Inspirational Stories

Hi! My name is Keith. I’m currently 37 years old. I was diagnosed on November 6, 2015, with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). My wife, Tesia, was proudly serving in our finest Navy at the Pentagon when I received the news. She came home, and I had to deliver the news to her. It was rough; it was scary; it was a blur. I felt like I was on autopilot. However, I had a pretty good team at Walter Reed Bethesda Hospital. 

On December 21, 2015, I received my first treatment. My last was April 5, 2016. After a whole year of some crazy scans, I got the pleasant news in 2017 that I was misdiagnosed. The top lymphoma experts stated that I most likely had marginal zone lymphoma (MZL). After having six chemo treatments of R-CHOP the year prior, my oncologist said I probably wouldn’t have to have any more treatments. So, now my treatment is to just live life and love it.

Here I am six years later, my wife is at 17 years of service in the Navy, my kids are 15, 12, and 8. I am loving and living life like I never had before. I bring awareness anytime I can. I spread love and joy wherever I go because life is a blessing, and life is good.  

I support The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) because after being diagnosed, my wife went to look for support groups, facts, etc., and she stumbled upon LLS. We went to our first Light The Night walk in Washington DC, and it’s been a movement since then. I love the togetherness, the love, and the positive energy I get from it.

Thank you for what you do. Thank you for existing. You guys are amazing.