Lily is
Blood Cancer United

Lily, a beanie covering her bald head, smiling, standing in front of a Christmas tree

Hello, my name is Lily and I am 14 years old. In November of 2022, I was diagnosed with stage 3 Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). At the beginning, I was completely shocked because there was no sign that anything was wrong with my health. It was the hardest news I’ve ever heard in my life. The only thing that I was worried about was if I was going to die or if I was going to lose my hair I am now 2 cycles into my chemotherapy. I have lost my hair and I love my bald look! I finished my last chemo session on April 6th 2023.  

The biggest thing that I’ve learned through this hard time is that it does not matter if you have cancer or not, you should always love and appreciate everything! If you have just found out that you have cancer, one of my favorite things to write on my whiteboard as I go in to get chemo is that CANCER DOES NOT DEFINE YOU! Love yourself and love others!

Lily

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

We are Blood Cancer United.

Everyone affected by blood cancer—patients, survivors, caregivers, researchers, advocates, fundraisers, everyone—has a story. Share yours.
Snapshot of Zachariah holding flowers, a cancer survivor

Zach

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

A person is seated in a medical treatment chair with an IV line connected to the arm. The individual is wearing a tie-dye sweatshirt and has a blue protective sheet draped over the lap. A patterned blanket covers part of the legs, and a white disposable cup is placed on a small tray nearby. In the background, there is medical equipment including an infusion pump with digital displays, tubing, and a yellow biohazard container. The setting appears to be a clinical or hospital environment.

Natalie

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Rachel in hospital with head wrap holding "It's my last day of chemo" sign

Rachel

lymphoma

Copilot said: Family of four stands together on an outdoor deck overlooking a city skyline and water, wearing matching advocacy shirts including “Dear Jack Foundation” and “I wear purple for my dad,” highlighting awareness, support, and community connection in the blood cancer community.

Lyndsey

Family member, caregiver, advocate

Copilot said: Three people stand together at an indoor event in formal attire, including one wearing a “Candidate” sash, with colorful textile art in the background—highlighting community, advocacy, and connection within the blood cancer community.

Jenna

nodular sclerosing Hodgkin lymphoma (NSHL)

Stephenie holding a remission sign, HL survivor

Stephenie

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Outdoor event scene featuring a large illuminated inflatable sign that spells “FIGHT” in white letters with blue and pink lighting accents. The sign is placed on green grass under a large tree, with a few people seated behind it at a table. In the foreground, a person is wearing a teal shirt with a name tag and holding a white paper lantern. Decorative headbands with colorful tinsel are visible, and the background includes a palm tree, fencing, and a clear evening sky.

Keri

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Gianna, Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) patient and advocate, pictured with other supporters

Gianna

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

A person holds a lantern reading “Blood Cancer United Light The Night” during an outdoor awareness event, representing blood cancer awareness and community support.

Olivia

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Smiling person with short hair and glasses photographed against a light background, expressing warmth, resilience, and hope while representing the blood cancer community.

Danyele

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Roberto inside sitting in an actor's chair for Black Lighting smiling

Roberto

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

A person with long, flowing dark hair wears a warm, textured rust‑colored turtleneck sweater and gold hoop earrings. The image is presented as part of a story about living with blood cancer—capturing a moment meant to symbolize resilience, strength, and the quiet determination behind a difficult diagnosis.

Mya

stage 2a bulk Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

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