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Luis is
Blood Cancer United

Man looking at camera with ocean in the back ground

I used to donate blood at least three times a year. I did it as a way of helping others and never realized it would one day lead to me being diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). But that’s exactly what happened in 2006, when a case of anemia kept me from donating blood that year.

Shortly after that diagnosis, my doctor prescribed cycles of chemotherapy. I was shocked by the $3,200 bill I was expected to pay – the 20 percent share I was responsible for after the insurance coverage contribution. That is when my doctor’s office referred me to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) where I learned about the Co-Pay Assistance program. I loved the fact that I could easily communicate with the staff because they were able to speak with me in Spanish.

I am so grateful to LLS for continuing to help me offset my high co-pay costs to this day. I look forward to winning the lottery some day so I can give back to the organization that has given me so much.

Luis

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) survivor

We are Blood Cancer United.

Everyone affected by blood cancer—patients, survivors, caregivers, researchers, advocates, fundraisers, everyone—has a story. Share yours.
Photo of a mature woman standing on a savannah feeding a giraffe out of her hand

Lisa

Lymphoma, myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS)/acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Alexis in a family of five with grandmother wearing glasses and a mask standing in front of TNT photo

Alexis

family member, supporter/donor

A couple stands arm‑in‑arm on a sunny day, wearing wide‑brimmed hats as they smile together atop a boat overlooking a lively riverside community. The bright sky, rustic rooftops, and calm water create a warm, peaceful backdrop—capturing a moment of togetherness, love, and quiet strength that reflects the resilience shared by families whose lives have been touched by blood cancer.

Heidi

Family member, caregiver, advocate

Elisabeth, cancer survivor

Elisabeth

stage 4 Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Portrait of a blood cancer patient wearing a tan wide-brim hat and a black floral-embroidered blouse, standing indoors near large sunlit windows with a calm, composed posture.

Donna

essential thrombocythemia (ET) myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN)

A person wearing a plaid shirt relaxes in a comfortable chair at home, with a small dog sitting beside them. The cozy, lived‑in setting reflects a quiet moment of comfort that can accompany stories or messages of strength and support within the blood cancer community.

Ira

myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS)

Person wearing a light blue button-up shirt seated at a wooden table in a dimly lit restaurant. The table has menus placed on it, and the background shows exposed brick walls and other diners seated at nearby tables.

Jose

myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS)

Close-up view of the top of a person's head showing short, light brown hair with soft layers. The background includes a dark upholstered headboard with metallic studs and a white pillow partially visible. The person is wearing a sleeveless patterned top with black and white designs.

Kerry

myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS)

Two people are seated closely together at a table in a dimly lit restaurant. Behind them is a festive holiday garland decorated with pine branches, red ribbons, ornaments, and small lights. The individuals are dressed in formal attire; one is wearing a checkered shirt under a dark plaid jacket, and the other is wearing a dark top with a necklace. The background includes a mirror reflecting other diners and the restaurant setting.

Stuart

caregiver

Please CLICK HERE for the program flyer.

Madeline

AML survivor

Headshot of Imani in her white nursing coat

Imani

myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)

Paul, an older white gentleman with beard and mustache wearing a bike helmet and sunglasses with younger white female with freckles and sunglasses on her head both wearing Scenic Shore 150 shirts

Paul

multiple myeloma (MM) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)

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