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Dawnya is
Blood Cancer United

Child Dawnya, with bald head due to treatment, running on a beach with her mother

This is me and my bald head on vacation in California. I was diagnosed with leukemia when I was 2 1/2.

My parents made sure that my life was as normal as possible. One of my favorite comments that my parents said was Dawnya Kaye always mind your manners. They did not tell until later the story behind that saying. I was raised to be polite and say please and thank you.

My parents informed the adult me why growing up with good manners was so important to them. What happens if I survive my cancer, they did not want to have a little monster on their hands.

Every child in the rooms around me passed away during my initial treatment. I am grateful to be alive today and every day that follows.

Dawnya

Leukemia Survivor

We are Blood Cancer United.

Everyone affected by blood cancer—patients, survivors, caregivers, researchers, advocates, fundraisers, everyone—has a story. Share yours.
Headshot of Imani in her white nursing coat

Imani

myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)

Fast Company Brands That Matter 2022 Logo

Chase

Leukemia Survivor

Jay, volunteer, and friend in candid photo

Jay

Volunteer

Manny smiling wide at 10ish years old in a white shirt

Emmanuel "Manny"

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Snapshot of Blaine Davis in hospital room, a cancer survivor

Blaine

Leukemia Survivor

Grace

Lymphoma Survivor

Photo of three cyclist holding a LLS Scenic Shore 150 sign for Team C.U.R.E fundraising team

Martin

Volunteer

Delena, standing outside in front of a tree with gold fall leaves, smiling

Delena

acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)

Please click here for the program flyer.

Patty

AML Caregiver

Graduation headshot of Ashen, a cancer survivor

Ashen

Leukemia survivor

LLS Researchers

LLS Global Research

Snapshot of William with his wife standing a park, a cancer survivor

William

Survivor

We are Blood Cancer United.

Everyone affected by blood cancer—patients, survivors, caregivers, researchers, advocates, fundraisers, everyone—has a story. Share yours.
Headshot of Imani in her white nursing coat

Imani

myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)

Fast Company Brands That Matter 2022 Logo

Chase

Leukemia Survivor

Jay, volunteer, and friend in candid photo

Jay

Volunteer

Manny smiling wide at 10ish years old in a white shirt

Emmanuel "Manny"

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Snapshot of Blaine Davis in hospital room, a cancer survivor

Blaine

Leukemia Survivor

Grace

Lymphoma Survivor

Please click here for the program flyer.

Patty

AML Caregiver

Graduation headshot of Ashen, a cancer survivor

Ashen

Leukemia survivor

LLS Researchers

LLS Global Research

Snapshot of William with his wife standing a park, a cancer survivor

William

Survivor

Leigh, in front of windows in a very tall building, city below, with her Big Climb medal and t-shirt

Leigh

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)

Photo of three cyclist holding a LLS Scenic Shore 150 sign for Team C.U.R.E fundraising team

Martin

Volunteer

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