Search Results

Josh

Josh, 55, underwent multiple treatments for lymphoma, but continued to relapse. A little more than year ago, he was treated with CAR-T immunotherapy at UCLA (Kite Pharma’s clinical trial Zuma 1 supported by LLS). And within a few weeks he had a complete response to the treatment. On September 12, 2017, scans showed that he remains cancer-free 15 months later.

In 2010, Josh, age 49 at the time, was with his wife on their honeymoon when he noticed a bean-sized lump on the back of his neck.

Bryan (Hennessy)

My name is Bryan, but most know me by my stage name Hennessy Williams. I was diagnosed with stage 4 non-Hodgkin Burkitt lymphoma (BL) on July 1st, 2005. I was 20 years old.  It was the hardest battle I ever faced, I am lucky to be here, I am lucky to be alive. I am alive because I had a tremendous amount of support from my family and friends, not everyone is blessed with this option.

Virginia

Last August I was diagnosed with stage 2A Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). I was going into my senior year, but instead of going to my first day of school, I had to go to my first day of chemotherapy. In October, after two full cycles of chemo, I got to ring my cancer-free bell and begin my recovery process. Today, I am in the process of growing back all my red hair and training to play Division One soccer at George Mason University in the fall.

Kate

In April 2023, I went to the doctor for an MRI for what I thought was a torn meniscus in my left knee. Unfortunately, that MRI showed that there was a growth on my left femur. After two full months of testing, surgery, and some more testing, I was officially diagnosed with primary lymphoma of the bone (PLB). This type of lymphoma is pretty rare, so I immediately turned to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) for resources and guidance on how to navigate the scariest time of my life. The next month of my life was a whirlwind.

Michael

On January 3, 2020, I was diagnosed with Burkitt’s lymphoma(BL)with brain metastasis, and kidney and liver failure. During my four rounds of chemo, I had gone septic three different times, acquired nerve damage, and lost the ability to walk. After going into remission on August 6, 2020, I was tasked with relearning to walk. From April 2020 to January 2021. I was wheelchair-bound. Now as of Christmas 2021, I am walking on my own and in complete remission. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS)gave my family so much help during my journey.

Lena

In 2018, I had what I thought was a urinary tract infection (UTI). It ended up being a tumor in my bladder the size of a lime. It turned out to be diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (DLBCL). I ended up doing six rounds of R-CHOP chemo with Neulasta® and a month of radiation afterward. I am grateful to be alive but do have lingering side effects with chemo brain/memory loss, neuropathy in my hands and right arm, loss of taste for certain foods/drinks, and weight gain from prednisone.

Tina

As a lymphoma survivor, I want to take a moment to share my personal journey, as well as tell you all how The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) was with me every step of the way.

It all started in March 2018. We had been living in the UK with our two young daughters, and life was good! I had been feeling tired and had this hollow sound behind my ear. I saw doctors in both the UK and the U.S. who assured me it was most likely just my body trying to get over a sinus infection. 

A. Timothy Lunsford-Stevens JD

In 1970, I was playing baseball in high school as a freshman, playing second base. A bully made a hit and ran from first to second base, tackling me. I got into a fight with him because of the pain I was feeling in my left hand. After the fight, I needed to go to the hospital. In setting my broken hand, they also did a blood test. The results showed why my hand was so fragile; I had acute myeloid leukemia (AML). I had chemotherapy but no radiation or other treatment. I lived in Georgia and went to MD Anderson in Houston for chemotherapy.

Suzanne

In January 2021, I received my diagnosis after five months of multiple doctor visits, blood work, and biopsies. I had no common symptoms such as night sweats or fatigue, just a small lump behind my ear. It was removed, and the pathology came back as non-cancerous. About six or so weeks later, another lump showed up. I decided to switch doctors, and they also didn't feel it was cancer based on my chart. But after they removed it, the pathology shared a much different story.

Christian

Christian Macias survived two battles with cancer, the first being in 2010. He was diagnosed with stage 2 Non-Hodgkin Burkitt’s lymphoma (NHL). He fought long and hard. Unfortunately, a few years later in 2017, his cancer came back in a different form. This time he was diagnosed with stage 3 Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). It had spread throughout part of his body, but once again he fought long and hard, and he beat it! Sadly, his cancer came back once again.

Rebecca

Less than one month before finishing her clinical fellowship year as a speech-language pathologist, Becca was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Her life, as well as that of her family, friends, and dog (Clifford), were turned upside down.

Tammy

In February 2023, I developed a cough that would not go away. I went to the doctor twice. Both times I was told it was “long COVID,” and it would eventually go away. I continued with my life as normal and even went on a week-long trip to New York in April where I did a live Peloton Cycle class to celebrate my 400th ride (a milestone and dream come true for me). By the time I got home from New York, I was in bad shape. The cough had progressed, and daily activities were difficult.

Patricia

I marked my 19 years of being cancer-free non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) on August 16th, 2024. From February (on my 57th birthday!) to August 2005, I received seven rounds of RCHOP, the gold treatment back then in the world and in Serbia, where I live. Upon learning of my cancer diagnosis, I went through all the usual stages: disbelief, denial, not using the C-word for months, acceptance, then defiance. I lost my hair but kept my positive outlook and sense of humor. After all, it does absolutely no good to pity oneself. At that time, I was involved in a local NHL support group.

Lisa

I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin follicular lymphoma in December 1995 after finding a lump in my neck. My son had just turned 7 years old and I was so afraid I would not be around to see him grow up.

Today, my son is almost 27.  I have gone though many battles with this illness throughout my 20-year fight. I've taken pills, I've had chemotherapy and last year I finished radiation. I currently have two tumors but I am on a "watch and wait" protocol. No symptoms and no treatments.

Jonecia

At the age of 23, I was diagnosed with Hodgkins lymphoma in early March of 2020. It was caught in stage 2. With this being my first sickness, I honestly did not know how to take it. I’ve never been sick, ever, and this was something new to me. I was honestly scared at the beginning of this new journey.

Elmer

Hey, I appreciate the work of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). I did the Facebook fundraiser in honor of my friend Mr. Larry in Florida who is now in remission after being diagnosed with leukemia. He’s a dear friend of mine, and he has a lot of courage and determination to beat this illness. I wanted to do this to help raise money for LLS and for all those who face an uncertain future. I’m planning to do 31 days instead of just 21 because I feel many people exceeded their miles per day in very cold conditions while I just walked mine inside on the job where I walk a lot.

Understanding Blood Cancers and Treatment Options

Leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs) and myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are types of cancer that can affect the bone marrow, blood cells, lymph nodes and other parts of the lymphatic system. See the Disease Information pages to learn more about the different types of blood cancer.

Chase Malone

I am a Hodgkin’s lymphoma survivor. It took me seven months to build up the courage to share my story, but if my story inspires even just one other patient like myself, I’d be more than grateful.

I was 21 and had just graduated a year early from Florida State University with my finance degree. I moved to Miami to start my dream career in commercial real estate investment finance. I was seemingly on top of the world before tragedy struck.

Sally

In January 2021, my new life journey was about to begin. After doctor visits, bloodwork, testing, and finally complete shock, the diagnosis of cancer was given to me and my family, large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). We were in disbelief but ready to fight. As my oncologist stated, “You have an aggressive form of cancer, we will treat you aggressively, and it is potentially curable.” Those last two words were what I needed to hear. Let the fight begin. 

Paul

I have had the opportunity to know Paul since he was diagnosed with B-cell lymphoma (BL). Paul has an energy that makes it so you will like him instantly and this is exactly what happened. I have had my share of patient's lose their battle over the years so I am very cautious now of who I allow in my bubble. I am certain that even if I had not allowed Paul and his wife Carrie into mine they would have found a way in anyhow. Paul sailed thru R-Chop like a champ. I introduced The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) and the work that you do for the Cohen's at this time.

Nathan

Nathan is a young, T-cell lymphoma (TCL) survivor. He just rang the “end of treatment bell” a couple of months ago. His dad, Andy, is a member of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Minnesota/North Dakota/South Dakota board and a major donor to The LLS Children’s Initiative through their family foundation’s fundraising.

Lashi

Lashi, a Chesterfield native, was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma in 2011 at 26 years old after discovering a lump under the left side of her chin. Luckily, her lymphoma was detected at an early stage. After going through painful radiation treatments and losing her hair, she received an all-clear report in March of 2012. Lashi credits her support system for helping her during that difficult time: "Throughout my treatment, I had great support and constant encouragement, which I know was important for me.

Janet

I support LLS because leukemia and lymphoma has impacted my family. On Mother’s Day in 2006, my cousin's six year-old daughter, Sydney was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). After a year of fighting so hard, Sydney passed away.

The doctors at the New York Hospital were amazed and acknowledge that because Sydney did not give up and she fought such a painful battle, she had done so much for the advancement of research in leukemia.

Janice

At the age of 56, I was diagnosed with T-cell B-cell lymphoma. The diagnosis was made in May 2021. Although diagnosed at the Washington D.C. Veterans Hospital, I was referred to the National Institute of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland. I was blessed to be placed in a clinical trial as the first patient with this form of lymphoma. 

Melody

In November 2021, at just 24, Melody was diagnosed with stage 2 Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) after experiencing severe symptoms like profuse sweating, significant weight loss, and intense itching for the previous six months. After two biopsies and CT and PET scans, a tumor the size of a baseball growing quietly was discovered in her chest. She started treatment at City of Hope, enduring eight rounds of chemotherapy and six rounds of an immunotherapy trial. Her final treatment was on June 1, 2022, and she has been in remission for two years.