By
Blood Cancer United
Hope. When times are tough, it’s often hope people look for. We want things to work out, to see reasons to keep going. You hear “hope” a lot in conjunction with cancer.
First, let’s recognize something: that kind of optimism doesn’t always feel real. When you’re grappling with something as devastating and life-changing as a blood cancer diagnosis, hope might not even seem available right away. But hope is more than a wish. It can be grounded in action. Facts. Progress.
Hope is a new treatment that will change people’s lives, thanks to innovative scientists.
It’s a person with blood cancer speaking to someone with the same diagnosis and realizing they’re not alone.
It's being able to access and afford healthcare that could be lifesaving.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, now Blood Cancer United, is in the business of hope. We have been for over 75 years. It’s already implied in our mission: to cure blood cancer and improve the lives of all patients and their families.
September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month. That's time set aside for the world to pay attention—to learn about blood cancer and to support people affected by it. And it’s our time to get accurate information out there for the people who need it. So that they can get back to doing the things they love.
We want you, your loved ones, and people across the country to know: hope is real. There are many free resources, and a huge community of support, for anyone affected by blood cancer. All year round. And it all starts here, at Blood Cancer United.
Hope is knowledge
When Kenya was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2020, she had no idea what it was—despite both of her parents and her oldest sister having had their own cancer diagnoses. “My immediate reaction to this heart-wrenching news was fear and uncertainty,” she recalls.
Anybody would feel that way, hearing they have something they've never heard of. So, let’s go back to basics. What is blood cancer?
Blood cancer is a type of cancer that affects the blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic systems of the body. Blood cancer disrupts the production of our blood cells and platelets. This means the cells don’t work properly, causing all kinds of symptoms.
There are over 100 types of blood cancer. The five main types are:
Once Kenya reached out to Blood Cancer United, she got resources that helped her navigate her diagnosis—from information on diet and financial assistance to what to expect during treatment and beyond. And when she got a secondary blood cancer diagnosis—chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML)—four years after her first, she was better prepared. She knew what she was dealing with, and that she could lean on our community for information and support.
You might know a blood cancer by its specific type, like Kenya did. Looking for information that's accurate and up to date? Start with our informational booklets. You can filter the results by blood cancer type to find what you need.
Hope is treatment options
At 51 years old, Arturo learned he had chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Chronic blood cancers like CLL have to be closely monitored. For Arturo, that’s meant chemotherapy, oral medication, and adopting an active lifestyle to manage his symptoms.
In his situation, like many people with blood cancer, Arturo had to try multiple treatment options to reach remission. “I was told that my diagnosis at my age was unusual,” he says. Even now that he's in his second clinical remission, he and his medical team have to keep a close eye on his CLL.
We fund innovative research all over the world because it helps people. Including Arturo. There’s no straight line to a new blood cancer treatment, but each time a scientist makes a discovery, it unlocks a piece of the puzzle.
The more options there are for people like Arturo—people with any type of blood cancer—the more years they can live, doing more of whatever they want. Every research grant we fund is a reason to hope. For more treatments, more time, and more progress toward cures.
Blood Cancer United has invested over $1.9 billion in blood cancer research since 1949. We’ve also helped advance 70% of FDA-approved treatments over the last two decades.
Hope is affordable coverage
Alberta’s diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma was shocking—but more shocking was what it cost her financially. After starting treatment in 2024, her medical bills skyrocketed to over $100,000. Her type of health insurance just didn’t cover most of the care she needed.
You might know someone in that situation. You might be that someone. There are too many people in this country who need lifesaving healthcare and have to take on debt just to get that care.
That's where Blood Cancer United’s Tackling Medical Debt Initiative comes in. It’s a two-pronged approach to helping blood cancer patients and caregivers.
One is advocacy for systemic change. Volunteer advocates all across the country work hard—sending letters, making phone calls, participating in lobby days, and holding meetings with state and federal lawmakers—to push for policies that spare people the most punishing effects of medical debt.
The other is our Medical Debt Case Management Program, which offers one-on-one, personalized assistance so patients can reduce their medical debt.
Alberta connected with a case manager, who helped her apply for hospital assistance. That assistance wiped out her six-figure debt balance. Having successfully enrolled in Medicaid, Alberta also now has better health coverage. She has hope.
“I was wondering how in the world I would be able to afford treatment,” she recalls. “The [program] helped me tremendously. There aren’t enough ‘thank yous.’”
In 2025, we helped pass 14 laws in 10 states to protect cancer patients from medical debt.
Hope is community
As a single mom of 6, Rhea always had a lot on her plate. But when her identical twins Alec and Aden were diagnosed with the same blood cancer three years apart, going it alone didn’t feel like an option. “Can you imagine managing this with an extremely small support group?” she says.
A blood cancer diagnosis can be isolating—for patients and their families. Like Rhea, you or a loved one might feel alone. The antidote? Support. People and resources that make you feel seen.
That could look like attending a local support group. Listening to a podcast episode interviewing a survivor. Talking to someone with similar experiences. And so much more.
Rhea’s dropped everything for the past few years to make sure Alec and Aden can get treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Their family isn’t out of the woods yet, but now, Rhea feels bolstered. She knows there’s a community who gets what she and her boys are going through.
“Struggling financially and emotionally without support has been my reality for four years. I'm now beginning to see a glimmer of hope,” Rhea shares.
Not sure where to start? Reach out to our Information Specialists, who can help with anything blood cancer-related and how it affects your life.
Hope is you
Whether you have blood cancer, you know someone who does, or you just want to help make a better future—you have more power than you think.
When you stand with Blood Cancer United, you’re not just part of a community. You’re part of progress. You’re helping to make hope real.
Wondering how you can get involved with us? Start here.
