"December 9th, 2022, is a day I will never forget. I received a phone call from my wife, Stephanie, telling me that I needed to take her to the ER. She had just been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). My heart dropped. All I knew was that I would be right by her side.
For the first 50 days of her stay in the hospital, I slept in a recliner by her side every single night. During this time, I watched my wife, best friend, and soulmate transform into the strongest human I know.
Just when we thought our lives were starting to return to normal, I received the devastating news that I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was not what we had ever expected, especially after everything Stephanie had been through. Still, she immediately stepped into the caregiver role without hesitation. I am incredibly grateful to have Stephanie by my side through everything life has thrown our way." – Amy, breast cancer survivor.
"My experience with blood cancer began before my own diagnosis. In 2006, my mom was diagnosed with AML. A fungal pneumonia took her from us that same year.
In 2022, I was living a life my mom would have been proud of and had married Amy, my soulmate. My doctor found something alarming—my blood counts were dangerously low. Within a few weeks, I received a call from the doctor: 'You have AML.' I hung up the phone, called my wife to come home, and we cried together, fearing the unknown ahead.
That evening, I was admitted to the hospital. I spent Christmas, New Year’s, my 40th birthday, and my wedding anniversary in that hospital, fighting for my life. My wife stayed by my side every single night for 50 days.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) has been a lifeline. They provided financial assistance to help us manage the overwhelming costs of medical bills and offered resources that made me feel seen and supported.
To anyone facing a blood cancer diagnosis, my best advice is to take it one day at a time. Stick to trusted sources like LLS. And remember: you are not alone." – Stephanie, AML survivor.
Like Amy and Stephanie's love, it stands firm in sickness and in health. ❤️ It’s #NationalSpousesDay, tag your person to celebrate your love!