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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 Nastasha, shoulder length straight blonde hair, in a red jacket and smiling

Natasha

primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL)

Headshot of Imani in her white nursing coat

Imani

myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)

Snapshot of parents and three children, Abby caregiver story

Abby

acute myeloid leukemia (AML) caregiver

Snapshot of Tricia with her family, a cancer survivor

Tricia

Staff

Jane, Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) patient, with companion

Jane

Hodgkin lymphoma

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

Gianna

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Two people are sitting close together indoors near a window. One person is wearing a dark top, and the other is wrapped in a purple and black patterned blanket. The background shows part of a beige wall and a window frame with daylight coming through.

Kelsey

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Participants run in a road race near the iconic Unisphere in Queens, New York, during a community fundraising event supporting blood cancer patients, survivors, and blood cancer research. Several runners wearing race bibs move through the course on a bright sunny day, highlighting awareness, advocacy, and support for the blood cancer community.

Matt

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Family of four posing together by a waterfront during a holiday celebration, with festive clothing and seasonal accessories. The image reflects the strength of families affected by blood cancer, highlighting the support, love, and togetherness that help patients and caregivers navigate blood cancer treatment, survivorship, and everyday milestones.

Jennifer

Mother and caregiver

Person seated on a stage during a live storytelling or theatrical performance, surrounded by candles, props, and personal items under dramatic lighting. The image reflects the power of sharing lived experiences with blood cancer, highlighting resilience, healing, and advocacy through storytelling. This performance setting represents how blood cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers use their voices to raise awareness, foster connection, and inspire hope within the blood cancer community.

Michael

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Blood cancer patient receiving intensive hospital care while lying in a hospital bed surrounded by medical monitoring equipment, IV medications, and respiratory support devices. The image reflects the serious challenges of blood cancer treatment, highlighting the physical impact of leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood cancers. It represents the strength and resilience of blood cancer patients facing complications, hospitalization, and critical stages of treatment and recovery.

Jennifer

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Jarvis, Pre B acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patient

Jarvis

Pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

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