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Mike is
Blood Cancer United

A group of cyclists stand with their bicycles in front of a support vehicle, a visual representing blood cancer awareness and community support through endurance events.

I was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) at 18 years old in New York. Two and a half years of aggressive chemotherapy later, I was cancer-free.

Six years after that, I rode my bicycle 3,168 miles across the United States to celebrate.

Then, in 2017, the chemotherapy that saved my life caught up with my heart. I had a heart attack at 32. I had a golf ball-sized clot in my left ventricle and had open heart surgery. An LVAD pump was installed in my chest. I eventually had a heart transplant. My donor was Navy flight surgeon Lieutenant James Mazzuchelli, who was killed in a helicopter training accident at 32 years old. A year and a half after receiving his heart, I rode 1,426 miles from San Diego to his burial site in Jacksonville, Florida, to meet his family and honor him.

Mike

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

We are Blood Cancer United.

Everyone affected by blood cancer—patients, survivors, caregivers, researchers, advocates, fundraisers, everyone—has a story. Share yours.
school picture of pre-K black girl with short curly hair and a big smile wearing and orange and white striped top under an orange sweater with a zipper

Sofia

pre-B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (pre-B-ALL)

Young blood cancer survivor wearing a white "Survivor" T-shirt and standing barefoot on a wooden fence in a grassy outdoor setting. The image highlights childhood blood cancer survivorship, resilience, hope, and life after leukemia, lymphoma, or other blood cancer treatment.

Karissa

Family member, caregiver, advocate

Professional headshot of a blood cancer survivor wearing a navy suit and striped tie, standing outdoors in front of a blurred greenery background. The image highlights blood cancer survivorship, patient advocacy, professional achievement, and life after leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma treatment.

Halley

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

A group of friends stands together on a red carpet at a Light The Night event, holding glowing lanterns and signs supporting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The warm lights and close embraces create a powerful sense of unity, love, and hope—reflecting the strength and solidarity shared by those honoring and supporting people whose lives have been touched by blood cancer.

Olivia

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

zeke-j_dam_file_161236.jpg

Zeke

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL)

Brianna, close up and smiling, young adult survivor of childhood cancer

Brianna

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

Adult and young child take a close-up selfie indoors, both wearing event shirts and a lanyard badge, representing family support and connection within the blood cancer community and childhood blood cancer awareness.

Stacey

acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)

Copilot said: Child seated on a hospital bed wears a pink head wrap and nasal feeding tube, holding a craft activity with colorful sand art in a clinical setting—highlighting strength, pediatric care, and resilience within the blood cancer community and childhood blood cancer support.

Kelly

Family member and caregiver

A young person sits outdoors at a table, wearing a white graphic T‑shirt and a light-colored cap with a colorful design. The bright, casual setting creates a warm, reflective mood. This image could be used in memory of someone whose life was touched by blood cancer, honoring their spirit with love and remembrance.

Daniel

Family member

A young child celebrating the end of blood cancer treatment stands indoors ringing a brass “Ringing Out” bell mounted on a plaque. The child smiles with eyes closed, surrounded by red‑and‑white decorations and signs. They wear a black shirt that reads “My Last Day of Chemo — It Was Tough but I Was Tougher,” symbolizing strength, remission, and completion of chemotherapy

Loxley

B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

Young child with a shaved head stands outdoors on a sunlit driveway, raising both arms overhead while holding a small object, with a rural landscape and trailer in the background—an empowering moment symbolizing strength and resilience in the blood cancer community.

Oakley

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

A child is sitting cross-legged on a paved surface outdoors, wearing a white long-sleeve shirt under a blue sleeveless jumpsuit with large buttons on the front. The child has short, light-colored hair and is wearing brown sandals. In the background, there is a white picket fence and a blurred house. The lighting suggests a bright, sunny day.

Aero

B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL)

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