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Vickie is
Blood Cancer United

Snapshot of Vickie standing near rocks with water in background, a cancer survivor

I was diagnosed in 1974 at the age of 24 with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). I had never even heard of it. The doctors did not know if I would survive as it was very aggressive. I had exploratory surgery (CAT scans and MRIs did not exist then as far as I know) and five weeks of radiation (I still glow in the dark, saves on night lights!!). Other than a couple of "unusual lymph nodes" over the years, I have been cancer-free. I went on to have two more great careers and was happily married for the first time at 49. I have helped with Light The Night (LTN) here in San Jose, and my sister did Team In Training (TNT) as we both recognize the great work The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) does. Many years ago, I started having a yearly Appetizer Party fundraiser with my husband's help at our house, putting my culinary background to good use. I will be 72 this year. My husband and sister tell me that I have made a difference in this world because I survived.

Vickie

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

James, volunteer and survivor, pictured with group of friends

James

Volunteer and survivor

lynette-m-1_dam_file_19991.jpeg

Lynette

Volunteer

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)

Family visiting a loved one during blood cancer treatment in a hospital room. A patient rests in a hospital bed surrounded by family members wearing protective masks, with medical equipment visible nearby. This powerful image highlights the impact of blood cancer on families, the importance of caregiver support, and the realities of leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood cancer treatments during hospitalization.

Brandon

Family member and supporter

Alec standing in front of LightThe Night signage in a park at a Light The Night event. Alec is wearing a blue shirt with the words, "Survivor, Light The Night" printed on it and holding a white Light The Night survivor lantern.

Alec

Primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL)

Headshot of Nastasha, shoulder length straight blonde hair, in a red jacket and smiling

Natasha

primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL)

Snapshot of Tricia with her family, a cancer survivor

Tricia

Staff

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