor. Investment advisory ser vices to institutional clients are provided by Harris Investment Management (HIM) or its wholly-owned subsidiary HIM Monegy (Monegy), SEC-registered investment advisors. Products offered by HIS, HBIS, BMOCM, Harris SBSB, Harris myCFO, Stoker Ostler, HIM, and Monegy, which are affiliated companies and wholly owned subsidiaries of BMO Financial Corp.,: Are not insured by the FDIC or any Federal Government Agency, not a deposit of or guaranteed by any Bank or Bank Affiliate, may lose value. The purchase of insurance or an annuity is not a condition to any bank loan or service. Not all products and services are offered in every state and/or location.