Anabel has always been a healthy person. When she noticed a lump right above her collarbone she was advised to go see a doctor to have it checked out. After a long series of tests she was diagnosed with Stage II Hodgkin’s disease. She had just turned 23 years old.

Her doctor recommended chemotherapy and ABVD for six months. She needs to receive this treatment every other week for about 8 hours, as well as daily shots to keep her white blood cell count up. The treatment makes Anabel tired, but she stays positive and is very grateful for how well things are going. Recently she found out that her scans are clear,
which means she is cancer free! She will be finishing up her treatment at the end of July to be sure any remaining disease is killed.

 Anabel says that The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s website was a great resource for her. It provided her with clear and understandable information which helped her comprehend how she could be so sick without feeling so badly.

Sometimes Anabel says she is resentful that this has happened to her, but on the other hand it has helped her see how amazing her life is. This experience has not only benefited her, but also those around her who sometimes need to be reminded that nothing can be taken for granted.

The cancer treatment hasn’t stopped Anabel! She still enjoys reading, running, the outdoors, art and her dog, Lilo. She now likes to live by her favorite quote by Storypeople, “Most people don’t know that there are angels whose only job is to make sure you don’t get too comfortable and fall asleep and miss your life.”

 Anabel is truly an inspiration to us all!