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Blood cancer reminds us that time is a gift – The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

Hailey/The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

Dec 30, 2024, 00:51

Blood cancer reminds us that time is a gift – The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society shared a post on LinkedIn:

“My mother and I being diagnosed with stage II Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) only six weeks apart from each other was not what I anticipated receiving for my 16th birthday.

I spent my 16th year in pediatric oncology, receiving treatment at the same time my mom was receiving care in adult oncology.

In 2012, resources for teen patients in the community were nothing like they are today.

My mom had significantly more resources available to her because of her age.

Once in remission, I felt motivated to do something for other youth who were experiencing similar isolation.

I began a school club called Escape with the goal of collecting donations for age-appropriate art supplies, movies, games, and books for adolescent and young adult cancer patients at my pediatric cancer center.

Following high school, I went on to a four-year college, and at this point, I still hadn’t connected with anyone my age who had been through cancer.

At this time, I was also coming into my identity as queer and non-binary.

In my freshman year of college, I attended a national conference for adolescents and young adults experiencing cancer.

Connecting with peers my age, learning about the resources at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) for the first time, and being introduced to other support organizations for teens and young adults genuinely changed my life.

I realized I wasn’t alone.

I stayed involved with this conference, and facilitated a peer support space for those of us who identify as LGBTQIA+ and adolescent and young adults (AYAs).

Following the session, participants asked if there was a way we could connect outside of the conference.

This is when Escape reemerged but with an entirely new purpose.

While I would not characterize my diagnosis as a blessing, I am thankful for the ways I was supported after cancer and for the tools, resources, and love that have given me the capacity to create a space for this vibrant, incredibly special community of LGBTQIA and AYAs.

Blood cancer reminds us that time is a gift.

Help us give more of it for all those affected, like Hailey.

Donate today.“

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society