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.
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)

Individual wearing a head covering, face mask, and floral lei stands in a hospital or clinic setting holding a young child while raising a small mallet beside a ceremonial gong. Behind them, a window display reads “CANCER BE GONE” with photos and the phrase “GOOD VIBES FOUND HERE,” symbolizing a milestone moment of strength, healing, and support within a blood cancer care journey.

Shelby

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

A group of cyclists stand with their bicycles in front of a support vehicle, a visual representing blood cancer awareness and community support through endurance events.

Mike

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

Person taking a mirror selfie in a public restroom, wearing casual clothing and expressing confidence, self‑expression, and resilience while supporting blood cancer awareness, advocacy, and community strength.

Alondra

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

Smiling child standing outdoors holding colorful beaded necklaces, expressing creativity, pride, and joy while supporting blood cancer awareness, pediatric blood cancer support, and community hope.

Candace

Family member and caregiver

Image of Molly holding up a water bottle, she is an Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Survivor

Mollie

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

A woman stands in a clinic bathroom, taking a mirror photo while connected to an IV pole holding clear medical bags and infusion pumps. Her casual jeans and T‑shirt contrast with the sterile surroundings, capturing a quiet moment of courage, grit, and determination—reflecting the strength so many people show while navigating the challenges of blood cancer.

Renata

Philadelphia chromosome–positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL)

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