Skip to main content

D'Nya is
Blood Cancer United

D'Nya, childhood survivor now a teen, posing with her hand over her heart and a big smile

D'Nya was six years old when she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). That day in 2009 was the scariest moment of our lives.

It all started with lots of pain in her stomach and back. She also had many black and blue bruises on her legs and arms. My husband and I didn't know what was happening and thought someone must be hurting her. We took her to the ER for the stomach pain and she was discharged with pneumonia and "The PINK MEDICATION." She hated that. Several days later, she was in more pain and back to the ER we went. Again, discharged with a good EKG and was told to relax from school for a few days. 

At this point I was seeing my daughter lose weight, At only 50 pounds, I had to do something. My baby was going through some huge changes. I then told my husband to take her to the pediatrician and not to leave until her blood was tested. 
   
We got a call from the lab at University of Maryland and was told to take our daughter to the nearest ER. My heart left my chest!! We were at Dave and Busters having fun and had to end it with a trip to the ER. The one thing that stood out that evening was the fact that D'Nya was so strong. She didn't want to go to the ER because she says," Mommy, I feel fine. But I will go to see what they are talking about." From that point on I knew she was going to be alright with whatever that was going on with her. I knew God was with us all the way.

In the ER, we were told that my daughter has leukemia. I nearly passed out!! My husband and my oldest daughter was crying uncontrollably. She was admitted into the hospital and chemo started.  We stayed for three long weeks. D'Nya had a three-yearr treatment plan. Through it all, she was the Happiest Little Girl, No complaints at all. 

Today, D'Nya is a vibrant smart eighth grader and is doing excellent in school. She has never had any setbacks throughout her treatment. Her health is great!!  

 

D'Nya

Leukemia Survivor

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 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

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)

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