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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.
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Lisa

Lymphoma survivor

James, volunteer and survivor, pictured with group of friends

James

Volunteer and survivor

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Lynette

Volunteer

Headshot of Todd wearing suit and tie, a cancer survivor

Todd

Volunteer

Smiling person with short hair and glasses photographed against a light background, expressing warmth, resilience, and hope while representing the blood cancer community.

Danyele

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

A group of children and an adult stand together inside a large, illuminated droplet‑shaped display surrounded by handwritten messages of support. A sign below reads “Blood Cancer United,” with a QR code lit underneath. The colorful, hopeful scene reflects community solidarity and awareness for blood cancer.

Bruce

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

A person sits in a treatment chair wearing a black shirt that reads “DONE” with a purple heart ribbon, holding a small dog pillow while connected to medical equipment. The clinical setting and triumphant message on the shirt create a powerful moment that can accompany stories related to blood cancer, resilience, and completing treatment milestones.

Jessica

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Young adult blood cancer survivor, Olivia, with her hands in the air celebrating

Olivia

Stage IVB Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Family visiting a loved one during blood cancer treatment in a hospital room. A patient rests in a hospital bed surrounded by family members wearing protective masks, with medical equipment visible nearby. This powerful image highlights the impact of blood cancer on families, the importance of caregiver support, and the realities of leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood cancer treatments during hospitalization.

Brandon

Family member and supporter

Alec standing in front of LightThe Night signage in a park at a Light The Night event. Alec is wearing a blue shirt with the words, "Survivor, Light The Night" printed on it and holding a white Light The Night survivor lantern.

Alec

Primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL)

Headshot of Nastasha, shoulder length straight blonde hair, in a red jacket and smiling

Natasha

primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL)

Snapshot of Tricia with her family, a cancer survivor

Tricia

Staff

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