Skip to main content

Nathaniel is
Blood Cancer United

Hi! Nathaniel here, but you can call me Nate. I am an 18-year-old North Carolina Scholar, 2015 graduate of Franklinton High School who graduated with high honors. I am a future student of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, majoring in mechanical engineering. I am a son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, boyfriend, friend, percussionist, musician, scholarship recipient, car and truck enthusiast, minority mentor, and an all around "Renaissance Man" with a philanthropist heart. I also have cancer

I was diagnosed with stage IV/A Hodgkin lymphoma on June 5, 2015 - just eight days before graduating high school. I decided that exact same day that cancer will not define me nor would I allow cancer to take away my dignity. I decided to move the mountains that were placed before me to show everyone that they can be moved. With a lot of self determination and the support of so many, I WILL move mountains.

I have learned a great deal about my disease and others like mine through The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Its mission is now my mission -- to educate and make people aware of the many things we can do to help eliminate all blood cancers.  I know having HL is just a bump in the road for me but I truly believe that obstacles are placed in our way to see what we really want is worth fighting for!  

Nathaniel

Lymphoma Survivor

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)

A blood cancer patient stands with friends at an outdoor Blood Cancer United event, wearing colorful leis and holding heart-shaped signs while posing together in front of a branded backdrop, creating a celebratory and supportive atmosphere.

Carlos

non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)

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

Olivia

Stage IVB Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)

Portrait of a blood cancer survivor wearing glasses and a checkered button-down shirt while seated indoors against a neutral background. The image highlights resilience, advocacy, and the experiences of individuals living with or recovering from blood cancer.

Robert

non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)

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)

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