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Kelly is
Blood Cancer United

Kelly sitting close to her grandma, who is petting a dog. Kelly and her grandma are both smiling

This is a photo of my best friend and I -- my Grandma Smiley and I. Grandma Smiley was first diagnosed with Leukemia in 2000. Until just recently she was still fighting, 15 years later.

My Grandma Smiley is the toughest person I know. I spent countless weekends with her, getting spoiled with her kindness. I'll never forget how she would always take me to Taco Bell for dinner, and we would watch TV while we ate - two things my parents would never let me do. And waking up at Grandma Smiley's always meant waking up to the best homemade waffles you'll ever have.

Losing her was the hardest thing I have ever been through, and I miss her more and more every day. Her fight ended May 23, 2015. My heart still hurts everyday wishing for a chance to give her one more hug, but I find peace in continuing to do all I can in the fight against cancer. I am confident that one day leukemia will be a thing of the past.

Kelly

Supporter

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

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.