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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.
Portrait of a child standing in a grassy field surrounded by wildflowers and greenery, wearing a navy button-down shirt. The image represents hope, resilience, and childhood blood cancer awareness, highlighting the experiences of young blood cancer patients, survivors, and families while emphasizing the importance of research, support, and community.

Henry

B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL)

Jarvis, Pre B acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patient

Jarvis

Pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

Savanna and Asher, pediatric blood cancer patient, holding a sign "Asher is a perfect match"

Savanna

pre-B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (pre-B-ALL)

Rachel, pediatric blood cancer as an adult at the same stem cell transplant unti they were treated

Rachel

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

Two men with arms around each others shoulders

Kabir

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

Liam smiling-sitting on a hospital bed in a diaper-chemo port taped to his chest-bald from treatment

Liam

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Headshot of Isabelle - a young woman with blond hair and blue eyes

Isabelle

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

A blood cancer patient sitting outdoors in a red chair, holding a young child on their lap while relaxing in a grassy, sunlit setting, with trees and a peaceful backyard environment in the background.

Clare

peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL)

A young child stands indoors on a hardwood floor wearing a lavender dress, colorful socks, and a pink head wrap. The portrait highlights a moment of confidence and individuality during a blood cancer experience, capturing the resilience of children and families navigating treatment, recovery, and survivorship. This image reflects hope, strength, and everyday life affected by pediatric blood cancer.

Kelly

Family member and caregiver

Close-up portrait of a blood cancer survivor standing along a coastal cliff at sunset, with the ocean and shoreline visible in the background. The individual wears a patterned head covering and a light-colored sweatshirt while looking toward the camera. Featured in a blood cancer survivor story, the image highlights resilience, hope, and finding moments of peace during and after blood cancer treatment. The scenic setting reflects strength, healing, and the support that helps people affected by leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other blood cancers move forward.

Liz

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

inspirational-stories-blood-cancer-shirley.jpeg

Shirley

large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL)

A selfie taken inside a vehicle shows a blood cancer survivor sitting beside a large brown dog wearing a harness and orange collar. The dog is positioned prominently in the foreground, while the individual wears sunglasses and a seatbelt. The candid photo highlights the comfort, companionship, and everyday moments that support many people affected by blood cancer during survivorship and recovery.

Kaitlyn

survivor

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