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Debbie is
Blood Cancer United

Debbie, with her arm around her son, sitting in a booth and smiling

My only child was my heart and soul!  He was a son to be proud of in so many ways.  Kind, gentle, and caring was only the tip of the iceberg to his character.  He had lots of friends and was always ready to help when called.  He had just finished his freshman year in college when he was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma.  It changed our world.

He fought valiantly for three years, rarely complaining and always positive.  One of the trial drugs was instrumental in extending his life another year.  Ten months prior to my son's passing, my older brother was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Another shock to our family.  I was his perfect match and after a stem cell transplant, he is in remission and doing well today.

That year was the first time I got involved with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), having firsthand experience with both lymphoma and leukemia.  Each year I hold a fundraiser for LLS celebrating my son's birthday in his honor.  And my brother celebrates two birthdays each year!  On one hand, I couldn't help my son but on the other hand, I gave my brother new life!

Debbie

Supporter

We are Blood Cancer United.

Everyone affected by blood cancer—patients, survivors, caregivers, researchers, advocates, fundraisers, everyone—has a story. Share yours.
Headshot of Chuck Pagano, Indianapolis Colts Head Coach

Chuck

leukemia

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

Two children stand together on a wooden bridge at a theme park, wearing colorful character-themed outfits and mouse ear headbands, with a large green topiary figure and water feature in the background—highlighting childhood joy, family moments, and hope within the blood cancer community and pediatric blood cancer awareness.

Riley

Family member and caregiver

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)

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)

Close-up selfie of an individual wearing glasses and a “I rang the gong” shirt from MD Anderson Cancer Center, highlighting a significant milestone in treatment—symbolizing hope, resilience, and survivorship within the blood cancer community and awareness of cancer treatment completion.

Kim

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Close-up outdoor portrait of a blood cancer survivor with a shaved head, wearing a blue sleeveless top and standing in front of a garden backdrop. The image highlights blood cancer survivorship, resilience during treatment, and hope for individuals affected by leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.

Dannie

nodular sclerosis classic Hodgkin lymphoma (NSHL)

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Tony

leukemia

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)

Snapshot of Zachariah holding flowers, a cancer survivor

Zach

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

A person is seated in a medical treatment chair with an IV line connected to the arm. The individual is wearing a tie-dye sweatshirt and has a blue protective sheet draped over the lap. A patterned blanket covers part of the legs, and a white disposable cup is placed on a small tray nearby. In the background, there is medical equipment including an infusion pump with digital displays, tubing, and a yellow biohazard container. The setting appears to be a clinical or hospital environment.

Natalie

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

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