Skip to main content

Christen is
Blood Cancer United

Woman holding up a large labadoodle dog in the country side

Originally from northern New York, Christen moved to Denver, Colorado, in 2015 after completing her Bachelor of Science of Nursing at Le Moyne College to pursue a career in cancer care. Through a close relationship with her grandparents, she saw how her grandma, a retired registered nurse, graciously cared for her grandpa while he lived with esophageal cancer for close to a decade. The unwavering love, dedication, and courage they shared inspired Christen to seek out a specialty that allowed her to provide compassionate, holistic care to those in need.

From 2015 to 2022, Christen served patients at Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center and the Colorado Blood Cancer Institute in many roles, including charge nurse, clinical nurse coordinator, and nurse manager. Her passion points included nursing empowerment, education, and advocacy. Since 2019, she has been a member of the hospital fundraising committee for Light The Night (LTN), organizing events to help their team raise over $50K for the cause. 

After continuing to be inspired by her courageous patients, she aspired to do more to support them. Through this, Christen spearheaded a multidisciplinary policy and advocacy group that included nurses, providers, social workers, coordinators, finance people, and leadership. Through that channel, Christen joined The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Colorado State Advocacy Committee which she continues to participate in today. She has had the opportunity to meet with local representatives and participate in meetings with senators to advocate for legislation that supports blood cancer patients.

With a firm belief in the mission and values of LLS, Christen was excited to join the Clinical Trial Support Center as a Clinical Trial Nurse Navigator in September 2022. This role has allowed her the opportunity to connect with patients and their families across the nation to support them through education, advocacy, and decision-making support while providing a genuine human connection.

Christen is also an advocate for blood donation, enjoys hiking and skiing the Rocky Mountains, exploring the western slope with friends, spending time with her family, and downtime at home with her dog, Piper, and cats, Ned and Olive.

Christen

CTSC nurse navigator

We are Blood Cancer United.

Everyone affected by blood cancer—patients, survivors, caregivers, researchers, advocates, fundraisers, everyone—has a story. Share yours.
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

Two people wearing bright yellow banana costumes pose outdoors near an active volcanic eruption, with lava and a large plume of smoke rising in the background. The playful travel photo captures a memorable moment of adventure, humor, and connection. The image accompanies a blood cancer survivor story, reflecting resilience, celebrating life after a blood cancer diagnosis, and finding joy in meaningful experiences.

Thomas

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

Portrait of a blood cancer advocate standing in front of a red Leukemia & Lymphoma Society event backdrop, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, glasses, and a patterned top. The image highlights community engagement, blood cancer awareness, and support for patients, survivors, and families affected by leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other blood cancers. Featured as part of a blood cancer survivor story, the photo reflects advocacy, resilience, and the impact of collective action in the blood cancer community.

Angie

Philadelphia-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL)

A blood cancer volunteer stands with a bicycle at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, with the iconic mountain monument and visitors visible in the background. Wearing cycling gear and protective arm sleeves, the individual poses during a long-distance cycling adventure that supports blood cancer awareness and advocacy. Featured in a blood cancer survivor story, the image highlights resilience, perseverance, and life beyond a blood cancer diagnosis while inspiring hope for others affected by leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other blood cancers.

Darin

Volunteer and supporter

A person is lying in a hospital bed wearing a patterned hospital gown. The individual has multiple hospital wristbands on one arm and a small bandage near the wrist. They are holding a light blue surgical mask near their chin. The background shows a curtain with a circular pattern and part of a wall-mounted medical device.

Georgia

mixed phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL)

Close-up indoor portrait of a blood cancer survivor wearing a burgundy polka-dot blouse, illuminated by natural window light. The image accompanies a blood cancer survivor story, highlighting resilience, advocacy, and life after a blood cancer diagnosis. This authentic portrait reflects the strength of individuals affected by leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other blood cancers, while emphasizing hope, survivorship, and the importance of support within the blood cancer community.

Anna

mantle cell lymphoma (MCL)

Outdoor portrait of a blood cancer survivor standing on a sidewalk in a landscaped neighborhood, wearing a black top and a colorful statement necklace. Trees and greenery create a natural backdrop. Featured in a blood cancer survivor story, the image highlights resilience, hope, and life beyond a blood cancer diagnosis. The photo represents the strength of individuals affected by leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other blood cancers, while emphasizing the importance of awareness, support, and survivorship.

Sharon

non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)

Close-up indoor selfie showing an older adult wearing glasses and a red shirt while holding a baby. Soft natural light fills the room, highlighting a meaningful family moment across generations. Featured in a blood cancer survivor story, the image reflects the importance of family, resilience, and celebrating everyday milestones after a blood cancer diagnosis. The photo represents hope, connection, and the support that helps individuals and families navigate the blood cancer experience.

Joseph

plasma cell leukemia (PCL)

Portrait of a blood cancer advocate standing in front of a green floral background featuring a white dove graphic. The individual wears glasses and a sleeveless top while posing for the camera. Featured as part of a blood cancer survivor story, the image highlights awareness, remembrance, resilience, and community support for people affected by leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other blood cancers. The photo reflects hope and the lasting impact of blood cancer advocacy and patient storytelling.

Joan

Family member and supporter

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