Judy is
Blood Cancer United

Judy standing with a man. Judy and the man have their arms around each other, and they are both smiling. Another man is standing behind and between them, and he is smiling as well.

I was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) on April 6, 1987, just four months after my 30th birthday.

My beautiful daughter had turned three in February. I loved being a mom, and a teacher. I was extremely active as many young parents are and was looking forward to spending more time outside "playing" as the weather improved in the great Canadian north. Life was good.

On that day in April I had finally submitted to being taken to hospital after another day of suffering with fatigue and a bad cold that didn't seem to want to end. Blood tests confirmed I had AML. I was sent immediately to University Hospital in London, Ontario that evening. Chemotherapy was started immediately.

I needed a bone marrow transplant. Within a few days family members were tested and thankfully one of my brothers was a perfect match. Remission induction and consolidation lasted until August, most of which I spent in the hospital as I required ongoing blood transfusions. I rarely got to see my daughter due to the risk of infection.

After a brief few weeks at home I was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto, 300 km away and it was there that I had my transplant on September 21. Although the transplant was successful, I did have graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and developed pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP).

I finally returned home in February of 1988 and after fully recovering, I became actively involved in volunteering and fighting blood cancer. I received one of the 125th Governor General of Canada Medals for Community Service. I wrote a book, Letters to Erica, The Journey Home.

I have enjoyed retirement since 2011 after 34 years of teaching. My daughter will be 33 in February and my step-daughter is 36. My husband has been another gift in my life. It's been 29 years of life since my transplant and I look forward to many more as I celebrate my 60th birthday on December 20th. May all of you who are struggling to get home or those of you who are already there, I wish you much hope in the future that awaits you! 

Judy

AML Survivor

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Everyone affected by blood cancer—patients, survivors, caregivers, researchers, advocates, fundraisers, everyone—has a story. Share yours.
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Minerva

AML Survivor

Two people sit close together in a cozy room decorated with bright pink flower murals, their bodies angled toward one another in quiet support. The soft lighting, comfortable chairs, and small box of tissues on the armrest create a gentle, intimate atmosphere—reflecting the tenderness, strength, and deep compassion shared by families and friends whose lives have been touched by blood cancer.

Claire

Family member and supporter/donor

Woman wearing a pastel pink athletic zip-up jacket with her arms crossed, leaning on rail in park.

Gabriele

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

in memory Young child sitting outdoors and looking toward the camera while being held by an adult. The child is wearing a light-colored outfit and a large white bow headband. This photo supports a pediatric blood cancer story, highlighting childhood blood cancer awareness, family support, and the experiences of children affected by leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood cancers.

Maria

Family member, caregiver, supporter

Snapshot of Anna in her graduation gown, a cancer survivor

Anna

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Close-up portrait of a blood cancer patient lying in a hospital bed wearing a patterned hospital gown. The patient has a shaved head, likely related to cancer treatment, and looks directly at the camera. Medical bedding and a hospital setting are visible in the background, illustrating the realities of blood cancer treatment, hospitalization, and survivorship.

Alana

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Portrait of a young person smiling toward the camera while seated indoors. The image reflects strength, hope, and life beyond a blood cancer diagnosis, highlighting the impact of blood cancer support and advocacy.

Lauryn

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

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Sarah

myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Two supporters pose in front of a Blood Cancer United fundraising event backdrop, helping raise awareness and support for blood cancer patients, survivors, and families. The image highlights community involvement, philanthropy, and advocacy efforts that advance blood cancer research, patient services, and hope for those affected by blood cancer.

Doug

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Snapshot of parents and three children, Abby caregiver story

Abby

acute myeloid leukemia (AML) caregiver

Two people are sitting close together indoors near a window. One person is wearing a dark top, and the other is wrapped in a purple and black patterned blanket. The background shows part of a beige wall and a window frame with daylight coming through.

Kelsey

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Bald child, Liam, smiling while sitting on a hospital bed in a diaper with a chemo port taped to his chest.

Liam

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

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