"Every 4 minutes someone in the US is diagnosed with a blood cancer.
Every 10 minutes someone dies"
A few years ago, I didn't know what blood cancer was.
I didn't know there were so many types of blood cancer.
I didn't know anyone that had a blood cancer.
I didn't know there was a whole month dedicated to blood cancer awareness.
But then 3 years ago my dad was diagnosed with a blood cancer. He was diagnosed with Non-hogkins lymphoma.
And I researched blood cancers like crazy. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society was one of the websites I often browsed
Blood cancer was my focus, and I searched non stop. Looking for answers. Looking for a cure. Looking for what could help my dad.
I found that september was blood cancer awareness month and made it my mission to raise awareness as much as I possibly could.
For 4.5 months I stood by my dad's side as he fought his battle with cancer.
I saw him go through chemotherapy.
I saw him get blood transfusions.
I saw him with every procedure.
I saw him weak and strong.
I saw him fight for his life.
I saw him in practically every unit of the hospital.
I saw him taken to the hospital in an ambulence.
I saw him in good days and bad.
I witnessed low white blood counts.
I witnessed the roller coaster that is cancer.
I sat with him for hours.
I felt a 5+ minute embrace with him on one of his last day.
I felt tears down my face.
I listened to doctors and nurses.
I listened to the machines stop beeping.
I listened to the sound of crying fill a hospital room.
I lost my dad to blood cancer. I lost my hero. I lost a piece of my heart.
As painful as it was to lose my dad, I do what I can so no other daughters have to face losing their dads to cancer, so no one has to wonder who will walk them down the aisle one day, so no one has to say goodbye to a love one.
I train, I run, I fundraise for a CURE.
"Every September The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society observes Blood Cancer Awareness Month as a way to raise awareness about blood cancers and the work LLS is doing to advance research to find cures and provide access to breakthrough treatments for blood cancer patients.
Since 1949 LLS, with your help, has invested almost $1 billion in research to advance therapies and save lives. We are working everyday to provide resources and improve the quality of life for patients and their families. Your funding is helping us save lives not someday, but today.
We are at an extraordinary moment in time. A time where cures are not out of reach. But we aren't there yet. It's your generosity that advances our mission to fund cures for blood cancers and provide access to the patients who need them." - www.lls.org
Please join me and make a donation for a CURE!
