The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

"I’ve lived a mostly normal 27 years on this earth. However, my life changed drastically on February 28, 2023. I was woken up by a call from an unknown number. I let it ring. Then they called again. When I answered, I was met with the voice of a concerned lab tech who explained to me that the blood test I had taken the day before yielded a high white blood cell count. She said I needed to come into the nearest emergency room as soon as possible. I’ll never forget that moment when the doctor came in to relay my diagnosis. With tears in her eyes, she said, 'We believe you have cancer. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), which is a very aggressive blood cancer. I am so sorry.' It’s funny when you’re diagnosed with something like cancer, the first thing you think about is not death but your life. In the words of Confucius, 'We have two lives, and the second begins when we realize we only have one.' At this moment, I saw my second life, and I was determined to live it. From that day on, my journey began. I completed rounds of chemotherapy with a 40-day hospital stay following the first round. So, where do things stand for me today? I am now about 17 months post-transplant, and proud to say I am still cancer-free. Finding peace in new beginnings is how we are able to finally move on from trauma. I mean, how many times are you able to just start over, let alone with all new fresh perspectives on life? It’s a beautiful thing really. To anyone out there facing a similar situation, my advice to you is to hang in there. Be kind to yourself through this process. Open your heart to others, and let them help you. This is likely the biggest fight of your life, but in the end, you gain wisdom and peace within yourself that you would have likely missed in another life. But to have the chance to fight another day, today, that’s something that really is a gift." The new year offers a fresh start, much like Matt’s experience of embracing life after unexpected challenges. As we welcome 2025, may we focus on the moments that matter and the beauty of starting anew. Who's with us? ✨

New Year and a renewed focus on making every moment count. ❤️ Which resolution(s) speaks to you? 🫶 Give the gift of time for #BloodCancer patients and their families as we head into the new year 👉 https://bit.ly/4gNCzF0

More progress! 💥 The U.S. FDA has approved a new CAR T-cell therapy for relapsed/refractory acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). “With CAR T, we have harnessed the incredible potential of the human immune system to treat blood cancer, offering hope and even potential cures for some patients whose cancer would otherwise be fatal,” says Lee Greenberger, Ph.D., LLS Chief Scientific Officer. Discover how LLS is fueling the next generation of immune-based therapies 👉 https://bit.ly/3VZg0Fq

“In her early 20s, Siri Lindley decided she wanted to become the world's ⌗1 triathlete even though she didn't know how to swim and finished dead last in the competitions she entered. After staying focused and resilient through the MANY ups and downs, she was crowned the Triathlon World Champion eight years later! She retired as the world's ⌗1 triathlete. In 2023, she was inducted into the World Triathlon Hall of Fame. She coached multiple Ironman world champions and Olympic medal winners. She is currently listed as one of the top 12 triathlon coaches in the world by Triathlete Magazine. She has always faced each day with love for all things and determination to help others with her heart full of love and gratitude. But her biggest challenge was yet to come. In 2019, when she went in for routine bloodwork for a hip replacement surgery, they found she had acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with a genetic mutation that gave her a 10% chance to live. She and her wife, a fellow champion athlete, were completely shocked and devastated. But as the news sunk in, she decided right then and there that she was not a statistic and would live. She was treated by renowned doctors at UC Health in Colorado. She was incredibly grateful to be accepted into their clinical trials to treat AML. There were times during treatment when she was so sick she couldn't move, and many of her friends came to say their final goodbyes. But she KNEW she would survive and thrive. She focused on what she wanted to do when she was cured ― run to the top of her favorite trail with her beloved wife. This is what she did! She has repeated this over and over the past four years of being cancer-free! She recently went to Washington, D.C. and met many people from The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) as they lobbied for a bill that would allow more access to the general public for clinical trials. She believes this is so important." Our goal is to give #BloodCancer patients and survivors like Siri more time. More time to hit milestones. To make memories. To realize dreams. You can help us do just that - donate today 👉 https://bit.ly/3VZ3JR7

“My mother and I being diagnosed with stage II Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) only six weeks apart from each other was not what I anticipated receiving for my 16th birthday. I spent my 16th year in pediatric oncology, receiving treatment at the same time my mom was receiving care in adult oncology. In 2012, resources for teen patients in the community were nothing like they are today. My mom had significantly more resources available to her because of her age. Once in remission, I felt motivated to do something for other youth who were experiencing similar isolation. I began a school club called Escape with the goal of collecting donations for age-appropriate art supplies, movies, games, and books for adolescent and young adult cancer patients at my pediatric cancer center. Following high school, I went on to a four-year college, and at this point, I still hadn't connected with anyone my age who had been through cancer. At this time, I was also coming into my identity as queer and non-binary. In my freshman year of college, I attended a national conference for adolescents and young adults experiencing cancer. Connecting with peers my age, learning about the resources at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) for the first time, and being introduced to other support organizations for teens and young adults genuinely changed my life. I realized I wasn't alone. I stayed involved with this conference, and facilitated a peer support space for those of us who identify as LGBTQIA+ and adolescent and young adults (AYAs). Following the session, participants asked if there was a way we could connect outside of the conference. This is when Escape reemerged but with an entirely new purpose. While I would not characterize my diagnosis as a blessing, I am thankful for the ways I was supported after cancer and for the tools, resources, and love that have given me the capacity to create a space for this vibrant, incredibly special community of LGBTQIA+ AYAs.” Blood cancer reminds us that time is a gift. Help us give more of it for all those affected, like Hailey. ❤️ Donate today 👉 https://bit.ly/3Pfi9c8

“Grateful to be alive. Don’t take this life for granted 🙏🏼❤️” @michaelreidcramer Time is everything for patients with #BloodCancer. It means more milestones. Give the gift of time with your donation today 👉 https://bit.ly/3PbyWwK

“Having your child diagnosed with blood cancer is such an adverse situation. Words that helped us from Sofia's medical team: ‘today is a day of treatment you will never have to do again.’ Those really helped us get through very difficult days. Learning the best ways to advocate for your child can make a huge impact on how you are treated and/or viewed as a patient. This experience is also what you make of it. While this is an experience none of us would ever ask for, it is still a challenge we have been presented with. We are fortunate to have people supporting our child, and I am grateful for the support from LLS. No one I have ever known has had a child with cancer, but LLS understands this. It is nice to simply speak with people on the phone that you don't have to feel uncomfortable talking about such a sensitive subject with or worrying that you are going to trigger someone into tears. They make you feel normal and supported but also special at significant at the same time. This is something only an organization like LLS, whose sole purpose is to support my child with blood cancer, can do. Sofia is bubbly, silly, creative and intelligent. She has a huge heart and is the sweetest child. She is so loved and loves the people in her life with the biggest heart. We are expected to be in active treatment until the end of 2025.” As Sofia and her family face another year navigating the challenges of #BloodCancer, they remind us of the urgency to act. Your support today can bring hope, care, and more time to families like hers. 🫶 Make a difference now 👉 https://bit.ly/3ZRJQwG

💥 Research drives progress! 💥 Together, we’re transforming #BloodCancer treatment and care—and it’s all possible because of you. This season, give the gift of hope, brighter futures, and more time for patients and families. Thanks to a generous gift from an anonymous donor, your tax-deductible gift will be 3x matched up to $50,000 through December 22, 2024. Give today 👉 https://bit.ly/4gJiQpK

“I was experiencing extreme discomfort in my left armpit/breast area which eventually became so severe that I could barely catch my breath when laying down. I had ultrasound, and a biopsy followed soon after. In June 2023, at the peak of my life at age 27, I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). My family and I had never experienced cancer firsthand, therefore we were all in utter disbelief. Everything happened so fast, and my health began to decline by the day. I underwent chemotherapy for six long excruciating months. My fight-or-flight instincts kicked into overdrive for my children. Twelve LONG weeks later, we did the final PET scan, and it showed slight activity in my pelvic area. I felt DEFEATED and as if my heart had been ripped out of my chest. One week later, after I had accepted my fate and that I still had work to do to be in remission, I got a phone call from my doctor saying my scan was misinterpreted, and I AM CANCER-FREE!! We repeated another scan 12 weeks later to confirm. And yes, finally I was actually free ― health-wise, spiritually, and mentally. My journey with blood cancer was ANYTHING but predictable. I always took pride in being in control of everything I faced in life, but cancer is something I could’ve never prepared for. My support system was quite literally an army of people. I had my amazing mother as my nurse through each and every session. My family and friends showed support in every way imaginable. My community came together and bought my children food and toys for the holidays. My oncology team encouraged me that there was indeed light at the end of the tunnel, and I would be a SURVIVOR!” Your generous donation, no matter the size, can help us continue our mission to bring joy and hope to Miah, and every life touched by blood cancer. LLS can make a lasting impact, and for families impacted by blood cancer, anything is possible with more time. A #BloodCancer diagnosis makes time more precious for patients like Miah and their families. You can help. 🫶 Give today for a brighter tomorrow 👉 https://bit.ly/3BCRu62

75 years! 💎 #BloodCancer patients and their loved ones have driven us to do groundbreaking research, deliver life-changing support, and champion impactful advocacy. This legacy of innovation and care is only possible because of donors like YOU. Your support, your generosity, and your investment in our mission help give the gift of time. 👏👏👏 Since our inception we’ve known that time is precious, especially for those facing blood cancer. Blood cancer patients remind us that time is a gift. Give today 👉 https://bit.ly/41HoRPO