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Daphne knows how unique the AYA cancer experience can be – The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

Daphne/The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

Jan 13, 2025, 16:21

Daphne knows how unique the AYA cancer experience can be – The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society shared a post on LinkedIn:

“I was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) in 2022 after two years of being sick. I underwent 12 rounds of chemotherapy for six months. It was a difficult journey, but I had an amazing oncology team who let me be actively involved in my treatment.

I was born disabled and have had a lot of experiences in hospitals. So, I thought I would be prepared for this journey. I was wrong. I was only 24 years old when I got diagnosed and felt like I had my whole life ahead of me.

I began to focus on learning everything I could about lymphoma. In my research, I found how common it was among young girls my age. This is what inspired me to start sharing my story.

As an AYA (adolescent and young adult) with cancer, I was often the youngest person in my infusion center. It made it difficult because the one place you thought you would have something in common with everyone still made you feel different.

I became aware of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) as I was looking for grants to cover costs during treatment. I was really fortunate to get a one-time stipend to cover costs. This was incredibly helpful in ensuring I always had a way to get to my treatments.

It was one less thing I had to worry about.

Since being in remission, I have continued to share my story of survivorship. There is a common misconception that cancer is only when you are in active treatment and that your life goes back to normal when you are done.

I found survivorship harder than treatment in many ways. Through sharing my story on social media, I have been able to connect with other lymphoma patients who have helped me feel less alone in this journey.

Going into 2025, I am so excited for the opportunities I have ahead of me and reaching two years of remission. I’m achieving milestones that seemed impossible during treatment like making Forbes 30 under 30.

Moments like this remind me that although survivorship is a journey it does get better.”

Daphne knows how unique the AYA cancer experience can be—and we are here for young adults like her.

From resources to caring specialists, support is just a click away.”

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society