Inspirational Stories

My son, Andrew, was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) in January 2022. He had been very tired for months, and we had a frustrating few months while our primary care physician (PCP) missed his diagnosis and chalked it up to being a busy teen and perhaps needing a sleep study. When he was finally diagnosed, he was stage 4. He underwent six months of intense chemotherapy. Mid-treatment scans showed a complete response, and we were excited and relieved. His post-treatment PET scan, however, showed recurrence. He had another round of salvage chemo followed by more chemo and an autologous stem cell transplant. He is now in remission and living his best life as a college freshman. 

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) was such a great resource for me during this time. I learned about the disease, treatment options, online support, and even found a college scholarship for survivors! Unfortunately, Andrew was actually in the hospital for his transplant when the scholarship deadline came and went. He's got his application in for this year though. Andrew missed a good chunk of his senior year of high school, so college applications have been tough with such an interrupted schedule. Some of the typical scholarship avenues are closed off to him because of his treatment and missed schooling. We are very appreciative that LLS presents such a wonderful opportunity for these young men and women who have a whole bunch of credits in a class NOBODY should ever have to take! 

We are thankful for the support we received from LLS. What a wonderful resource and organization! 

Written by parent.