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Tracy is
Blood Cancer United

Snapshot of Tracy wearing a hat and glasses in front of a waterfall, a cancer survivor

In 2001 at the age of 31, I was living in Maui working at the Ritz Carlton and began to feel sick. I had a rash on my hand, was tired, losing weight, and just did not feel well. I had been healthy all my life so thought it would pass. Flash forward, after a doctor visit, with low blood counts, a plane ride back to California, visit with the oncologist, a bone marrow biopsy, on Aug 9, 2001 I was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

That night I was admitted to Cedars Sinai Medical Center and had a total of 36 bags of chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant, over 70 nights on and off in the hospital and lots of follow ups back and forth to Cedars. Luckily, I was single at the time, and my parents and my sister became my full time caretakers!!! I am still friends with my oncologist and several of the nurses on 4SW including my Angel Nurse!! Last year Sandra and I went with my family to Maui to celebrate my 20 year cancer free, it was amazing!!

So here we are in 2022, and I am beyond blessed to be a leukemia survivor. I am dedicated to be a part in making a difference with all of the days I have left, which I hope are many. I have completed 2 hikes (Yosemite) and 2 half marathons (Pasadena and New Orleans) with my team, Team Soulfamily, with Team In Training along with hosting some really fun and successful fundraising events. I am so grateful for my friends, family, my husband, medical team, and anyone who has ever donated to this cause that is so incredibly important to me.

Tracy

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

We are Blood Cancer United.

Everyone affected by blood cancer—patients, survivors, caregivers, researchers, advocates, fundraisers, everyone—has a story. Share yours.
Katie, leukemia patient and companion

Katie

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Gerardo (Jerry), chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patient

Gerardo (Jerry)

myelofibrosis (MF), chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML), and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) - In memory

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

Emmanuel "Manny"

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Daniel

Family Member

John William

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Greg

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Lauren

Caregiver

Zac

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Yesenia

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Robert

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Geoff

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Josie

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

We are Blood Cancer United.

Everyone affected by blood cancer—patients, survivors, caregivers, researchers, advocates, fundraisers, everyone—has a story. Share yours.
Katie, leukemia patient and companion

Katie

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Gerardo (Jerry), chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patient

Gerardo (Jerry)

myelofibrosis (MF), chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML), and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) - In memory

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

Emmanuel "Manny"

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Daniel

Family Member

John William

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Greg

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Lauren

Caregiver

Zac

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Yesenia

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Robert

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Geoff

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

Josie

acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

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