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Joan is
Blood Cancer United

What a beautiful wedding, a beautiful bride, and a handsome groom. Love was in the air. For 10 weeks this lovely couple lived in their honeymoon state of mind. They had been blessed with the ability to buy a small condo that they filled with dreams and aspirations of what was to come. Miranda was her name. She was physically very petite but oversized in her desire to be the best wife ever to Joe. Her long, dark hair emphasized those large, dark eyes and creamy clear skin. Ten weeks later, the diagnosis was leukemia. She took it as her personal challenge to do what she must to survive. After chemo treatments, the dark hair was no more, not even her eyebrows were spared. She would go into remission; we cheered. She would slip out of remission; we cried. This cruel fate would repeat itself many times over. The stem cell transplants which were almost a perfect match did not save her. God took her home after three years of treatment.

I was her mother-in-law. We tried to help her as much as possible. We lived through every up and every down. I am now at the doorstep of a cancer clinic for myself. I have lymphoma. I can’t have cancer, but I do have cancer. I can’t have cancer as I feel great and look great for 78 years young. I can’t have cancer as I have a wonderful trip planned, first to New York and then onward to Paris. I can’t have cancer as my best friend is coming to visit. Oh crap!!! I have cancer.

Joan

lymphoma

We are Blood Cancer United.

Everyone affected by blood cancer—patients, survivors, caregivers, researchers, advocates, fundraisers, everyone—has a story. Share yours.
Rachel in hospital with head wrap holding "It's my last day of chemo" sign

Rachel

lymphoma

Woman with glasses looking into camera

Chrissy

B-cell follicular lymphoma (FL)

Heriberto, Burkitt lymphoma (BL) patient, with wife on his wedding day

Heriberto

Burkitt lymphoma (BL)

Photo of a mature woman standing on a savannah feeding a giraffe out of her hand

Lisa

Lymphoma, myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS)/acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

A group of cyclists wearing matching purple and white “Team in Training” jerseys ride together during a sunny charity event supporting The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, raising awareness for blood cancer.

Joy

peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL)

A woman shares a joyful moment with the character Piglet at a sunny theme park, standing close together as the bright pink costume radiates playfulness and warmth. The lively crowd and cheerful atmosphere create a sense of lightness and celebration—reflecting the importance of holding onto happiness, hope, and cherished memories for families whose lives have been touched by blood cancer.

Chris

Advocate

Jae. Lymphoma survivor, making music with microphone and headphones

Jae

non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)

Elisabeth, cancer survivor

Elisabeth

stage 4 Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

A young girl sits quietly on a patterned porch chair, gently holding a plush lion in her lap. A soft bracelet on her wrist adds a touch of color as she rests her hands together. The peaceful moment captures tenderness and courage, symbolizing the hope and strength often seen in families affected by blood cancer.

Katie

lymphoma

David wearing a light blue T-shirt with a small palm tree graphic on the left side, seated outdoors in front of a garden filled with green foliage and blooming flowers, including red roses and purple blossoms.

David

lymphoma

A person stands outdoors with hands on hips, wearing a rust-colored dress in a natural, grassy setting. The confident pose and warm tones create a calm, empowering atmosphere. The image could accompany a story or awareness campaign related to blood cancer, highlighting resilience and personal strength.

Laurie

Family member and advocate

A blood cancer patient flexes their arm in a sleeveless athletic top, showing strength and determination while navigating life and recovery during their blood cancer journey.

Nancy

stage 4 Nodular Lymphocyte-Predominant Hodgkin Lymphoma (NLPHL)

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