Skip to main content

Joe is
Blood Cancer United

Young boy holding up a sign that says Together We Will Win

My son Joe was 5 years old when he was diagnosed with T-cell leukemia just three days after the birth of his brother Cole – Joe was admitted to the ICU, and on Sunday, the next day, they did a spinal tap and a bone marrow biopsy. At midnight that night, he started his chemotherapy treatments.

In the first 30 days, his bone marrow had cleared to zero, and he was technically designated as a “low risk rapid responder.” All things being equal, he has done a phenomenal job through this.

He is in long-term maintenance and he finished his treatment on December 13, 2014.

I plugged into The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) almost immediately, and they hooked me up with someone else who had been through a similar experience through their First Connection program. I just feel like what LLS does-- pooling funds from all of their campaigns -- propels research forward more quickly and efficiently, and with exponential returns. I want to be a part of that to the greatest extent possible!

Joe

Leukemia Survivor

We are Blood Cancer United.

Everyone affected by blood cancer—patients, survivors, caregivers, researchers, advocates, fundraisers, everyone—has a story. Share yours.
Three individuals stand together on a stage at a Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Student Visionaries of the Year event, with one holding an award plaque and another holding a bouquet of flowers—highlighting recognition, advocacy, and community impact in the blood cancer awareness and fundraising community.

Andrew

diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)

Portrait of a blood cancer survivor with short hair seated in a vehicle and looking toward the camera. This image represents blood cancer awareness, survivorship, patient advocacy, recovery after treatment, and hope for people living with leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood cancers.

Mazie

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Family of five seated together on a sofa in a modern indoor setting. This image represents the role of family support throughout the blood cancer journey, highlighting caregiving, connection, and resilience for people affected by blood cancer, including patients, survivors, and their loved ones.

Rode

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Man in green shirt

Kyle

Lymphoma

A young hispanic mom in a gray tshirt with her bald son wearing bright green boxing gloves and an I Am a Warrior tshirt

Peyton

non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)

Close-up portrait of an older adult indoors wearing a zip-up jacket, seated in a room with shelves and a wall clock visible in the background—highlighting everyday life, strength, and lived experience within the blood cancer community and survivorship awareness.

Elaine

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Blood cancer survivor wearing a light-colored jacket stands outdoors at night holding a glowing white lantern and a blue light stick. At Light The Night. Behind them is a large illuminated inflatable sign that reads “FIGHT” in bold red letters, set against a dark background with trees faintly visible.

Tracey

chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)

Snapshot of Tracey with her dog, a cancer survivor

Tracey

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)

Headshot of Sonia, CLL survivor

Sonia

chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)

Person wearing a wide-brimmed hat and hiking backpack stands outdoors against a scenic mountain landscape with evergreen trees and patches of golden foliage. The image highlights an active moment in nature and reflects resilience, strength, and quality of life within the blood cancer community, emphasizing the importance of survivorship and living well after a blood cancer diagnosis.

Jean

smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM)

Person seated in a medical exam room during a healthcare appointment, with blood pressure monitoring equipment visible in the background. This image represents the blood cancer journey, highlighting ongoing medical care, treatment monitoring, survivorship, and the importance of regular healthcare visits for people affected by blood cancer.

Johansa

multiple myeloma (MM)

Two people wearing dark jackets and baseball caps sit closely together on public transportation, illuminated by natural sunlight through a window. This candid image highlights the importance of family, caregiving, and support within the blood cancer community, reflecting the personal connections that help individuals and families navigate a blood cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship journey.

Michael

Family member and supporter

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