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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.
Here is descriptive, SEO‑driven alt text that includes **blood cancer**, stays objective, and avoids assumptions:  **Alt text:**   Person walking in a hospital hallway while pushing an IV pole with multiple infusion pumps, wearing a face mask and casual clothing, with tubing connected to a chest port during blood cancer treatment; patient care rooms and medical equipment are visible along the corridor.

Jeff

diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)

Copilot said: Person stands outdoors holding an illuminated lantern at a Light The Night event, with a large screen in the background showing participants raising lights and the message “Thank you for bringing light to the darkness of cancer,” highlighting advocacy, community support, and awareness in the blood cancer community.

Natalia

splenic marginal zone non-Hodgkin lymphoma (MZL)

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Zeke

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL)

Lila wearing warm clothes-standing in front of a 'top of Mt. Kilimanjaro' sign with arms raised

Lila

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Snapshot of Ashley wearing black jacket with Find the Cure printed, a cancer survivor

Ashley

chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML)

Snapshot of Zachariah holding flowers, a cancer survivor

Zach

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

A person is seated in a medical treatment chair with an IV line connected to the arm. The individual is wearing a tie-dye sweatshirt and has a blue protective sheet draped over the lap. A patterned blanket covers part of the legs, and a white disposable cup is placed on a small tray nearby. In the background, there is medical equipment including an infusion pump with digital displays, tubing, and a yellow biohazard container. The setting appears to be a clinical or hospital environment.

Natalie

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Rachel in hospital with head wrap holding "It's my last day of chemo" sign

Rachel

lymphoma

Rebecca young adult in hospital chair holding shirt "Fighting Together With You"

Rebecca

blood cancer

Richard in a chair outside with a Corona smiling in a blue hooded jacket

Richard

In memory

JJ standing among leaves gazing into the distance

J.J.

Volunteer

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

Brianna

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

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