I’m 61 years old. I was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) the first time at 51, unaware of any symptoms. I was told that my diagnosis at my age was unusual. After chemotherapy and remission, the disease returned during COVID while I was being treated orally. The second experience was much worse. I’m in clinical remission for the second time in 10 years. Besides CLL, I wrestle with numerous orthopedic issues. I live an active lifestyle and maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and work full time. Throughout my journey, health care professionals have helped me tremendously. My faith, lifestyle, and support community provide a lot of strength. My wife died five months ago, and this loss is painful, and it also caused me to continue a healthy lifestyle, which my late wife always encouraged and assisted me with. Faith, a positive attitude, support, and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) resources inspire me to serve as a model of encouragement for others.
Arturo Pierre
chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
