MySpace a place for friends

OUR HEROES

Our inspiration are the thousands of people like David Dorfman, Shannon Black, and Anna Bennudriti, who are living with, or have received treatment for, a blood cancer. Aproximately 165 children and adults are diagnosed with Leukemia, Hodgin or non-Hodgkin Lymphoma or myeloma every day; this breaks down to seven people every hour.

DAVID DORFMAN
David is an Elder Law Attorney diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma who is currently out of treatment! He competed in TNT events while undergoing chemo therapy. When asked what his treament was like, he responded: "It sure had its ups and downs. I would be asleep by dark most evenings and I often felt so tired that I often felt that I could curl up and fall asleep on the subway platform - if not for my fear of being arrested. Throughout my treatment, I learned to adjust to the new limitations which I physically felt, and learned to make the most of what was available. I met absolute angels in the chemo suite and again at the The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The wings of those angels have continued to carry me."

His 3 future life goals: Having 3 children!

SHANNON BLACK
Shannon is a 32 year-old teacher at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. She was diagnosed at age 20 with Hodgkins' Lymphoma and is now in remission! When asked how her outlook on life and priorities has changed due to blood cancer she responded: "Life has become about the moments that remind me of my second chance. Reaching out to others is a priority, whether to help or create awareness. It's become so important for me to really take in a given experience and spend more time with friends and family. Being seen and truly heard are a big part of our human condition. When you are sick, you become painfully aware of how little we see each other or listen."

Her 3 future life goals: Land a job in a movie or a Broadway show. Run another marathon. Continue to be a part of the positive force in finding a cure, to change the face of cancer.

ANNA BENNUDRITTI
Anna is a 25 year-old merchandising assistant diagnosed at age 22 with Hodgkin's Lymphoma and has been in remission for 2 years! Her advice to someone affected by cancer is: "Celebrate your victory. Find a way to remind yourself every year, month, day, hour that you have a second chance and let the gratitude for that be what moves you forward. Really look back every now and then and see what you have battled and won. It will give you strength to do great things with your "new" life. "

Her 3 future life goals: Have children and start a family, be successful in her career, and to remain actively involved with organizations that help people with cancer.

We are working to give something back to anyone who is struggling with blood cancer and continue to be inspired by our honored teammates!