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Lillian & Jerry is
Blood Cancer United

Lillian & Jerry sitting with their parents. Lillian is bald from treatment and holding a stuffed dog

In 2011, our son, Jerry, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) at three years old, and he has gone through two bone marrow transplants. Though he has been in remission since 2014, he has developed many other diseases due to the treatment and drugs, such as kidney failure, low vision, a compromised immune system, and heart issues. While Jerry was going through cancer treatment, his little sister, Lillian, was born and grew up to be a vibrant and sweet girl. Yet, in an unimaginable twist of fate, the same devastating cancer diagnosis shattered our hope.

It turns out that both Jerry and Lillian have a genetic predisposition to AML, and Lillian was diagnosed with AML in September 2020. The best treatment is to have a bone marrow transplant, but Lillian can’t find a matching donor in the U.S. and can’t get a donation from China due to COVID-19 restrictions. We have been hosting donor drives to help more Americans register as marrow donors to save kids like Lillian.

They played Minecraft together, and watch Pokemon sometimes.  They used to like to travel together to the beach, but COVID has made us stay at home for almost 2 years.

Our family joined The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) to push for congressmen to pass more laws supporting and helping donor registration, childhood cancer research, and financial support.

Lillian can't currently attend school and has to stay away from the public, just like her brother has had to do during the last 10 years. Rare diseases are not really rare, and more people than you might think are suffering from rare diseases. No one or no family can battle alone.  We need support in medical research, (blood, marrow, or organ) donor advocacy and registration, law support, and social awareness.

The pandemic has made such patients and their families extra vulnerable. Politics and discrimination have left those minority patients even more vulnerable.

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Lillian & Jerry

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

We are Blood Cancer United.

Everyone affected by blood cancer—patients, survivors, caregivers, researchers, advocates, fundraisers, everyone—has a story. Share yours.
Image of Minerva, an AML Survivor

Minerva

AML Survivor

Two people sit close together in a cozy room decorated with bright pink flower murals, their bodies angled toward one another in quiet support. The soft lighting, comfortable chairs, and small box of tissues on the armrest create a gentle, intimate atmosphere—reflecting the tenderness, strength, and deep compassion shared by families and friends whose lives have been touched by blood cancer.

Claire

Family member and supporter/donor

Woman wearing a pastel pink athletic zip-up jacket with her arms crossed, leaning on rail in park.

Gabriele

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

in memory Young child sitting outdoors and looking toward the camera while being held by an adult. The child is wearing a light-colored outfit and a large white bow headband. This photo supports a pediatric blood cancer story, highlighting childhood blood cancer awareness, family support, and the experiences of children affected by leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood cancers.

Maria

Family member, caregiver, supporter

Snapshot of Anna in her graduation gown, a cancer survivor

Anna

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Close-up portrait of a blood cancer patient lying in a hospital bed wearing a patterned hospital gown. The patient has a shaved head, likely related to cancer treatment, and looks directly at the camera. Medical bedding and a hospital setting are visible in the background, illustrating the realities of blood cancer treatment, hospitalization, and survivorship.

Alana

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Portrait of a young person smiling toward the camera while seated indoors. The image reflects strength, hope, and life beyond a blood cancer diagnosis, highlighting the impact of blood cancer support and advocacy.

Lauryn

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

inspirational-story-blood-cancer-sarah.png

Sarah

myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Two supporters pose in front of a Blood Cancer United fundraising event backdrop, helping raise awareness and support for blood cancer patients, survivors, and families. The image highlights community involvement, philanthropy, and advocacy efforts that advance blood cancer research, patient services, and hope for those affected by blood cancer.

Doug

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Snapshot of parents and three children, Abby caregiver story

Abby

acute myeloid leukemia (AML) caregiver

Two people are sitting close together indoors near a window. One person is wearing a dark top, and the other is wrapped in a purple and black patterned blanket. The background shows part of a beige wall and a window frame with daylight coming through.

Kelsey

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Bald child, Liam, smiling while sitting on a hospital bed in a diaper with a chemo port taped to his chest.

Liam

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

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