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Grace is
Blood Cancer United

Grace, volunteer, shown with another supporter, preparing for a Light the Night event

Volunteering for an organization was part of my senior capstone in the Spring of 2021. I wanted to volunteer for an organization that was for the long term and meaningful to me. One of my best friends, who is also my cousin, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in 2020. I felt so helpless and also didn't know anything about AML, so I turned to LLS to educate myself. LLS is an integral factor and I wanted to do my part.

I became a story volunteer, where I had the opportunity to interview and speak with other volunteers and supporters. Their stories and involvement in LLS have resonated with and inspired me. We participated in a Light the Night event in October 2021 in my cousin's honor. Even though she was in the hospital and couldn't walk with us, she was so grateful and overjoyed with the contributions raised, pictures, and videos of friends and family coming together to support the cause because LLS was important to her.

Sadly, she passed away on December 18, 2021. Volunteering for LLS gives me a sense of hope in my grief and will continue to be a part of this fight to end blood cancer.

Grace

Volunteer

We are Blood Cancer United.

Everyone affected by blood cancer—patients, survivors, caregivers, researchers, advocates, fundraisers, everyone—has a story. Share yours.
Image of Minerva, an AML Survivor

Minerva

AML Survivor

Two people sit close together in a cozy room decorated with bright pink flower murals, their bodies angled toward one another in quiet support. The soft lighting, comfortable chairs, and small box of tissues on the armrest create a gentle, intimate atmosphere—reflecting the tenderness, strength, and deep compassion shared by families and friends whose lives have been touched by blood cancer.

Claire

Family member and supporter/donor

Woman wearing a pastel pink athletic zip-up jacket with her arms crossed, leaning on rail in park.

Gabriele

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

in memory Young child sitting outdoors and looking toward the camera while being held by an adult. The child is wearing a light-colored outfit and a large white bow headband. This photo supports a pediatric blood cancer story, highlighting childhood blood cancer awareness, family support, and the experiences of children affected by leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood cancers.

Maria

Family member, caregiver, supporter

Snapshot of Anna in her graduation gown, a cancer survivor

Anna

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Close-up portrait of a blood cancer patient lying in a hospital bed wearing a patterned hospital gown. The patient has a shaved head, likely related to cancer treatment, and looks directly at the camera. Medical bedding and a hospital setting are visible in the background, illustrating the realities of blood cancer treatment, hospitalization, and survivorship.

Alana

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Portrait of a young person smiling toward the camera while seated indoors. The image reflects strength, hope, and life beyond a blood cancer diagnosis, highlighting the impact of blood cancer support and advocacy.

Lauryn

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

inspirational-story-blood-cancer-sarah.png

Sarah

myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Two supporters pose in front of a Blood Cancer United fundraising event backdrop, helping raise awareness and support for blood cancer patients, survivors, and families. The image highlights community involvement, philanthropy, and advocacy efforts that advance blood cancer research, patient services, and hope for those affected by blood cancer.

Doug

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Snapshot of parents and three children, Abby caregiver story

Abby

acute myeloid leukemia (AML) caregiver

Two people are sitting close together indoors near a window. One person is wearing a dark top, and the other is wrapped in a purple and black patterned blanket. The background shows part of a beige wall and a window frame with daylight coming through.

Kelsey

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Bald child, Liam, smiling while sitting on a hospital bed in a diaper with a chemo port taped to his chest.

Liam

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

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