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Holly is
Blood Cancer United

inspirational-stories-diffuse-large-b-cell-lymphoma-holly

In February 2024, I had just entered my second trimester of pregnancy and woke up with a swollen lymph node on my neck about the size of a golf ball. After scans and two biopsies, I was diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (DLBCL). It was found to be high-grade (meaning it’s growing fast). This is an aggressive form of lymphoma, so I immediately began chemotherapy while pregnant. Waiting until after the baby was born for treatment (estimated six months later) was not in my best interest, and unfortunately, the risk of waiting was too high. I endured 12 weeks of chemo and an additional six weeks of infusions. The journey was far from easy, developing cardiac issues that led to hospitalizations, severe deconditioning, and an urgent C-section. By the grace of God, I gave birth to a perfect, healthy baby boy, my miracle baby. A few weeks later, I was able to undergo my first PET scan (since contraindicated in pregnancy and only MRIs were done) and received the beautiful news that I’m officially cancer-free!

Holly

diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)

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

Gabriele Papa, AML

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)

Liam smiling-sitting on a hospital bed in a diaper-chemo port taped to his chest-bald from treatment

Liam

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

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