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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.
A blood cancer survivor stands at a scenic overlook with a sweeping view of a forested landscape and dramatic clouds overhead. The outdoor portrait highlights resilience, survivorship, and hope within the blood cancer community, emphasizing life beyond diagnosis and the importance of support, awareness, and advocacy for people affected by blood cancer.

Shobha

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

Blood cancer patient wearing a knit beanie and glasses embraces a loved one during a hospital visit. The image highlights the importance of caregiver support, resilience, and hope throughout blood cancer treatment. Set in a healthcare environment, the photo reflects the experiences of blood cancer patients and families navigating diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and survivorship together.

Kerrie

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

leukemia patient weaing glasses and blue shirt at the beach

Paul

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

Family affected by blood cancer poses together at a tropical beach destination surrounded by palm trees and bright sunshine. The image highlights the importance of family support, resilience, and making meaningful memories after a blood cancer diagnosis. It represents hope, survivorship, and the impact of blood cancer treatments and support services that help patients and their loved ones navigate leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other blood cancers while celebrating milestones together.

Kelli

Philadelphia chromosome-positive B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ B-ALL)

Young child receiving medical care in a hospital bed with a nasal feeding tube, wearing a colorful shirt with animal prints. The image highlights the realities of childhood blood cancer treatment while showcasing strength, hope, and resilience. This photo represents the experiences of pediatric blood cancer patients and families navigating treatment, supportive care, and survivorship.

Kyle

Family member and caregiver

five-year-old leukemia survivor, Vera Padilla of Sacramento, CA

Monica

Family member, caregiver, advocate

Nevaeh age 2 standing outside in a lacy white summer dress, cowbow boots and hat, and a huge smile

Nevaeh

acute myeloid leukemia (AML+MLLr)

Portrait of a child standing in a grassy field surrounded by wildflowers and greenery, wearing a navy button-down shirt. The image represents hope, resilience, and childhood blood cancer awareness, highlighting the experiences of young blood cancer patients, survivors, and families while emphasizing the importance of research, support, and community.

Henry

B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL)

Jarvis, Pre B acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patient

Jarvis

Pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

Savanna and Asher, pediatric blood cancer patient, holding a sign "Asher is a perfect match"

Savanna

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

Rachel, pediatric blood cancer as an adult at the same stem cell transplant unti they were treated

Rachel

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

Two men with arms around each others shoulders

Kabir

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

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