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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.
Snapshot of Tracy wearing a hat and glasses in front of a waterfall, a cancer survivor

Tracy

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Stephenie  holding a remission sign, HL survivor

Stephenie

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Heriberto, Burkitt lymphoma (BL) patient, with wife on his wedding day

Heriberto

Burkitt lymphoma (BL)

Gabriele Papa, AML

Gabriele

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Outdoor event scene featuring a large illuminated inflatable sign that spells “FIGHT” in white letters with blue and pink lighting accents. The sign is placed on green grass under a large tree, with a few people seated behind it at a table. In the foreground, a person is wearing a teal shirt with a name tag and holding a white paper lantern. Decorative headbands with colorful tinsel are visible, and the background includes a palm tree, fencing, and a clear evening sky.

Keri

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Gerardo (Jerry), chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patient

Gerardo (Jerry)

myelofibrosis (MF), chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML), and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) - In memory

Two individuals stand outdoors on a grassy area near trees and a building, posing side by side. One individual wears a white textured dress and carries a green shoulder bag, while the other wears a light-colored outfit with a white coat and holds a bouquet of pink flowers tied with a ribbon. Natural greenery and a walkway are visible in the background, suggesting a celebratory or milestone moment.

Liz

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Individual wearing a navy quarter-zip with a visible ID badge stands beside a bookshelf in a bright indoor school library or community space, with glass doors and a red “EXIT” sign in the background, conveying a calm, supportive environment for learning and connection related to blood cancer awareness and community care.

Michael

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

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Lia

Family member and caregiver

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Tony

leukemia

Gianna, Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) patient and advocate, pictured with other supporters

Gianna

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

A person holds a lantern reading “Blood Cancer United Light The Night” during an outdoor awareness event, representing blood cancer awareness and community support.

Olivia

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

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