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Living with Blood Cancer makes time precious and more urgent – The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society/LinkedIn

Dec 19, 2024, 02:17

Living with Blood Cancer makes time precious and more urgent – The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society shared on LinkedIn:

” ‘What happened next was like a scene from Charlie Brown, as all I could hear were mumbled words. I began to reminisce about what I used to be ― a collegiate athlete in the best shape of my life.

This couldn’t be my new reality; this couldn’t be happening to me! What did I do to deserve this? Why is it happening to me? I’m sure you can relate to this reality if you are reading this.

Like many others, no one expects to hear the words, ‘You have cancer.’ Follicular lymphoma (FL) was the name of my disease. I’ll be the first to admit that I didn’t ask many questions about the diagnoses. I remember feeling stuck, numb, afraid, confused, and afraid.

I hid all of that behind a big grin and a smile. I vividly remember my first time undergoing chemotherapy; I was 22 years old with a fresh Superman tattoo on my right arm.

I was only 22 then; I had just adapted to being a regular student after being an athlete all my life. However, in a very unique way, cancer saved my life. It taught me to live life fully and consistently enjoy the moments.

It taught me that I was stronger than the thing trying to stop me. However, my battle with R-CHOP was not easy, even at 31 and nine years removed from it, I still deal with side effects.

Cancer helped me find my voice, although it caused me pain. You see, I’m now a highly sought-after inspirational speaker who travels the country to speak about resilience and overcoming adversity.

I no longer live with cancer; cancer lives with me. I decided to lean into my faith and embrace this adversity.

This experience taught me that strength is not what I thought it was. It’s not about holding it in but about what you allow to come out.’

Time is everything for someone with, living with or in remission from blood cancer, like Rashad. Living with Blood Cancer makes time precious and more urgent — every minute counts for patients and their loved ones.

Help give the gift of time this season for all those affected by blood cancer.”

Living with Blood Cancer makes time precious and more urgent - The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society