Skip to main content

Roberta is
Blood Cancer United

A person standing on a sidewalk next to a large bear statue dressed in a yellow hat and holding a yellow object. The bear statue has “Gatlinburg” written on its chest and is seated on a bench. The person is wearing a white top, bright pink skirt, and silver shoes, and is holding a light-colored handbag. In the background, there is a street with a yellow dividing line, an American flag, and storefronts including one with a sign that reads “American Traditions.”

My chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) journey has just begun. I was diagnosed in December 2024 originally by my primary care physician and was quickly referred to an oncologist. I chose to go to a hematologist at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa. A bone marrow biopsy was performed within a few weeks, which confirmed I had an aggressive form of CLL. I was placed on “watch and wait” for the first four months. However, my lab work and extreme fatigue indicated starting treatment at the end of May. I was referred to Blood Cancer United by my hematologist after the confirmed diagnosis. I was obviously very scared and uncertain about the diagnosis. When I called Blood Cancer United, they were extremely helpful. I received a grant, which has helped immensely with the unforeseen bills that quickly accumulated. I was also matched with a mentor who had the same diagnosis and was on the same treatment as me. Speaking with the mentor brought me so much strength and hope. I cannot thank this organization enough for all the help they have given me in the short period of time I've been on this journey. 

Roberta

chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)

We are Blood Cancer United.

Everyone affected by blood cancer—patients, survivors, caregivers, researchers, advocates, fundraisers, everyone—has a story. Share yours.
Copilot said: Close-up selfie of an older adult wearing glasses and a navy shirt with an “I Voted” sticker, seated in a car, highlighting everyday resilience and community engagement within the blood cancer community and survivorship journey.

Fred

non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)

Two runners celebrate together while crossing a city race course, an image reflecting blood cancer awareness, endurance events, and community support.

Deb

Family member, volunteer, supporter/donor

Arturo Pierre, a middle aged black man bald with mustache and beard wearing black glasses and a grey suite and white shirt sitting on steps

Arturo Pierre

chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)

inspirational-stories-chronic-lymphocytic-leukemia-diffuse-large-b-cell-lymphoma-norman

Norman

chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)

A runner wearing a purple Team In Training jersey and hat proudly holds up a finisher’s medal and a race cup, standing beneath a bright Disney Marathon Weekend sign. Sunlight shines across the scene, highlighting the determination and joy in this celebratory moment—capturing the spirit of hope, strength, and solidarity shared by those running to support people affected by blood cancer.

Carol

Family member and supporter

A blood cancer patient stands in a driveway at sunset holding a road bike, wearing a helmet, cycling jersey, and shorts, with a white pickup truck and suburban homes in the background, conveying strength, activity, and determination.

Philip

chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)

Headshot of Mike, a CLL Survivor

Mike

chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)

Headshot of Angela in front of books in library, a cancer survivor

Angela

chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)

Smiling mature man wearing red shirt and glasses in front of row of boats

Marty

chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)

inspirational-stories-chronic-lymphocytic-leukemia-jay.jpeg

Jay

chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)

A cyclist stands outdoors beside a bicycle, wearing a neon green jacket, black shorts, helmet, sunglasses, and patterned black socks. They smile at the camera with a waterfront marina full of sailboats and a large building in the background. The scene includes large trees with exposed roots and another person sitting on a bench with a bicycle nearby, suggesting a sunny, recreational outing in a coastal setting.

Malcolm

chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)

Person with short white hair wearing a light gray collared shirt indoors. The background shows a beige wall and a white door frame.

William

chronic lymphoblastic leukemia (CLL)

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