Jeff is
Blood Cancer United

My cancer diagnosis began in an unexpected place.

While traveling in Mexico, I became seriously ill with what I believed was food poisoning. After returning home and seeking care, a CT scan was ordered to evaluate my symptoms. That scan unexpectedly revealed diffuse large B‑cell lymphoma (DLBCL), stage II, double expressor. In a moment, my life changed.

I was referred to UT Southwestern in Dallas, where I came under the care of Dr. Ramakrishnan and the team at the UT Southwestern Simmons Cancer Center. From the beginning, I felt guided, informed, and supported while facing an aggressive blood cancer diagnosis.

My treatment plan was intensive and deliberate: six rounds of R‑CHOP chemotherapy followed by two rounds of methotrexate. I began treatment in early December and completed it in early April.

That chapter included both good days and hard ones. Emergency room visits. Hospital stays. Constant labs and appointments. There were moments of fear and exhaustion, alongside moments of clarity and deep gratitude. Through it all, one truth became clear: life is fragile, and time matters.

During my journey, I felt compelled to give back in a meaningful way. I joined the Patient and Family Advisory Council at UT Southwestern to share my experiences and perspective as a patient. Serving on the council has been an honor and a way to pay it forward to those who came before me, whose voices helped shape the care I received and made my experience as positive as possible under difficult circumstances.

I am deeply grateful to the care team at the UT Southwestern Simmons Cancer Center, and to the physicians, nurses, and researchers whose dedication made treatment for this aggressive lymphoma both possible and tolerable. I am also thankful that my care team connected me with Blood Cancer United, where I received additional education about my diagnosis and treatment, and through The Patti Robinson Kaufmann First Connection® Program was matched with someone who had already been through a similar experience. That connection provided insight, perspective, and meaningful support when I needed it most.

Because of the work of UT Southwestern and Blood Cancer United, and because of the broader blood cancer community that supports patients and families every day, and especially my family and friends. 

I am here, healing, and looking forward.

Cancer changed my story, but it did not end it. It sharpened my appreciation for the time we have, the people who walk beside us, and the importance of giving back whenever we can.