My Story
In 2022, I went in for a routine blood test—the kind you don't think twice about. I felt fine. No symptoms, no warning signs, nothing out of the ordinary.
But that test revealed something unexpected: Chronic Neutrophilic Leukemia, a rare blood cancer. I had never heard those words before. Suddenly, they were everything.
The weeks and months after were a blur of appointments, tests, and the slow, disorienting work of learning a new medical language. The only curative option was a stem cell transplant.
Cancer doesn’t ask if you’re ready. It just shows up.
In February 2023, I underwent a stem cell transplant at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. It meant eight days of intense chemotherapy, followed by months of isolation while my body built an entirely new immune system from donated stem cells.
The process was grueling. I lost control over my daily routine. I was afraid and exhausted in ways I had never been before.
I also lost my hair, and with it, something I hadn’t expected to grieve. Hair loss is deeply emotional, especially for women. It’s physical, but also deeply personal. (See my hair journey here!)
But I was never alone.
My husband became my constant—my strength when mine ran out. My family and friends surrounded me with love and support. My coworkers stepped in to help without hesitation.
My care team at Vanderbilt gave me their expertise. My donors, quite literally, saved my life. My community reminded me that support can come from anywhere.
And then there were the strangers—people I had never met and may never meet—who sent meals, messages, prayers, and acts of kindness that carried me through some of my darkest days.
I’m here because of science, compassion, and community.
And I want to give back so that no one fights this fight alone.
That’s why I’m raising $50,000 in ten weeks for Blood Cancer United to help fund research, support patients, and create more second chances like mine.
This is my story, but it’s our fight. Thank you for your support.
Donate today
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Donate today ⁎
Any amount you can give makes a huge difference in the lives of those facing blood cancer. Thank you!
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“Sissy” has been my nickname since childhood. My dad would call me Sissy Lee O’Donnoher—Lee is my middle name, but I’m not sure where the O Donnoher came from!
My brothers, nieces and newphews, and many friends call me Sissy. When I was battling Chronic Neutrophilic Leukemia, “Sissy Strong” became our rallying cry.
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Donate to Blood Cancer United to help others diagnosed with blood cancer get the care and support they need
Join the bone marrow donor registry to help save lives (like mine!)
Tell your friends about my campaign so we can raise much-needed money for blood cancer research, support, and advocacy
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Please reach out to sissystrongnashville@gmail.com
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The Blood Cancer United Visionaries of the Year Nashville Kickoff is at 6 p.m. on March 19, 2026
The Visionaries of the Year Nashville Grand Finale is at 6 p.m. on May 28, 2026
More information available on the Blood Cancer United Visionaries of the Year website.
Hear it from Christy!
Christy discusses her Blood Cancer United fundraising goals and why research and support are so important
Finding inspiration in others
I’m inspired by many other survivors of blood cancer, like Melissa Pierpont. Check out the beautiful story of how her sister saved her life with a stem cell transplant.