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Michele is
Blood Cancer United

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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.
James, volunteer and survivor, pictured with group of friends

James

Volunteer and survivor

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Lynette

Volunteer

Headshot of Todd wearing suit and tie, a cancer survivor

Todd

Volunteer

Family visiting a loved one during blood cancer treatment in a hospital room. A patient rests in a hospital bed surrounded by family members wearing protective masks, with medical equipment visible nearby. This powerful image highlights the impact of blood cancer on families, the importance of caregiver support, and the realities of leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood cancer treatments during hospitalization.

Brandon

Family member and supporter

Alec standing in front of LightThe Night signage in a park at a Light The Night event. Alec is wearing a blue shirt with the words, "Survivor, Light The Night" printed on it and holding a white Light The Night survivor lantern.

Alec

Primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL)

Two people pose together at a formal gala in front of a step-and-repeat backdrop featuring The Driskell Prize and HIGH logos. One person wears a light blue floor-length gown and holds a silver clutch, while the other wears a black tuxedo. The image highlights community leadership, philanthropy, and support for important causes, including blood cancer awareness and advocacy initiatives.

Yvonne

multiple myeloma (MM)

Headshot of Nastasha, shoulder length straight blonde hair, in a red jacket and smiling

Natasha

primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL)

Headshot of Imani in her white nursing coat

Imani

myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)

Snapshot of Tricia with her family, a cancer survivor

Tricia

Staff

Portrait of a blood cancer survivor standing outdoors in front of a colorful mural and brick wall, wearing glasses and a navy shirt. The image highlights resilience, survivorship, and life after blood cancer treatment. It represents the experiences of people affected by leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other blood cancers, showcasing hope, strength, and the impact of ongoing support throughout the blood cancer journey.

Cody

large granular lymphocyte leukemia (LGLL)

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Bill

multiple myeloma (MM)

Person wearing a wide-brimmed hat and hiking backpack stands outdoors against a scenic mountain landscape with evergreen trees and patches of golden foliage. The image highlights an active moment in nature and reflects resilience, strength, and quality of life within the blood cancer community, emphasizing the importance of survivorship and living well after a blood cancer diagnosis.

Jean

smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM)

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