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Lauren is
Blood Cancer United

Smiling woman in flower shirt  sitting on white chair

"I am a chronic leukemia-fighting mother of 4 boys and wife. In 2009, I was diagnosed with Essential Thrombocythemia. The diagnosis came after having multiple cerebellar strokes caused by a certebral artery dissection and a platelet count of 1.5 million, which is more than 3 times the normal limit. I immediately was told that I would start oral chemo called Hydrea which I would remain on indefinitely or until a cure was found. I remain very optimistic that I will see a cure in my lifetime thanks to the research and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). 

The term gotCureage originated in 2012 as I decided to gather family and friends for my first Light The Night event. In the time since, I have trademarked the term and begin my own non-profit benefiting LLS as well as the MPN Research Foundation. As of December 2015, gotCureage has raised over $30,000 through sales of clothing and apparel as well as our quickly growing annual 5k, The Must Dash for a Cure. What began as an idea to get family and friends together has grown into an organization dedicated to working towards a cure. It is my hope that gotCureage can serve as an inspiration for fellow cancer fighters, their families, and friends."

Lauren

Leukemia Patient

We are Blood Cancer United.

Everyone affected by blood cancer—patients, survivors, caregivers, researchers, advocates, fundraisers, everyone—has a story. Share yours.
Headshot of Chuck Pagano, Indianapolis Colts Head Coach

Chuck

leukemia

Here’s an SEO‑friendly, descriptive alt text option that includes **blood cancer** while accurately reflecting the image you uploaded:  **Alt text:**   A person stands in a bright indoor hallway wearing a light checkered shirt, posing for a professional portrait used in materials that raise awareness about blood cancer.

Tony

leukemia

Richard in a chair outside with a Corona smiling in a blue hooded jacket

Richard

In memory

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Henry Jr

leukemia

Snapshot of Toben standing in front of trees, a cancer survivor

Toben

leukemia

A young child in animal‑print pajamas holds a knitted lion toy while standing indoors near a door. The warm, gentle moment could be used in materials supporting families affected by blood cancer, highlighting the innocence and resilience of childhood.

Sophia

Supporter

Graham, blood cancer advocate, on Tour de France route ahead of  UK charity Cure Leukaemia event

Graham

Advocate

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Carley

In Memory

Beat AML background

Russ

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Jelien, leukemis patient, in tropical costume

Jelien

Leukemia

A small child sits upright in a hospital bed, with soft lighting falling across their bare shoulders and a carefully bandaged medical port on their chest. The quiet, tender scene reflects vulnerability and deep courage, honoring the profound strength shown by families whose lives have been touched by blood cancer.

Michelle

Family member and caregiver

Selina standing outside at sunset in a field with a black dress and black heels

Selina

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

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