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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.
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)

A young hispanic mom in a gray tshirt with her bald son wearing bright green boxing gloves and an I Am a Warrior tshirt

Peyton

non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)

Two children stand together on a wooden bridge at a theme park, wearing colorful character-themed outfits and mouse ear headbands, with a large green topiary figure and water feature in the background—highlighting childhood joy, family moments, and hope within the blood cancer community and pediatric blood cancer awareness.

Riley

Family member and caregiver

Close-up selfie of an individual wearing glasses and a “I rang the gong” shirt from MD Anderson Cancer Center, highlighting a significant milestone in treatment—symbolizing hope, resilience, and survivorship within the blood cancer community and awareness of cancer treatment completion.

Kim

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Close-up outdoor portrait of a blood cancer survivor with a shaved head, wearing a blue sleeveless top and standing in front of a garden backdrop. The image highlights blood cancer survivorship, resilience during treatment, and hope for individuals affected by leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.

Dannie

nodular sclerosis classic Hodgkin lymphoma (NSHL)

Photo of Jan, Lymphoma survivor

Jan

Lymphoma

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

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