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Barbara is
Blood Cancer United

Image with saying " Life lessons learned with my cancer soul mate

Dogs have always played a major role in my life. My story follows a woman's journey through cancer, twice in 10 years. Each time my dogs discovered my cancers, while I was busy treating theirs. The love and life lessons we shared over the years with each other and God made us survivors. The "Inner Warrior" God created in me gave me the strength to beat cancer twice, lose my home of 15 years to foreclosure, avoid becoming homeless, survive being downsized, file for bankruptcy and deal with the loss of a parent. Throughout this journey I remained positive and forced myself to put one foot in front of the other, moving forward with my dogs at my side. The reader will laugh and cry through these pages. My faith was tested to extremes, but God was always there shaping my character.

Barbara

Survivor

We are Blood Cancer United.

Everyone affected by blood cancer—patients, survivors, caregivers, researchers, advocates, fundraisers, everyone—has a story. Share yours.
Family of five seated together on a sofa in a modern indoor setting. This image represents the role of family support throughout the blood cancer journey, highlighting caregiving, connection, and resilience for people affected by blood cancer, including patients, survivors, and their loved ones.

Rode

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Man in green shirt

Kyle

Lymphoma

A young hispanic mom in a gray tshirt with her bald son wearing bright green boxing gloves and an I Am a Warrior tshirt

Peyton

non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)

Close-up portrait of an older adult indoors wearing a zip-up jacket, seated in a room with shelves and a wall clock visible in the background—highlighting everyday life, strength, and lived experience within the blood cancer community and survivorship awareness.

Elaine

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Blood cancer survivor wearing a light-colored jacket stands outdoors at night holding a glowing white lantern and a blue light stick. At Light The Night. Behind them is a large illuminated inflatable sign that reads “FIGHT” in bold red letters, set against a dark background with trees faintly visible.

Tracey

chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)

Snapshot of Tracey with her dog, a cancer survivor

Tracey

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)

Headshot of Sonia, CLL survivor

Sonia

chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)

Person wearing a wide-brimmed hat and hiking backpack stands outdoors against a scenic mountain landscape with evergreen trees and patches of golden foliage. The image highlights an active moment in nature and reflects resilience, strength, and quality of life within the blood cancer community, emphasizing the importance of survivorship and living well after a blood cancer diagnosis.

Jean

smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM)

Person seated in a medical exam room during a healthcare appointment, with blood pressure monitoring equipment visible in the background. This image represents the blood cancer journey, highlighting ongoing medical care, treatment monitoring, survivorship, and the importance of regular healthcare visits for people affected by blood cancer.

Johansa

multiple myeloma (MM)

Two people wearing dark jackets and baseball caps sit closely together on public transportation, illuminated by natural sunlight through a window. This candid image highlights the importance of family, caregiving, and support within the blood cancer community, reflecting the personal connections that help individuals and families navigate a blood cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship journey.

Michael

Family member and supporter

Portrait of a blood cancer survivor wearing glasses, a light blue top, and a beaded necklace while seated indoors against a neutral background. The close-up image highlights a member of the blood cancer community and reflects survivorship, resilience, and the ongoing impact of blood cancer awareness, support, and advocacy.

Nancyjean

multiple myeloma (MM)

Black-and-white portrait of a blood cancer survivor standing beside large windows in a flowing formal gown with a long train. Natural light fills the room, highlighting a powerful moment that reflects resilience, survivorship, and the ability to celebrate meaningful life milestones while navigating a blood cancer journey.

Audrey

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is now Blood Cancer United. Learn more.