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Jessica is
Blood Cancer United

inspirational-stories-hodgkin-lymphoma-jessica

I've recently been diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). We had been going through an unsuccessful infertility and IVF journey over the past few years when I randomly started to have chest pain and a cough in December 2024. 

After many misdiagnoses and a very long list of appointments with doctors since January 2025, we had to head to an ER when I was experiencing terrible breathing problems. This had been ongoing for the first half of 2025, as I was misdiagnosed most recently with asthma that inhalers just wouldn't help.

I was transferred to another hospital at this particular time when a large mass was found in my right lung. I had MRIs and some more CT scans. By the 22nd, I had a bone marrow biopsy and a biopsy on a lump in my armpit.

Fast forward, I am halfway through my chemo journey and pushing one day at a time to get to the other side of this cancer. I am so grateful for this community. This remarkable and strong club we would never have chosen to join, but I am here proudly. I am proud of all of us going through these challenges and battles.

Jessica

Stage 4 Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

We are Blood Cancer United.

Everyone affected by blood cancer—patients, survivors, caregivers, researchers, advocates, fundraisers, everyone—has a story. Share yours.
Lisa and a man standing in a football stadium holding white, yellow and red Light The Night lanterns

Lisa

Lymphoma survivor

Headshot of Todd wearing suit and tie, a cancer survivor

Todd

Volunteer

Smiling person with short hair and glasses photographed against a light background, expressing warmth, resilience, and hope while representing the blood cancer community.

Danyele

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

A group of children and an adult stand together inside a large, illuminated droplet‑shaped display surrounded by handwritten messages of support. A sign below reads “Blood Cancer United,” with a QR code lit underneath. The colorful, hopeful scene reflects community solidarity and awareness for blood cancer.

Bruce

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

A person sits in a treatment chair wearing a black shirt that reads “DONE” with a purple heart ribbon, holding a small dog pillow while connected to medical equipment. The clinical setting and triumphant message on the shirt create a powerful moment that can accompany stories related to blood cancer, resilience, and completing treatment milestones.

Jessica

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Young adult blood cancer survivor, Olivia, with her hands in the air celebrating

Olivia

Stage IVB Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Snapshot of Tricia with her family, a cancer survivor

Tricia

Staff

Jane, Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) patient, with companion

Jane

Hodgkin lymphoma

Gianna, Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) patient and advocate, pictured with other supporters

Gianna

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Participants run in a road race near the iconic Unisphere in Queens, New York, during a community fundraising event supporting blood cancer patients, survivors, and blood cancer research. Several runners wearing race bibs move through the course on a bright sunny day, highlighting awareness, advocacy, and support for the blood cancer community.

Matt

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Person seated on a stage during a live storytelling or theatrical performance, surrounded by candles, props, and personal items under dramatic lighting. The image reflects the power of sharing lived experiences with blood cancer, highlighting resilience, healing, and advocacy through storytelling. This performance setting represents how blood cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers use their voices to raise awareness, foster connection, and inspire hope within the blood cancer community.

Michael

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Blood cancer patient receiving intensive hospital care while lying in a hospital bed surrounded by medical monitoring equipment, IV medications, and respiratory support devices. The image reflects the serious challenges of blood cancer treatment, highlighting the physical impact of leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood cancers. It represents the strength and resilience of blood cancer patients facing complications, hospitalization, and critical stages of treatment and recovery.

Jennifer

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

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