I am Kelli, a proud mom of three, rebuilding my life after battling leukemia in 2025. I am a blood cancer survivor!
My connection to blood cancer began long before my own diagnosis. My father, Robert "Bob" Curtin Sr., proudly served our country in Vietnam. He was diagnosed with a rare non-Hodgkin T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) linked to Agent Orange exposure in 2015. Because of advances in treatment and research — and because of his incredible courage — my dad's prognosis of only a couple of months became two and a half years. That gave our family not only more time, but more memories, more stories, and more laughter.
Seven years after losing my dad, I was diagnosed with Philadelphia chromosome-positive B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ B-ALL). A cancer most common in children. My treatment was aggressive. It began with living in the hospital for a month, and throughout 2025, I spent more time in the hospital than I did at home. I couldn't work. I lost so much of what I had worked to build because fighting cancer became my full-time job.
But I had hope.
Because of donations, I received help with gas, food, parking, and even car repairs that allowed me to get to my treatments and appointments. Blood cancer research also gave me treatment options that patients with my diagnosis did not have generations ago.
Blood Cancer United helped me in ways I will never forget.
My cancer journey is not over yet. My chemo port is still part of my life, and I continue to receive chemotherapy as part of my maintenance treatment. I will also remain on oral therapy long-term, and my amazing oncologist is now a lifelong companion on this journey.
However, I am beyond grateful to say: I AM IN REMISSION!
Blood cancer has touched many members of my family. Two of my dad's brothers and one of his nephews also faced blood cancers — including chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), hairy cell leukemia (HCL), and Hodgkin lymphoma (HL).
So, no doubt it's hereditary, right? WRONG!
My dad's lymphoma was linked to his Agent Orange exposure, and after testing, my doctors told me my leukemia was not hereditary. Mine was simply described as "bad luck."
Anyone can get blood cancer. At any time. That is why fundraising for Blood Cancer United is so important to me. Every dollar raised is more than a number on a fundraising page. It can mean transportation to treatment, food, financial assistance, and support for a frightened patient and the caregiver standing beside them.
It is HOPE. And it is the possibility of more time.
My dad did not get to see the day when blood cancers are prevented or cured. But because of research, generosity, and people like you who are willing to stand beside families like mine, I have hope that I will see that day.
Please consider joining me in the fight against blood cancer and helping give patients — including children — more birthdays, more milestones, more memories, and most importantly . . . more time.
Kelli
Philadelphia chromosome-positive B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ B-ALL)
