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Natasha & Cindy is
Blood Cancer United

Cindy and Natasha outside at night, bald from treatment holding same white Light the Night Lantern

My first day of treatment was on July 18, 2018, at UCLA Medical. That's where I met Natasha. I was a bit nervous going in and not knowing what to expect so the nurses connected both of us. That same day Natasha found out she was in remission and I couldn't be happier for her. We both were diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, going through the same treatment, and had the same doctor.

Seeing Natasha full of energy and in remission gave me a lot of hope and that hope conquered any fear I had. Since we were on the same treatment cycle (she was a couple cycles ahead of me), we saw each other every Wednesday, twice a month and shared stories about our health and side effects.

Soon our conversations became much more than cancer. Even though we had the same illness, we realized we also shared the same interest in music and activities. What started off as two people with cancer, is now two friends on social media and occasionally we see each other outside of the hospital at music shows.

Cindy

Hodgkin lymphoma survivors

We are Blood Cancer United.

Everyone affected by blood cancer—patients, survivors, caregivers, researchers, advocates, fundraisers, everyone—has a story. Share yours.
Copilot said: Family of four stands together on an outdoor deck overlooking a city skyline and water, wearing matching advocacy shirts including “Dear Jack Foundation” and “I wear purple for my dad,” highlighting awareness, support, and community connection in the blood cancer community.

Lyndsey

Family member, caregiver, advocate

Copilot said: Three people stand together at an indoor event in formal attire, including one wearing a “Candidate” sash, with colorful textile art in the background—highlighting community, advocacy, and connection within the blood cancer community.

Jenna

nodular sclerosing Hodgkin lymphoma (NSHL)

Stephenie  holding a remission sign, HL survivor

Stephenie

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Outdoor event scene featuring a large illuminated inflatable sign that spells “FIGHT” in white letters with blue and pink lighting accents. The sign is placed on green grass under a large tree, with a few people seated behind it at a table. In the foreground, a person is wearing a teal shirt with a name tag and holding a white paper lantern. Decorative headbands with colorful tinsel are visible, and the background includes a palm tree, fencing, and a clear evening sky.

Keri

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Gianna, Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) patient and advocate, pictured with other supporters

Gianna

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

A person holds a lantern reading “Blood Cancer United Light The Night” during an outdoor awareness event, representing blood cancer awareness and community support.

Olivia

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Smiling person with short hair and glasses photographed against a light background, expressing warmth, resilience, and hope while representing the blood cancer community.

Danyele

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Roberto inside sitting in an actor's chair for Black Lighting smiling

Roberto

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

A person with long, flowing dark hair wears a warm, textured rust‑colored turtleneck sweater and gold hoop earrings. The image is presented as part of a story about living with blood cancer—capturing a moment meant to symbolize resilience, strength, and the quiet determination behind a difficult diagnosis.

Mya

stage 2a bulk Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

A large group of family and friends gather closely together under a covered outdoor patio, surrounded by warm evening light and hanging flower baskets. Music equipment and microphones sit nearby, hinting at a heartfelt event. In the center, loved ones stand united in support, strength, and hope—showing deep love and solidarity for someone in their circle whose life has been touched by blood cancer.

Vincent

Family member and supporter

young adult patient lymphoma standing with IV pole in front of a mirror selfie

Nikki

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

A person with dark, curly hair sits indoors wearing a soft beige sweater, framed by warm lighting and a colorful floral painting on the wall behind them. The gentle, cozy setting conveys a sense of calm and quiet reflection, echoing the strength, resilience, and hope carried by those whose lives have been touched by blood cancer.

Julia

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

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