Kennedy

Kennedy was diagnosed with mono at age 12. Within a week she developed swelling and had a hard time breathing when laying down. Our pediatrician advised us to go to the children’s hospital where they did CT scans, MRIs and discovered a soft-sized mass pressing against her airway.

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.

Towanna

I am Towanna, and I am a lymphoma survivor! I have been in remission for 17 years and counting.

Erica

By the time I was 32 years old, I was a 3-time cancer survivor.

Dan

When cancer hangs your cleats up for good

At my first appointment, the physical therapist asked me why. Why did I want to run a marathon? And I didn't have an answer, partly because when you meet someone, you don't want to blurt out all sorts of emotional baggage, and that's the sort of question that can trigger a lot of baggage.

Diana

My introduction to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) began in the early 2000s. I joined a Light The Night Team to support research and programs for cancer patients. I then discovered Team In Training and ran my first marathon and my second as a Team Mentor. At the time, I knew cancer was a terrible disease, but it wasn’t until 2012 that cancer became more personal.

Dr. Rafael Bejar

Hardee

In April 2020, I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). My life was turned upside down after this diagnosis, and I was in extreme denial even months into my treatment. I was forced to go through six months of chemotherapy and two surgeries to treat it.

Monica

As a First Connection® volunteer with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) for almost two years, I have had the opportunity to connect with patients and survivors to share their stories and experiences while battling