Skip to main content

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.
Snapshot of Tricia with her family, a cancer survivor

Tricia

Staff

Jane, Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) patient, with companion

Jane

Hodgkin lymphoma

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

Gianna

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Side-by-side portraits showing a blood cancer survivor and Team In Training participant in 2012 and 2022. In the first image, the individual wears a Team In Training shirt and points to the program logo. In the second image, the same individual stands wearing multiple race medals earned through endurance fundraising events. The photo illustrates a decade of resilience, survivorship, and advocacy in the blood cancer community, highlighting the impact of fundraising, patient support, and blood cancer research.

Max

non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)

Participants run in a road race near the iconic Unisphere in Queens, New York, during a community fundraising event supporting blood cancer patients, survivors, and blood cancer research. Several runners wearing race bibs move through the course on a bright sunny day, highlighting awareness, advocacy, and support for the blood cancer community.

Matt

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Black-and-white close-up portrait of a family gathered together at home, with a young child in the center and two adults nearby. The image highlights the importance of family support, connection, and resilience during a blood cancer diagnosis, reflecting the experiences of patients, caregivers, and loved ones navigating blood cancer treatment and survivorship together.

Maria

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Person seated on a stage during a live storytelling or theatrical performance, surrounded by candles, props, and personal items under dramatic lighting. The image reflects the power of sharing lived experiences with blood cancer, highlighting resilience, healing, and advocacy through storytelling. This performance setting represents how blood cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers use their voices to raise awareness, foster connection, and inspire hope within the blood cancer community.

Michael

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Blood cancer patient receiving intensive hospital care while lying in a hospital bed surrounded by medical monitoring equipment, IV medications, and respiratory support devices. The image reflects the serious challenges of blood cancer treatment, highlighting the physical impact of leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood cancers. It represents the strength and resilience of blood cancer patients facing complications, hospitalization, and critical stages of treatment and recovery.

Jennifer

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Person wearing a light pink blazer and event credential stands in front of a step-and-repeat backdrop featuring The Remission Film Festival logo, with an IV pole displayed beside them. The image highlights advocacy, storytelling, and awareness within the blood cancer community, showcasing a film festival event focused on sharing blood cancer survivor and patient experiences through film and media.

Edward

non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)

Close-up portrait of a person wearing a blue head scarf and seated in a clinical setting, with a visible central line dressing on the upper chest. The image represents the realities of blood cancer treatment, patient resilience, and ongoing medical care. This photo supports blood cancer awareness and survivorship storytelling, highlighting the strength and experiences of individuals navigating blood cancer diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.

Casey

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Individual in a flight suit sits on the steps of a large aerospace training simulator inside an industrial facility. The image highlights determination, personal achievement, and life beyond diagnosis, reflecting themes often shared in blood cancer survivor stories. This photo supports blood cancer awareness, survivorship, and patient advocacy by showcasing milestones, resilience, and the pursuit of meaningful goals after blood cancer treatment.

Brianna

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Emily smiling in a photo with her husband and her three young children in an urban setting

Emily

non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)

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