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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.
Close-up portrait of a person wearing a blue head scarf and seated in a clinical setting, with a visible central line dressing on the upper chest. The image represents the realities of blood cancer treatment, patient resilience, and ongoing medical care. This photo supports blood cancer awareness and survivorship storytelling, highlighting the strength and experiences of individuals navigating blood cancer diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.

Casey

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Individual in a flight suit sits on the steps of a large aerospace training simulator inside an industrial facility. The image highlights determination, personal achievement, and life beyond diagnosis, reflecting themes often shared in blood cancer survivor stories. This photo supports blood cancer awareness, survivorship, and patient advocacy by showcasing milestones, resilience, and the pursuit of meaningful goals after blood cancer treatment.

Brianna

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Close-up selfie of an individual wearing glasses and a “I rang the gong” shirt from MD Anderson Cancer Center, highlighting a significant milestone in treatment—symbolizing hope, resilience, and survivorship within the blood cancer community and awareness of cancer treatment completion.

Kim

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Close-up outdoor portrait of a blood cancer survivor with a shaved head, wearing a blue sleeveless top and standing in front of a garden backdrop. The image highlights blood cancer survivorship, resilience during treatment, and hope for individuals affected by leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.

Dannie

nodular sclerosis classic Hodgkin lymphoma (NSHL)

Snapshot of Zachariah holding flowers, a cancer survivor

Zach

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

A person is seated in a medical treatment chair with an IV line connected to the arm. The individual is wearing a tie-dye sweatshirt and has a blue protective sheet draped over the lap. A patterned blanket covers part of the legs, and a white disposable cup is placed on a small tray nearby. In the background, there is medical equipment including an infusion pump with digital displays, tubing, and a yellow biohazard container. The setting appears to be a clinical or hospital environment.

Natalie

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Rachel in hospital with head wrap holding "It's my last day of chemo" sign

Rachel

lymphoma

Copilot said: Family of four stands together on an outdoor deck overlooking a city skyline and water, wearing matching advocacy shirts including “Dear Jack Foundation” and “I wear purple for my dad,” highlighting awareness, support, and community connection in the blood cancer community.

Lyndsey

Family member, caregiver, advocate

Copilot said: Three people stand together at an indoor event in formal attire, including one wearing a “Candidate” sash, with colorful textile art in the background—highlighting community, advocacy, and connection within the blood cancer community.

Jenna

nodular sclerosing Hodgkin lymphoma (NSHL)

Stephenie holding a remission sign, HL survivor

Stephenie

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Outdoor event scene featuring a large illuminated inflatable sign that spells “FIGHT” in white letters with blue and pink lighting accents. The sign is placed on green grass under a large tree, with a few people seated behind it at a table. In the foreground, a person is wearing a teal shirt with a name tag and holding a white paper lantern. Decorative headbands with colorful tinsel are visible, and the background includes a palm tree, fencing, and a clear evening sky.

Keri

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

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

Gianna

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

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