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Krystina is
Blood Cancer United

Suzie's daughter Krystina, sitting on grass outside in a coat and ball cap, with 2 big dogs, smiling

On June 13, 2014, my sweet daughter Krystina was diagnosed with PH positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Unfortunately, all her chemotherapy treatments didn't seem to work.

After a year of chemotherapy, Krystina and her doctor decided to do a stem cell (umbilical cord blood) transplant. She had the procedure on July 1, 2015 but her body couldn't fight the infections. With a low immune system and three trips to the intensive care unit, her kidneys, lungs and heart just couldn't continue to function.

Neutropenia, sepsis and respiratory issues set in and on July 15, 2015, my sweet Krystina went to be our guardian angel. Sadly, her leukemia was not what took her life. It was all the chemotherapy and radiation, which made her body unable to keep fighting.

We need an easier way to cure this horrible blood cancer, hopefully a less aggressive treatment so a body can build a stronger immune system while killing cells. A miracle I know, but I can only hope for others.

-- Suzie (Krystina's mother)

Krystina

In Memory

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

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