Kelly is
Blood Cancer United

A young child in a pink outfit sits on an exam table in a medical office, holding a handheld medical instrument while a healthcare professional in a white coat leans in to interact with them. Medical supplies and cabinets are visible in the background. If you'd like, I can tailor the tone (more clinical, more emotional, more concise, etc.) or create an alt text version suitable for a specific platform.

In 2001, I was diagnosed with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) at age 3 and survived thanks to 3 ½ years of intense treatment at City of Hope Los Angeles. I am now 27 years old, a college graduate, and working for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) now Blood Cancer United, hoping to give back to those who helped save my life. 

I have volunteered with Blood Cancer United since 2009 after being chosen as their "Girl of the Year" to inspire candidates to raise money for blood cancer research. 

In 2017, I became a candidate for the Students of the Year campaign raising over 60,000 dollars in 7 weeks. I have also fundraised for Light The Night, Visionaries of the Year and created a Dare to Dream Days campaign in 2025 with a goal of $20,001 in honor of my diagnosis. We exceeded our goal in 5 days.

My life with Blood Cancer United has now come full circle as I have been part of the Blood Cancer United team as a staff member. First as a Campaign Development Manager for the Student of the Year Campaign and now in the role of Advancement Manager in the Greater Los Angeles region.

Kelly

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL)

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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Zeke

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL)

Brianna, close up and smiling, young adult survivor of childhood cancer

Brianna

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

Adult and young child take a close-up selfie indoors, both wearing event shirts and a lanyard badge, representing family support and connection within the blood cancer community and childhood blood cancer awareness.

Stacey

acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)

Copilot said: Child seated on a hospital bed wears a pink head wrap and nasal feeding tube, holding a craft activity with colorful sand art in a clinical setting—highlighting strength, pediatric care, and resilience within the blood cancer community and childhood blood cancer support.

Kelly

Family member and caregiver

A young person sits outdoors at a table, wearing a white graphic T‑shirt and a light-colored cap with a colorful design. The bright, casual setting creates a warm, reflective mood. This image could be used in memory of someone whose life was touched by blood cancer, honoring their spirit with love and remembrance.

Daniel

Family member

A young child celebrating the end of blood cancer treatment stands indoors ringing a brass “Ringing Out” bell mounted on a plaque. The child smiles with eyes closed, surrounded by red‑and‑white decorations and signs. They wear a black shirt that reads “My Last Day of Chemo — It Was Tough but I Was Tougher,” symbolizing strength, remission, and completion of chemotherapy

Loxley

B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

Young child with a shaved head stands outdoors on a sunlit driveway, raising both arms overhead while holding a small object, with a rural landscape and trailer in the background—an empowering moment symbolizing strength and resilience in the blood cancer community.

Oakley

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

A child is sitting cross-legged on a paved surface outdoors, wearing a white long-sleeve shirt under a blue sleeveless jumpsuit with large buttons on the front. The child has short, light-colored hair and is wearing brown sandals. In the background, there is a white picket fence and a blurred house. The lighting suggests a bright, sunny day.

Aero

B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL)

Individual wearing a head covering, face mask, and floral lei stands in a hospital or clinic setting holding a young child while raising a small mallet beside a ceremonial gong. Behind them, a window display reads “CANCER BE GONE” with photos and the phrase “GOOD VIBES FOUND HERE,” symbolizing a milestone moment of strength, healing, and support within a blood cancer care journey.

Shelby

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

A group of cyclists stand with their bicycles in front of a support vehicle, a visual representing blood cancer awareness and community support through endurance events.

Mike

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

Person taking a mirror selfie in a public restroom, wearing casual clothing and expressing confidence, self‑expression, and resilience while supporting blood cancer awareness, advocacy, and community strength.

Alondra

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

Smiling child standing outdoors holding colorful beaded necklaces, expressing creativity, pride, and joy while supporting blood cancer awareness, pediatric blood cancer support, and community hope.

Candace

Family member and caregiver

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