Skip to main content

Michele is
Blood Cancer United

michele-s-image_0_dam_file_121926.png

Michele Synder decided she wanted to volunteer with The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) because she herself and millions of others have been impacted by cancer. Both of Michele’s parents passed away from cancer and during that time, a lot of people were there for them. She knows how important that was for her and her family. That support provided them with so much comfort and healing.  

Michele is a Patient & Family Outreach Volunteer and provides support and resources to newly diagnosed patients and their family members in her local area of Richmond, Virginia. Since her volunteering started last year, Michele has communicated with over 100 people. Not only providing them with the resources but providing them with a lending ear with empathy and support. She builds great relationships with patients and makes a lasting impression on them, so much that one of the patients she spoke with was a guest speaker on the Richmond Man & Woman of the Year Finale.

Michele volunteers to support patients and families who are going through the unthinkable. The LLS community of volunteers, including Michele, are a special and important part of the LLS mission. Small acts that are making a big impact.

Written by LLS Story Volunteer, Grace Oliva

Michele

Volunteer

We are Blood Cancer United.

Everyone affected by blood cancer—patients, survivors, caregivers, researchers, advocates, fundraisers, everyone—has a story. Share yours.
Rachel in hospital with head wrap holding "It's my last day of chemo" sign

Rachel

lymphoma

Man wearing gray shirt, looking down

Dan

multiple myeloma (MM)

Woman with glasses looking into camera

Chrissy

B-cell follicular lymphoma (FL)

Jaime, Myeloma Survivor, photographed in athletic gear

Jamie

Myeloma Survivor

Close-up portrait of an individual standing outdoors near a building, wearing a patterned top and hoop earrings, highlighting strength, community connection, and personal stories within the blood cancer community and survivorship awareness.

Courtney

multiple myeloma (MM)

Individual stands behind a desk in a clinical or office setting wearing dark scrubs, with medical equipment and supplies visible nearby—highlighting care, frontline support, and dedication within the blood cancer community and patient care environment.

MaryAnn

multiple myeloma (MM)

Close-up selfie of an individual wearing glasses and a collared shirt in an office setting, with a small heart poster visible in the background—highlighting everyday support, advocacy, and connection within the blood cancer community and survivorship awareness.

Elizabeth

multiple myeloma (MM)

Copilot said: Two people stand together in a clinical setting, one wearing a medical-style band and both holding a sealed package, highlighting caregiver support, treatment moments, and connection within the blood cancer community.

D'Ann

multiple myeloma (MM)

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

Heriberto

Burkitt lymphoma (BL)

Smiling person seated indoors wearing purple, representing strength, resilience, and hope within the blood cancer community and Blood Cancer United.

Jean

multiple myeloma (MM)

A cyclist wearing a helmet labeled 436, sunglasses, and a white‑and‑red jersey stands smiling near the finish area of a charity bike ride. A blue lanyard with WVU Cancer Institute and Leukemia & Lymphoma Society hangs around their neck. Behind them is a large event arch that reads AMERICA’S MOST BEAUTIFUL BIKE RIDE and LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY with the WVU Medicine Children’s logo. Tall pine trees, fencing, and a tent line the road in the background.

Craig

multiple myeloma (MM)

A close-up portrait of a person with a shaved head smiling on an outdoor porch, a powerful image often associated with blood cancer awareness, including leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.

Tracy

multiple myeloma (MM)

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