Finding Strength Through a Rare and Aggressive Lymphoma Diagnosis
In February 2026, I could barely walk a few feet without collapsing.
Within minutes of arriving at the emergency room, I was receiving urgent blood transfusions. Later that night, I learned that doctors suspected cancer. My life was about to change forever.
My name is Jeff, and I am a husband living with Stage 4 angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL), a rare and aggressive type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that affects T cells, which play an important role in the immune system. I was also diagnosed with autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Just weeks earlier, I thought my symptoms were allergies and a sinus infection. Instead, I was facing a life-threatening illness.
When I was first diagnosed, I was admitted to the hospital for 31 days and nights, then completed six rounds of chemotherapy over 18 weeks.
In July, I was admitted to the hospital again for BEAM chemotherapy followed by an autologous stem cell transplant. All of these treatments caused difficult side effects, from losing my hair, to painful mouth sores, and very high fevers. Through it all, my wife, Kristy, was my rock, finding ways to make me smile even on my hardest days.
Lymphoma Canada has also been an important resource for our family. Kristy and my sister attended virtual webinars, while the organization’s website and social media channels helped us find reliable information and hear from others facing similar challenges. Kristy also participated in Laps Around Lymphoma, and people across Canada and throughout our international football community shared her fundraiser, donated, and cheered her on.
Seeing that support reminded us how powerful community can be. When cancer turns your world upside down, it makes a real difference to find trustworthy answers, and a group of people who understand what you’re going through.
Today, I’m still recovering from my transplant. I don’t yet have the energy to return to the activities I love, including gardening, travelling, and attending football games. I’m hopeful that continued research will lead to better treatments and, one day, cures for everyone affected by lymphoma.
That’s why your support matters. Your donation will support the Lymphoma Canada Research Grant Program, helping fund research to improve care, health systems, and outcomes for people affected by lymphoma. Together, we can bring hope to families facing a frightening diagnosis and help build a future with better treatments and more lives saved.
Please give today to help make that future possible. Thank you for standing with patients like me and helping ensure no one has to face lymphoma alone.
Jeff
Lymphoma Patient
A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO
Research Brings Hope Within Reach
Every person affected by lymphoma has a story of courage, uncertainty, and hope. Jeff’s story reminds us that strength is found not only in treatment, but also in the families, care teams, and communities that help patients move forward.
Your gift will support Canadian researchers as they pursue discoveries that may lead to better treatments, better care, and better outcomes for patients like Jeff.
– Meredith Johnson, Chief Executive Officer, Lymphoma Canada
