Every year we recognize a few individuals whose stories have inspired us to keep working hard in the search for a cure for blood cancer.
 

2024 Mid-Atlantic Region Honored Heroes

Elena

Elena was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia in 2021. After nine months of both inpatient and outpatient chemotherapy treatments and infusions, she was given the news everyone hopes for: no evidence of disease. As a young adult survivor, Elena is now working through the aftermath of cancer and has found incredible support in multiple LLS programs. She says: “One of the major sources of support I’ve been fortunate enough to find has been LLS, which has been such a lifesaver”. 

Sullivan Maroney

Sullivan was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia when he was just 3 years old in August 2023. He is currently in the maintenance stage of treatment and enjoying life as an active and happy 4-year-old. Sullivan loves sea creatures, cupcakes and all things silly. He enjoys riding his scooter, playing with water balloons and watching Star Wars and The Octonauts. Sullivan shares this sweet message of support for anyone going through a similar situation – “I love you, and I want you to get better.”

Braylon Williams

Braylon “Bray’s” Story:
On February 26, 2024, after a visit to the ER, Braylon, also known as Bray, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Braylon’s amazing oncology team at the Inova Fairfax Children's Hospital have been working diligently to help ensure that Braylon is safe, comfortable and getting all the treatment he needs. Bray is expected to continue treatment until 2026. 
Bray continues to be a ball of positivity and continues to show others love during his treatment. He constantly shows how resilient he is and ensures that other people are having a good day and doing well by smiling and always making people laugh.

Trisha Schreiber

In November 2019, Trisha and her husband were thrilled to have given birth to her second daughter. At this time, she went to visit her OBGYN for her 6-Week Postpartum Exam, and to her surprise, her doctor noticed she had an enlarged spleen and liver. She was immediately instructed to go to the emergency room, where she was admitted for one week. After a slew of bloodwork and bone marrow biopsy, Trisha was diagnosed with Plasma Cell Leukemia.
"Three days later, I went to another follow-up with my oncologist. She told me I needed to go to the hospital to start very heavy chemo regimen called VD-PACE, and I'd be admitted for about three weeks." Before being admitted, Trisha prepared by cutting her very long hair and saying goodbye to her two daughters (one three-year-old and a nine-week-old). 
As a mother, this was incredibly challenging since she had to stop breastfeeding her newborn baby. This was not only physically painful but emotionally as well since newborns were not allowed on the oncology floor. After missing Thanksgiving dinner, she was thankful to feel a sense of normalcy when she got to spend Christmas at home with family. In the new year of 2020, Trisha received more unfortunate news; her cancer treatments were not working.
"I had already been to John Hopkins to schedule my stem cell transplant in May. The transplant is what we've been striving for (since this is rare cancer with limited treatment options). So we switched to another type of treatment, and I thank the Lord it worked. I got my transplant in August 2020 to an unrelated donor through Be The Match. We just got in contact at the end of October and he's from Germany!"
She is still suffering from chronic graft vs. host disease from her transplant which affects her skin and eyes and it's a constant reminder of what she has been through and overcome. 
Since being in remission, Trisha's heart has led her to be a part of Team In Training and Light The Night!  She completed her FIRST WDW Marathon in 2023 through Team in Training and this is her second LTN. She also is an ambassador for the First Connection Program to help navigate patients/caregivers through similar diagnoses.

2024 Mid-Atlantic Region Remembered Heroes 
 

Carol Walton

Carol Ann Walton had an unending love for her family and friends. Carol was first diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2000 while pregnant with her second child and received treatment throughout her pregnancy. After numerous treatments and a bone marrow transplant, Carol was disease free for 16 years, years full of special memories and moments with her family. She relapsed in 2018 and in the spring 2024, Carol’s cancer returned for a 3rd and final time, and Carol passed in June. Her devoted family will forever cherish the memories, and the time spent together while caring for their beloved mom and wife. Carol was someone whose actions spoke louder than words as she demonstrated through her many volunteer hours with LLS. Her husband, Matt, and her children, Sara and Dillon, continue in Carol’s footsteps to raise awareness of blood cancer and the need for improved treatment.

Jacii

Jacii, along with his twin sister, was born in 2009 and was a loving and outgoing child. He was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at only three years old and sadly passed away in 2015 after multiple years of treatments. His mother, Markeita, describes him as having a smile that would light up a room. Markeita’s advice to anyone experiencing a cancer diagnosis in their family is to “love on them and keep their spirits up”. 

Steve Florin

In July of 2019, Steve received the devastating diagnosis of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and he valiantly fought for six months before his passing on December 30th. Steve underwent numerous treatments, each one a testament to his unwavering desire to spend more cherished moments with his wife of 50 years, his three children, and his five grandchildren. To those who knew him, Steve was a real-life superhero and the ultimate family man, but his proudest achievement was being a Papa to his family. Steve’s legacy lives on through his family’s love for the NY Yankees, lacrosse, chocolate, and movies.

Chrissy

Chrissy was the proud mother of her four children, Tiffani, Stefani, Jake and Gage, who she loved very much and always wanted the best for them! She was married to her husband Jason for 22 years was the force behind this incredible family. After graduating from Valley Forge Christian College, she taught elementary school for 2 years before taking time to raise her beautiful children. Chrissy was dedicated to her faith, her family, and loved crafting and designing t-shirts! She was an incredible person who stayed positive all throughout her treatment. She is missed every day by her family and her community!