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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.
Person wearing a light pink blazer and event credential stands in front of a step-and-repeat backdrop featuring The Remission Film Festival logo, with an IV pole displayed beside them. The image highlights advocacy, storytelling, and awareness within the blood cancer community, showcasing a film festival event focused on sharing blood cancer survivor and patient experiences through film and media.

Edward

non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)

Emily smiling in a photo with her husband and her three young children in an urban setting

Emily

non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)

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)

Photo of Jan, Lymphoma survivor

Jan

Lymphoma

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)

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