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Shandra is
Blood Cancer United

Shandra holding balloons with letter 40, Multiple Myeloma survivor

I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma (MM) two years ago. I had never heard of this cancer until I was diagnosed. I found out I had cancer when my T2 vertebra had fractured in my back, and they called the fracture a pathological fracture, meaning an injury didn’t cause it. Every test was run, and it was confirmed that I had cancer. Still in denial, I wanted a second opinion. A second opinion was done, and I had to accept it because I have children ages 19, 10, and 6. I wanted to be here with them as long as possible. Having myeloma hasn’t been easy, but so far, I haven’t been depressed about it because I am still living my life and traveling with my kids. Depression wasn’t an option for me. I believe everything happens for a reason, good and bad. I changed my mindset, and I have been kicking myeloma’s tail for two years. I will be celebrating my 40th birthday on Wednesday, March 30, and I have reached my first remission! I hope it lasts a long time.

Shandra

Multiple myeloma (MM)

We are Blood Cancer United.

Everyone affected by blood cancer—patients, survivors, caregivers, researchers, advocates, fundraisers, everyone—has a story. Share yours.
Man wearing gray shirt, looking down

Dan

multiple myeloma (MM)

Jaime, Myeloma Survivor, photographed in athletic gear

Jamie

Myeloma Survivor

Close-up portrait of an individual standing outdoors near a building, wearing a patterned top and hoop earrings, highlighting strength, community connection, and personal stories within the blood cancer community and survivorship awareness.

Courtney

multiple myeloma (MM)

Individual stands behind a desk in a clinical or office setting wearing dark scrubs, with medical equipment and supplies visible nearby—highlighting care, frontline support, and dedication within the blood cancer community and patient care environment.

MaryAnn

multiple myeloma (MM)

Close-up selfie of an individual wearing glasses and a collared shirt in an office setting, with a small heart poster visible in the background—highlighting everyday support, advocacy, and connection within the blood cancer community and survivorship awareness.

Elizabeth

multiple myeloma (MM)

Copilot said: Two people stand together in a clinical setting, one wearing a medical-style band and both holding a sealed package, highlighting caregiver support, treatment moments, and connection within the blood cancer community.

D'Ann

multiple myeloma (MM)

Smiling person seated indoors wearing purple, representing strength, resilience, and hope within the blood cancer community and Blood Cancer United.

Jean

multiple myeloma (MM)

A cyclist wearing a helmet labeled 436, sunglasses, and a white‑and‑red jersey stands smiling near the finish area of a charity bike ride. A blue lanyard with WVU Cancer Institute and Leukemia & Lymphoma Society hangs around their neck. Behind them is a large event arch that reads AMERICA’S MOST BEAUTIFUL BIKE RIDE and LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY with the WVU Medicine Children’s logo. Tall pine trees, fencing, and a tent line the road in the background.

Craig

multiple myeloma (MM)

A close-up portrait of a person with a shaved head smiling on an outdoor porch, a powerful image often associated with blood cancer awareness, including leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.

Tracy

multiple myeloma (MM)

Smiling person seated in a car wearing a light pink jacket, expressing warmth, pride, and resilience while supporting blood cancer awareness, advocacy, and community strength.

Riconnisha

multiple myeloma (MM)

A softly lit outdoor setting shows an individual wearing a warm, rust‑colored sweater, seated with one hand gently resting near the chin. Sunlight filters through a covered pavilion, with blurred picnic tables and green grass in the background. The peaceful, everyday moment carries a quiet sense of resilience and warmth, offering a tender contrast to the challenges of a blood cancer journey.

Carla

multiple myeloma (MM)

Kenya, a middle aged black woman with short black hair wearing big hoop earrings and a blue survivor tshirt and white ribbon hold a LTN light

Kenya

multiple myeloma (MM) and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML)

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