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Keana is
Blood Cancer United

Close up of Keana in a hospital gown, smiling

Hello, my name is Keana. I am 26 years old, and I was born in Columbus Ohio. I was born with a rare heart condition called “hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.” It is a hereditary disease on my mother’s side. Many family members, including my mother, have passed away from the disease, and the other half received heart transplants, which is what led to me. I recently got my heart transplant in September 2021 and was admitted to the hospital for three months, one before and two after. After my heart transplant, I came in contact with COVID. After getting COVID, it was discovered that I had a rare cancer due to the donor's heart having mono, and I never had, non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). I am currently still going through treatment. I was admitted to the hospital after having a stroke due to the stress of it all. It’s going on 11 months of treatment. I just want to inspire other people to keep going and never give up!

Keana

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)

We are Blood Cancer United.

Everyone affected by blood cancer—patients, survivors, caregivers, researchers, advocates, fundraisers, everyone—has a story. Share yours.
Copilot said: Close-up selfie of an older adult wearing glasses and a navy shirt with an “I Voted” sticker, seated in a car, highlighting everyday resilience and community engagement within the blood cancer community and survivorship journey.

Fred

non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)

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

Heriberto

Burkitt lymphoma (BL)

Steven, a young white male with dark hair and light mustache and beard wearing sunglasses and life vest over white and black shirt standing on a boat

Steven

non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)

A person stands on a quiet, snow‑covered woodland path, wearing a dark zip‑up jacket lightly dusted with snowflakes. Bare winter trees surround the trail, creating a still, muted landscape. The cold air and gently falling snow evoke a sense of resilience and reflection—an atmosphere that mirrors the strength often required in a journey with blood cancer.

Tim

non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)

A portrait-style image shows an individual with shoulder-length, light-brown hair, wearing a purple textured top against a neutral gray background. The calm, studio-like setting conveys a sense of steadiness and dignity, offering a quiet contrast to the difficult realities of a blood cancer journey. The overall composition evokes strength through simplicity, highlighting a moment of poised stillness amid uncertainty.

Debra

Family member, volunteer, supporter/donor

inspirational-stories-blood-cancer-daniel.jpeg

Daniel

Family member and supporter

dpb-head-shot_dam_file_139866.jpg

Dana

non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)

Jae. Lymphoma survivor, making music with microphone and headphones

Jae

non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)

Rhonda inside with a red and white shirt smiling

Rhonda

non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

A family stands together on a grassy field at a Light The Night event, holding signs that read “Survivor,” “Strong,” and “Hope.” Tents and banners for the gathering are visible in the background. The uplifting scene reflects unity and support for the blood cancer community.

Chris

non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)

A blood cancer patient stands with friends at an outdoor Blood Cancer United event, wearing colorful leis and holding heart-shaped signs while posing together in front of a branded backdrop, creating a celebratory and supportive atmosphere.

Carlos

non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)

A blood cancer patient wearing a dark top is shown in a close-up portrait indoors, representing a personal journey and strength while living with blood cancer.

Nancy

stage 3B follicular non-Hodgkin lymphoma (FL)

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