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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.
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)

Close-up portrait of a person wearing a blue head scarf and seated in a clinical setting, with a visible central line dressing on the upper chest. The image represents the realities of blood cancer treatment, patient resilience, and ongoing medical care. This photo supports blood cancer awareness and survivorship storytelling, highlighting the strength and experiences of individuals navigating blood cancer diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.

Casey

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Individual in a flight suit sits on the steps of a large aerospace training simulator inside an industrial facility. The image highlights determination, personal achievement, and life beyond diagnosis, reflecting themes often shared in blood cancer survivor stories. This photo supports blood cancer awareness, survivorship, and patient advocacy by showcasing milestones, resilience, and the pursuit of meaningful goals after blood cancer treatment.

Brianna

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

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)

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

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