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Rino is
Blood Cancer United

This is the story of Rino La Paglia, a son, brother, boyfriend, uncle, cousin and friend to many who knew him.

Rino was first diagnosed with T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma in February 2008. He was 33 years old at the time, and was in remission by 2010. Everything was great, Rino went back to being a electrician, softball player and living life to his fullest. Then, in October 2015 Rino found out, his cancer came back, he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic lymphoma (ALL).

We all thought Rino beat it once, he can most certainly beat this again. This time around he needed a much more aggressive approach to fighting this terrible disease.

He underwent extensive chemotherapy treatment and finally selected to undergo a bone marrow transplant as his final attempt. In April of 2016, he had a half-stem cell/cord blood transplant at the University of Chicago hospital. Unfortunately, Rino's fight was lost on June 28, 2016.

Even though Rino's journey has ended, his life will carryon through each and everyone one of us. Together we will continue to tell Rino's story about how hard he fought, how much he loved his family and friends, and how much he appreciated each and every day of his life.

Joann

In Memory

We are Blood Cancer United.

Everyone affected by blood cancer—patients, survivors, caregivers, researchers, advocates, fundraisers, everyone—has a story. Share yours.
Nicole standing outside holding a large Team Nicole Light the Night banner with 2 friends, smiling

Nicole

B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL)

Headshot of Michele a Leukemia Survivor smiling, wearing a white sweater.

Michele

Leukemia Survivor

Photo collage Nate in treatment, on IVs bald, in bed, then Nate standing tall and looking healthy

Nate

ALL Survivor

Smiling man with hooded jacket

Kamal

Leukemia Survivor

Lisa and a man standing in a football stadium holding white, yellow and red Light The Night lanterns

Lisa

Lymphoma survivor

Image of Minerva, an AML Survivor

Minerva

AML Survivor

James, volunteer and survivor, pictured with group of friends

James

Volunteer and survivor

lynette-m-1_dam_file_19991.jpeg

Lynette

Volunteer

deanna-w_0_dam_file_20671.jpg

Deanna

ALL Survivor

Headshot of Todd wearing suit and tie, a cancer survivor

Todd

Volunteer

A visitor standing near the Colosseum in Rome smiles in the sunlight, wearing glasses and a beige patterned top with a black shoulder strap. The ancient stone arches rise behind them against a clear blue sky, capturing a travel moment while raising awareness for blood cancer through inclusive, human‑centered storytelling.

Joan

double-hit lymphoma (DHL)

Smiling person wearing a race medal stands beside a Team In Training sign, expressing pride, determination, and accomplishment while supporting blood cancer research, awareness, and community fundraising.

Jill

Caregiver, family member, advocate, healthcare professional, supporter

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