I was truly blessed to be introduced to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society by workers from Duquesne Light Company as well as my daughter, Ebony Jennings who works as a customer service representative for Duquesne Light Company in Pittsburgh PA. First, I must boast about my granddaughter, Laniya S. White, because she’s a TRUE fighter and never allowed lymphoma to define her.
Laniya was diagnosed with stage IVB Hodkins lymphoma in October 2017. Although Laniya didn’t return to school full-time until April 2018, she was STILL able to graduate High School in June 2018 with Honors. During this time not only did the school "Pittsburgh Science and Technology Academy" award her with a scholarship for ‘Perseverance” she received The Board Of Governor’s Full-Tuition scholarship to Slippery Rock University, and she begin college in August 2019. Laniya was nominated The Boys and Girls Club of America Of Western PA “Sarah Heinz House” Division “2018 Youth Of The Year”, and she went on to Harrisburg, PA to compete for “National Youth of The Year. She also received the HIGHEST honor from The National Society of “The Sons of The American Revolution – Bronze Good Citizens Medal. During treatment, Laniya was still able to work part-time at Champs Shoe Store and participate in the Annual dance recital at The Sarah Heinz House where she is a member and volunteer. Laniya is truly phenomenal.
Laniya received her autologous stem cell transplant in December 2018, and in February 2019 hers scans showed she is currently DISEASE FREE!! The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has made our lives less stressful through the Susan Lang Pay-It-Forward Patient Travel Assistance Program AND the Patient Aid Program. Although we live in the Pittsburgh PA area, it can get costly in gas or bus fare traveling back and forth to the hospital on a continuous basis for various appointments. We are truly grateful and appreciative for your organization and services.