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Keaton is
Blood Cancer United

Keaton standing between his mom and dad holding a certificate of completion for chemo, and smiling

I was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) in May of 2019. I first noticed something was wrong in January of that year when I noticed lumps in my neck. I shrugged it off, being in college at that time. I progressively got worse, getting sick nearly every day, sweating profusely at night, and losing weight quickly. The tipping point was when I got home from college after the spring semester. I had lost 50 pounds at that point, and my parents quickly took notice and forced me to go to the doctor. After extensive testing and a three-day hospital stay, I was officially diagnosed with stage 4 HL. I began treatment on May 31, 2019. I had 12 sessions of ABVD Chemotherapy. I made great progress, and by July I was nearing remission. On September 23, 2019, I got the call from my oncologist that I was in complete remission. I finished my remaining chemotherapy sessions and got to ring the bell on November 11, 2019. I’m doing well now, and I’m still in complete remission. I wanted to share my story because it is a scary experience, and I’d like to know that telling my story might help someone who is going through a similar situation. You are never alone through those dark days.

Keaton

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

We are Blood Cancer United.

Everyone affected by blood cancer—patients, survivors, caregivers, researchers, advocates, fundraisers, everyone—has a story. Share yours.
Snapshot of Zachariah holding flowers, a cancer survivor

Zach

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

A person is seated in a medical treatment chair with an IV line connected to the arm. The individual is wearing a tie-dye sweatshirt and has a blue protective sheet draped over the lap. A patterned blanket covers part of the legs, and a white disposable cup is placed on a small tray nearby. In the background, there is medical equipment including an infusion pump with digital displays, tubing, and a yellow biohazard container. The setting appears to be a clinical or hospital environment.

Natalie

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

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)

Copilot said: Family of four stands together on an outdoor deck overlooking a city skyline and water, wearing matching advocacy shirts including “Dear Jack Foundation” and “I wear purple for my dad,” highlighting awareness, support, and community connection in the blood cancer community.

Lyndsey

Family member, caregiver, advocate

Copilot said: Three people stand together at an indoor event in formal attire, including one wearing a “Candidate” sash, with colorful textile art in the background—highlighting community, advocacy, and connection within the blood cancer community.

Jenna

nodular sclerosing Hodgkin lymphoma (NSHL)

Stephenie  holding a remission sign, HL survivor

Stephenie

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

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

Heriberto

Burkitt lymphoma (BL)

Outdoor event scene featuring a large illuminated inflatable sign that spells “FIGHT” in white letters with blue and pink lighting accents. The sign is placed on green grass under a large tree, with a few people seated behind it at a table. In the foreground, a person is wearing a teal shirt with a name tag and holding a white paper lantern. Decorative headbands with colorful tinsel are visible, and the background includes a palm tree, fencing, and a clear evening sky.

Keri

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Gianna, Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) patient and advocate, pictured with other supporters

Gianna

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

A person holds a lantern reading “Blood Cancer United Light The Night” during an outdoor awareness event, representing blood cancer awareness and community support.

Olivia

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

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)

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