I signed up to support Blood Cancer United because my great-grandmother, Edna, had leukemia. She suffered in pain for eight years; this was a long time ago, the 1960s, but I am pretty sure she did not have access to great care or an organization like Blood Cancer United. Her doctor taught my grandfather how to hypnotize her to help with the pain. Many years after she had passed away, my grandfather ended up with cancer and chose to forego treatment and suffer as he watched his mom suffer.
I plan to run the Chicago marathon in honor of her memory, as well as for everyone who has experienced any blood cancer, and raise awareness for Blood Cancer United. In addition, my uncle (dad's brother) passed away with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), so it is on both sides of my family.
Lastly, I am a nurse practitioner and have seen the clinical reality of cancer treatments and the toll it takes on the patient and their family.
Lori
Family member, healthcare professional
