I never expected to be sharing my cancer story. At 18 years old, just 13 days before my 19th birthday, I was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). I had just started my second semester of college when I began feeling unusually tired, dizzy, and covered in unexplained bruises. What I thought was the flu or the result of increased exercise turned out to be something far more severe. After collapsing while trying to get ready for class and being misdiagnosed with a stomach bug, I finally heard the words no teenager expects: “We think it’s cancer.” On February 7, 2020, I was officially diagnosed, and my world turned upside down, again.
At the time, I was still trying to process the recent loss of my father. As I was trying to find my footing again, the world shut down due to COVID-19. I was forced into near-total isolation throughout treatment. Only my mom and sister—my primary caregivers—were allowed to see me while I was hospitalized. I couldn’t see my brother, sister-in-law, stepdad, or any of my friends or family. The emotional toll was immense, but I didn’t have an option but to fight.
Over the next 20 months, I endured six rounds of inpatient chemotherapy, multiple spinal taps, bone marrow aspirations, and a year of oral chemo. At the end of my inpatient treatment, I was admitted to the pediatric ICU with a life-threatening fungal infection that spread through my organs. Miraculously, I survived. I’ve now been in remission since March 2020 and off treatment since October 2021.
Cancer didn't just change my health; it reshaped my identity and purpose. I still deal with lasting effects like neuropathy, PTSD, and mental health challenges. But I continue to move forward. A key part of that journey has been Blood Cancer United. I had heard of Blood Cancer United in passing before my diagnosis, but I didn’t truly understand their impact until they stepped in to help my family and me. From emotional support to financial assistance, Blood Cancer United became a lifeline.
One of the most meaningful ways they helped was through a scholarship. My father’s biggest dream was for my siblings and me to attend college debt-free. That dream felt threatened by my diagnosis and treatment, but thanks to Blood Cancer United, I was able to stay in school and pursue my calling. I graduated with honors in April 2024 from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a Bachelor’s in Social Work, and I began graduate school that August. I’ll graduate this December with a Master’s in Clinical/Medical Social Work.
In 2024, I had the incredible honor of being selected as the Birmingham, Alabama, Light The Night (LTN) Honored Hero. At first, I wasn’t completely sure what to expect—I didn’t know much about the event or what it would mean to me. But stepping into that role turned out to be one of the best and most meaningful experiences of my life. I was able to represent survivors, current patients, and those we’ve lost, and I saw firsthand how powerful our community can be when we come together.
Since 2021, I’ve also organized annual fundraisers for childhood cancer, raising over $20,000, all of which have gone directly back to the pediatric cancer floor where I received treatment. Giving back is how I honor those still in the fight and help ensure other children get the care they need.
Today, I proudly serve as an Ambassador for The Dare to Dream Project. I took on this role to share my story with people across the world—to show legislators and the public that these aren’t just statistics. These are our lives. We live with these diseases, and we need ongoing financial, emotional, and legislative support if we’re going to find a cure for blood cancers. Advocacy isn’t optional; it’s essential.
Lana
acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
