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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.
Blood cancer patient wearing a knit beanie and glasses embraces a loved one during a hospital visit. The image highlights the importance of caregiver support, resilience, and hope throughout blood cancer treatment. Set in a healthcare environment, the photo reflects the experiences of blood cancer patients and families navigating diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and survivorship together.

Kerrie

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

leukemia patient weaing glasses and blue shirt at the beach

Paul

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

Family affected by blood cancer poses together at a tropical beach destination surrounded by palm trees and bright sunshine. The image highlights the importance of family support, resilience, and making meaningful memories after a blood cancer diagnosis. It represents hope, survivorship, and the impact of blood cancer treatments and support services that help patients and their loved ones navigate leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other blood cancers while celebrating milestones together.

Kelli

Philadelphia chromosome-positive B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ B-ALL)

Young child receiving medical care in a hospital bed with a nasal feeding tube, wearing a colorful shirt with animal prints. The image highlights the realities of childhood blood cancer treatment while showcasing strength, hope, and resilience. This photo represents the experiences of pediatric blood cancer patients and families navigating treatment, supportive care, and survivorship.

Kyle

Family member and caregiver

five-year-old leukemia survivor, Vera Padilla of Sacramento, CA

Monica

Family member, caregiver, advocate

Nevaeh age 2 standing outside in a lacy white summer dress, cowbow boots and hat, and a huge smile

Nevaeh

acute myeloid leukemia (AML+MLLr)

Portrait of a child standing in a grassy field surrounded by wildflowers and greenery, wearing a navy button-down shirt. The image represents hope, resilience, and childhood blood cancer awareness, highlighting the experiences of young blood cancer patients, survivors, and families while emphasizing the importance of research, support, and community.

Henry

B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL)

Jarvis, Pre B acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patient

Jarvis

Pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

Savanna and Asher, pediatric blood cancer patient, holding a sign "Asher is a perfect match"

Savanna

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

Rachel, pediatric blood cancer as an adult at the same stem cell transplant unti they were treated

Rachel

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

Two men with arms around each others shoulders

Kabir

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

Headshot of Isabelle - a young woman with blond hair and blue eyes

Isabelle

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

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