Danielle is
Blood Cancer United

A serene skincare studio is softly lit with warm, calming light, reflecting off neatly arranged bottles and framed certificates on the wall. An individual in a clean white uniform sits at a desk with a glowing candle, computer, and organized tools, gesturing gently toward the screen during what appears to be a virtual consultation. The peaceful, carefully curated space conveys a sense of care and grounded strength—an atmosphere that contrasts yet harmonizes with the courage required throughout a blood cancer journey.

In January 2020, at the pinnacle of my 25-year career in esthetics and oncology skincare, I transitioned from the expert providing comfort to the patient seeking it. Diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) just two months after my wedding, I suddenly found myself navigating the very side effects I had spent decades treating in others.

My path to healing was a grueling test of resilience. After a relapse following a clinical trial, I moved to Los Angeles to find a medical team at City of Hope who would truly listen to my voice. When the world’s donor pool narrowed down to just one person — the same donor from my first transplant — we took a leap of faith together. He stepped up once more, and today I am alive because of that extraordinary gift of life.

Throughout this journey, Blood Cancer United served as my anchor, providing the education and financial lifeline I needed to keep fighting. Their compassion transformed my perspective on what it means to be part of a support network.

Now living with chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and working remotely, I have traded my full-time practice for a deeper, more personal calling. My journey has bestowed upon me a "soul-deep" empathy for my clients and fellow survivors. I am honored to volunteer with Blood Cancer United, turning my survival into a source of hope, purpose, and community for others walking this path.

Danielle

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

We are Blood Cancer United.

Everyone affected by blood cancer—patients, survivors, caregivers, researchers, advocates, fundraisers, everyone—has a story. Share yours.
A participant wearing athletic clothing and a finisher medal stands outdoors holding a handmade sign that reads, “There’s never been a finish line that you haven’t crossed.” The image highlights perseverance, advocacy, and community support connected to a blood cancer survivor story. Featured as part of blood cancer awareness efforts, the photo represents determination, hope, and the milestones achieved by individuals and families affected by blood cancer.

Lisa

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Two individuals wearing protective gowns, gloves, masks, and safety glasses stand inside a hospital or medical facility with large windows overlooking a city skyline. Both give a thumbs-up gesture while preparing for or participating in a medical procedure. Featured in a blood cancer patient story, the image highlights treatment, caregiving, hope, and resilience, reflecting the support and advanced care available to people affected by blood cancer.

Philice

acute myeloid leukemia (AML

inspirational-stories-blood-cancer-elizabeth-1.jpeg

Elizabeth

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Individual wrapped in a white and tan towel or blanket sits outdoors among trees, looking toward the camera. The peaceful natural setting and reflective atmosphere highlight themes of healing, resilience, and wellness often shared within the blood cancer community. This image supports blood cancer awareness, survivorship storytelling, and personal experiences of individuals affected by blood cancer.

Jason

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Head-and-shoulders portrait of a young person wearing a white dress shirt and patterned tie, photographed against a softly lit background with warm decorative lights. This image accompanies a blood cancer survivor story, highlighting resilience, hope, and the impact of blood cancer on young adults and families. Ideal for content focused on blood cancer awareness, survivorship, patient advocacy, and inspirational personal stories.

Andrew

Family member and supporter

Portrait of a blood cancer survivor with short hair seated in a vehicle and looking toward the camera. This image represents blood cancer awareness, survivorship, patient advocacy, recovery after treatment, and hope for people living with leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood cancers.

Mazie

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

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)

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)

Individual wearing sunglasses and a headset stands inside a professional baseball stadium dugout, leaning on a railing with visible “Toyota” and team signage in the background—highlighting volunteerism, event support, and community engagement within the blood cancer awareness and advocacy community.

Ashley

Family and Supporter

A person standing beside a brown horse with a white facial stripe holds a lead rope in an outdoor paddock under a bright blue sky. The horse wears a blue halter, and the scene conveys calm companionship while supporting blood cancer awareness through human–animal connection.

Siri

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Lila wearing warm clothes-standing in front of a 'top of Mt. Kilimanjaro' sign with arms raised

Lila

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Richard in a chair outside with a Corona smiling in a blue hooded jacket

Richard

In memory

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