Dirk is
Blood Cancer United

A person sits quietly on a couch near a sunlit window, soft natural light falling across their shoulders. The peaceful indoor setting contrasts with the weight they’ve carried, reflecting a moment of calm and reflection in their journey shaped by the impact of blood cancer.

I’m a 70-year-old male who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in February 2024. I’ve been treated by the Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, by the fabulous oncology hematology team. My doctor is Dr. Yehuda Galili. He is knowledgeable, kind, caring, and the best advocate any patient could ever imagine. 

From February 9, 2024, until August 9, 2024, I spent five days every three weeks as inpatient for my chemotherapy at the wonderful three-tower Cleveland Clinic. The nursing staff. support staff, doctors, and the entire hospital saw me at my worst and got me through the rigorous chemotherapy that saved my life. I am currently in remission, and I am MRD negative. I am in POMP maintenance, and will have my 14th infusion out of a total of 30 that I will receive this Wednesday. 

I’ve made it my mission to help others by raising money for Blood Cancer United. I was blessed to have an ALL survivor be my guardian angel through the treatment. I am now the guardian angel for someone else, helping them through the day-to-day challenges that only someone who went through the process could understand. Paying it forward is what it’s all about. 

Dirk

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

We are Blood Cancer United.

Everyone affected by blood cancer—patients, survivors, caregivers, researchers, advocates, fundraisers, everyone—has a story. Share yours.
school picture of pre-K black girl with short curly hair and a big smile wearing and orange and white striped top under an orange sweater with a zipper

Sofia

pre-B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (pre-B-ALL)

Young blood cancer survivor wearing a white "Survivor" T-shirt and standing barefoot on a wooden fence in a grassy outdoor setting. The image highlights childhood blood cancer survivorship, resilience, hope, and life after leukemia, lymphoma, or other blood cancer treatment.

Karissa

Family member, caregiver, advocate

Professional headshot of a blood cancer survivor wearing a navy suit and striped tie, standing outdoors in front of a blurred greenery background. The image highlights blood cancer survivorship, patient advocacy, professional achievement, and life after leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma treatment.

Halley

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

A group of friends stands together on a red carpet at a Light The Night event, holding glowing lanterns and signs supporting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The warm lights and close embraces create a powerful sense of unity, love, and hope—reflecting the strength and solidarity shared by those honoring and supporting people whose lives have been touched by blood cancer.

Olivia

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

zeke-j_dam_file_161236.jpg

Zeke

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL)

Brianna, close up and smiling, young adult survivor of childhood cancer

Brianna

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

Adult and young child take a close-up selfie indoors, both wearing event shirts and a lanyard badge, representing family support and connection within the blood cancer community and childhood blood cancer awareness.

Stacey

acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)

Copilot said: Child seated on a hospital bed wears a pink head wrap and nasal feeding tube, holding a craft activity with colorful sand art in a clinical setting—highlighting strength, pediatric care, and resilience within the blood cancer community and childhood blood cancer support.

Kelly

Family member and caregiver

A young person sits outdoors at a table, wearing a white graphic T‑shirt and a light-colored cap with a colorful design. The bright, casual setting creates a warm, reflective mood. This image could be used in memory of someone whose life was touched by blood cancer, honoring their spirit with love and remembrance.

Daniel

Family member

A young child celebrating the end of blood cancer treatment stands indoors ringing a brass “Ringing Out” bell mounted on a plaque. The child smiles with eyes closed, surrounded by red‑and‑white decorations and signs. They wear a black shirt that reads “My Last Day of Chemo — It Was Tough but I Was Tougher,” symbolizing strength, remission, and completion of chemotherapy

Loxley

B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

Young child with a shaved head stands outdoors on a sunlit driveway, raising both arms overhead while holding a small object, with a rural landscape and trailer in the background—an empowering moment symbolizing strength and resilience in the blood cancer community.

Oakley

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

A child is sitting cross-legged on a paved surface outdoors, wearing a white long-sleeve shirt under a blue sleeveless jumpsuit with large buttons on the front. The child has short, light-colored hair and is wearing brown sandals. In the background, there is a white picket fence and a blurred house. The lighting suggests a bright, sunny day.

Aero

B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL)

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