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Sofia is
Blood Cancer United

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As a five-year survivor of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), I have come to truly appreciate the value of life's opportunities and the importance of being fully present in every moment. My battle against cancer has shaped me into a determined and compassionate individual, instilling in me a deep sense of empathy for others facing similar challenges. I am grateful to have been awarded a scholarship for cancer survivors by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), recognizing both my journey and my aspirations. This scholarship not only provides financial support but also serves as a testament to my resilience and determination to become a nurse.

During my own treatment, I had the privilege of experiencing the impact of exceptional nursing care firsthand. The compassionate and dedicated nurses who cared for me not only provided medical support but also offered emotional comfort during the most difficult times. Witnessing their incredible dedication inspired me to pursue a career in nursing as I aspire to embody their qualities and make a positive difference in the lives of my future patients. With my unique perspective as a cancer survivor, I am committed to offering genuine understanding, unwavering support, and a sense of connection to those battling cancer, ensuring they receive the care and compassion they deserve.

Sofia

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

We are Blood Cancer United.

Everyone affected by blood cancer—patients, survivors, caregivers, researchers, advocates, fundraisers, everyone—has a story. Share yours.
Lisa and a man standing in a football stadium holding white, yellow and red Light The Night lanterns

Lisa

Lymphoma survivor

Headshot of Todd wearing suit and tie, a cancer survivor

Todd

Volunteer

Smiling person with short hair and glasses photographed against a light background, expressing warmth, resilience, and hope while representing the blood cancer community.

Danyele

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

A group of children and an adult stand together inside a large, illuminated droplet‑shaped display surrounded by handwritten messages of support. A sign below reads “Blood Cancer United,” with a QR code lit underneath. The colorful, hopeful scene reflects community solidarity and awareness for blood cancer.

Bruce

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

A person sits in a treatment chair wearing a black shirt that reads “DONE” with a purple heart ribbon, holding a small dog pillow while connected to medical equipment. The clinical setting and triumphant message on the shirt create a powerful moment that can accompany stories related to blood cancer, resilience, and completing treatment milestones.

Jessica

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Young adult blood cancer survivor, Olivia, with her hands in the air celebrating

Olivia

Stage IVB Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Snapshot of Tricia with her family, a cancer survivor

Tricia

Staff

Jane, Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) patient, with companion

Jane

Hodgkin lymphoma

Gianna, Hodgkin lymphoma patient and advocate, holding a white lantern, pictured with other supporters holding red lanterns at a Light The Night event.

Gianna

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Participants run in a road race near the iconic Unisphere in Queens, New York, during a community fundraising event supporting blood cancer patients, survivors, and blood cancer research. Several runners wearing race bibs move through the course on a bright sunny day, highlighting awareness, advocacy, and support for the blood cancer community.

Matt

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Person seated on a stage during a live storytelling or theatrical performance, surrounded by candles, props, and personal items under dramatic lighting. The image reflects the power of sharing lived experiences with blood cancer, highlighting resilience, healing, and advocacy through storytelling. This performance setting represents how blood cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers use their voices to raise awareness, foster connection, and inspire hope within the blood cancer community.

Michael

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Blood cancer patient receiving intensive hospital care while lying in a hospital bed surrounded by medical monitoring equipment, IV medications, and respiratory support devices. The image reflects the serious challenges of blood cancer treatment, highlighting the physical impact of leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood cancers. It represents the strength and resilience of blood cancer patients facing complications, hospitalization, and critical stages of treatment and recovery.

Jennifer

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

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