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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.
Nicole standing outside holding a large Team Nicole Light the Night banner with 2 friends, smiling

Nicole

B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL)

Photo collage Nate in treatment, on IVs bald, in bed, then Nate standing tall and looking healthy

Nate

ALL Survivor

deanna-w_0_dam_file_20671.jpg

Deanna

ALL Survivor

collage photo of patient

Jim

ALL Survivor

A blood cancer survivor stands at a scenic overlook with a sweeping view of a forested landscape and dramatic clouds overhead. The outdoor portrait highlights resilience, survivorship, and hope within the blood cancer community, emphasizing life beyond diagnosis and the importance of support, awareness, and advocacy for people affected by blood cancer.

Shobha

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

Blood cancer patient wearing a knit beanie and glasses embraces a loved one during a hospital visit. The image highlights the importance of caregiver support, resilience, and hope throughout blood cancer treatment. Set in a healthcare environment, the photo reflects the experiences of blood cancer patients and families navigating diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and survivorship together.

Kerrie

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

leukemia patient weaing glasses and blue shirt at the beach

Paul

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

Family affected by blood cancer poses together at a tropical beach destination surrounded by palm trees and bright sunshine. The image highlights the importance of family support, resilience, and making meaningful memories after a blood cancer diagnosis. It represents hope, survivorship, and the impact of blood cancer treatments and support services that help patients and their loved ones navigate leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other blood cancers while celebrating milestones together.

Kelli

Philadelphia chromosome-positive B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ B-ALL)

Young child receiving medical care in a hospital bed with a nasal feeding tube, wearing a colorful shirt with animal prints. The image highlights the realities of childhood blood cancer treatment while showcasing strength, hope, and resilience. This photo represents the experiences of pediatric blood cancer patients and families navigating treatment, supportive care, and survivorship.

Kyle

Family member and caregiver

five-year-old leukemia survivor, Vera Padilla of Sacramento, CA

Monica

Family member, caregiver, advocate

Nevaeh age 2 standing outside in a lacy white summer dress, cowbow boots and hat, and a huge smile

Nevaeh

acute myeloid leukemia (AML+MLLr)

Portrait of a child standing in a grassy field surrounded by wildflowers and greenery, wearing a navy button-down shirt. The image represents hope, resilience, and childhood blood cancer awareness, highlighting the experiences of young blood cancer patients, survivors, and families while emphasizing the importance of research, support, and community.

Henry

B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL)

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