I was diagnosed with classic Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) in 2024 at the age of 29. It changed my whole world; suddenly, my schedule was packed with various appointments, and nothing seemed certain anymore.
Six tough months of chemo later, I was proud to be cancer-free. I went to New York City at Christmas to celebrate and got married the following year.
Unfortunately, my cancer returned this year (2026), and I will be undergoing a stem cell transplant soon to hopefully wipe it out for good. This time, I am nervous but ready to face the beast armed with more knowledge and experience.
I attended my first Light The Night (LTN) as a survivor in 2025. It was inspiring to be among other survivors and supporters united under the desire and goal to end blood cancer, and to make lives easier for patients and survivors like me. Blood Cancer United also provided financial assistance when my partner and I desperately needed it during my first-line treatment. Their website guided me through the uncertain first few weeks post-diagnosis with helpful guides and resources. It is a special organization that I will always recommend to new blood cancer patients and families.
Olivia
Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)
