I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma in December of 2020. Chemotherapy and Proton Therapy saved my life, but these same treatments may also cause me harm in my future. I will have to have annual pulmonary and cardiology tests due to the chemo drugs. I am also at higher risk of secondary cancers and at age 21, I will begin mammograms. Due to radiation exposure my chances of having breast cancer have increased 8%. Along with that, I will need my thyroid checked due to Proton Therapy as well. The chances that my thyroid will fail in the future is 25%. 

I am only 1 out of almost 200,000 people who are diagnosed with blood cancer every year. This includes people of all ages, even babies. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, also known as LLS, is a non-profit organization that helps blood cancer patients by raising money that goes towards cancer research. We need new studies so future patients can receive less harmful treatments and do not have to undergo these dreadful long lasting side effects.

Every dollar donated helps to save lives! Together we can put an end to this terrible disease.