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Melva is
Blood Cancer United

Headshot of women in green blouse

I am a survivor of lymphoma (Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin). I was diagnosed with two kinds of cancer at the same time.

When the doctors finally found out what I had, I was already a stage 4. After more than a year of treatment and a stem cell transplant, I can say that I am cancer free. I don't say that too loud because I don't want to make something inside me come back. One doctor even told me that I was going to die. I did not give up!

After searching and searching for a doctor that would help me, I took on the motto: This too shall pass! God has and always will be with me even though man gave up. I was diagnosed in 2004 and here I am today back at my job, looking for a house I can afford and wanting to start a support group to help others. Life has a way of making you feel that it's over, it's done, but God has a way of telling you to hold on to his unchanging hand and all will be taken care of.  When you are stricken with cancer or any devastating illness, it sometimes can cause other things to go wrong in your life. It can be very stressful and some people cannot deal with it. Allow them a chance to move on if necessary for your battle may not be theirs. I tell myself that because after 31 years of marriage I am now alone and feeling great. Again, This too shall pass. Live, Love and be Happy.

Melva

Lymphoma survivor

We are Blood Cancer United.

Everyone affected by blood cancer—patients, survivors, caregivers, researchers, advocates, fundraisers, everyone—has a story. Share yours.
Stephenie  holding a remission sign, HL survivor

Stephenie

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Heriberto, Burkitt lymphoma (BL) patient, with wife on his wedding day

Heriberto

Burkitt lymphoma (BL)

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)

Steven, a young white male with dark hair and light mustache and beard wearing sunglasses and life vest over white and black shirt standing on a boat

Steven

non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)

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)

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)

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)

A group of cyclists wearing matching purple and white “Team in Training” jerseys ride together during a sunny charity event supporting The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, raising awareness for blood cancer.

Joy

peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL)

A person stands on a quiet, snow‑covered woodland path, wearing a dark zip‑up jacket lightly dusted with snowflakes. Bare winter trees surround the trail, creating a still, muted landscape. The cold air and gently falling snow evoke a sense of resilience and reflection—an atmosphere that mirrors the strength often required in a journey with blood cancer.

Tim

non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)

A portrait-style image shows an individual with shoulder-length, light-brown hair, wearing a purple textured top against a neutral gray background. The calm, studio-like setting conveys a sense of steadiness and dignity, offering a quiet contrast to the difficult realities of a blood cancer journey. The overall composition evokes strength through simplicity, highlighting a moment of poised stillness amid uncertainty.

Debra

Family member, volunteer, supporter/donor

inspirational-stories-blood-cancer-daniel.jpeg

Daniel

Family member and supporter

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