In April 2021, as I was just starting to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, I started to feel unwell. I was suddenly very tired and could not finish a soccer match. My family and I decided to reach out to our family doctor and look into my fatigue; we were not worried at all. We attributed my symptoms to adolescence and growth, and so did our doctor at first.
Siri is the most resilient, loving, inspiring, authentic, and brilliant woman I have ever met. She lives each day to the fullest and is filled with gratitude for all life and for every breath she takes. Her joy, light, and exuberance illuminate all around her.
I was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in June 2021 in Puerto Rico. I was introduced by a hospital social worker to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) for educational resources for patients and caregivers. My stem cell transplant was performed at Auxilio Mutuo Hospital in 2022. After applying for financial help from the LLS, I received help from several programs.
At 22 years old, I was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). My first hospitalization was a month long which was followed by four more hospital stays for my chemotherapy treatments. In between each of those hospitalizations were home nursing visits, blood transfusions, doctor’s appointments, and even more hospitalizations to treat potentially life-threatening infections.
Preston was a regular 12-year-old kid who loved being active and was obsessed with playing basketball. He got sick in August and was still having a hard time recovering in late September. We realized he needed a thorough check-up and decided to bypass the doctor’s office and go directly to the ER. He had been extremely lethargic and was losing weight.
Joshua was a regular 11-year-old. He played multiple sports, was learning to play the flute in the school band, and enjoyed having fun with his friends. After a few weeks of a nagging sore throat and enlarged tonsils, we took Josh to see his primary care physician (PCP). They ran some tests and sent him home. No big deal, just a routine trip to the doctor’s office.
Hey, my name is Chancez (ironically, I was blessed with many chances last year). I became a part of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) community last year and was provided financial support. I was also presented with love, care, and daily reminders of all the support that was available to me to get me through such a rough period in my life.
First, I must express appreciation to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) for providing educational resources, knowledge, and financial assistance to those of us affected by blood cancer. LLS spotlights blood cancer and gives a voice to so many like myself. Thank you.
On June 5, 2014, at the age of 53, I was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). I was admitted to the hospital the day my bloodwork came back with suspicions of leukemia. I spent the first month having weeklong bouts of chemotherapy. Following my second treatment, I crashed and was placed on a ventilator for two weeks followed by a tracheotomy that was kept in place for six months.
On New Year's Day 2012, I was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). I watched the ball drop in the ICU with a nurse assigned to me. They heard my mom being asked if I needed to be resuscitated, so they proceeded with that and then to hear her respond to do everything you can for her. The seriousness of that is very overwhelming.