Esther is
Blood Cancer United

Ester and her husband smiling on their anniversary

In November 2011, I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and received a stem cell transplant in April 2012. After recovery, I continued medical care with my local oncologist.

In the summer of 2014, my lab results caused concern. After two bone marrow biopsies, I was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) in January 2015. My doctor was shocked. The plan of treatment was chemotherapy and eventually a bone marrow transplant. Due to complications from chemotherapy treatment, the bone marrow transplant was off the table.

I am now in complete remission for both multiple myeloma and ALL and take daily chemotherapy pills. If I am still in remission by December 2017, the odds of either cancer returning is minimal.

I have stayed positive in my journey to stay well and pray I will with each day I live with this illness.

Esther

Myeloma/ALL Survivor

We are Blood Cancer United.

Everyone affected by blood cancer—patients, survivors, caregivers, researchers, advocates, fundraisers, everyone—has a story. Share yours.
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)

Smiling person seated indoors wearing purple, representing strength, resilience, and hope within the blood cancer community and Blood Cancer United.

Jean

multiple myeloma (MM)

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 cyclist wearing a helmet labeled 436, sunglasses, and a white‑and‑red jersey stands smiling near the finish area of a charity bike ride. A blue lanyard with WVU Cancer Institute and Leukemia & Lymphoma Society hangs around their neck. Behind them is a large event arch that reads AMERICA’S MOST BEAUTIFUL BIKE RIDE and LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY with the WVU Medicine Children’s logo. Tall pine trees, fencing, and a tent line the road in the background.

Craig

multiple myeloma (MM)

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)

A close-up portrait of a person with a shaved head smiling on an outdoor porch, a powerful image often associated with blood cancer awareness, including leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.

Tracy

multiple myeloma (MM)

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 person seated in a car wearing a light pink jacket, expressing warmth, pride, and resilience while supporting blood cancer awareness, advocacy, and community strength.

Riconnisha

multiple myeloma (MM)

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

A softly lit outdoor setting shows an individual wearing a warm, rust‑colored sweater, seated with one hand gently resting near the chin. Sunlight filters through a covered pavilion, with blurred picnic tables and green grass in the background. The peaceful, everyday moment carries a quiet sense of resilience and warmth, offering a tender contrast to the challenges of a blood cancer journey.

Carla

multiple myeloma (MM)

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