"In October 2014, I was handing out candy to my neighborhood’s tiny ghouls and goblins, but the scariest thing that Halloween was a phone call from my doctor. My heart pounded as the doctor told me I had myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a rare blood disorder in which the bone marrow stops functioning properly. It has not been easy for me to adapt to the realities of my condition. The treatment involves frequent blood transfusions, self-administered injections, and expensive medication. To stay motivated, I adopted a motto, 'get busy living,' borrowed from The Shawshank Redemption. It is a maxim that embodies me to the fullest. I am a powerhouse when advocating for my condition, treatment, and the advancement of scientific research. I have traveled from the beaches of California to the Capitol steps as an advocate for MDS patients. Since 2015, I have been a volunteer patient advocate and member of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) as a First Connection volunteer and a #LightTheNight volunteer. I credit LLS, this phenomenal organization, for supporting me and my roller coaster journey with MDS. I believe my role as a patient advocate is especially important as an African American woman since African Americans are underrepresented at advocacy events. I want others to know they are not suffering alone, and that I am with them. More than anything, I do not dwell on my diagnosis. I make the most of my time by speaking up for patients, following the latest research and treatment options, and surrounding myself with positive people. It is my mission to have a better quality of life." And our mission too, Joan! We're grateful to you for sharing your story and advocating on behalf of all blood cancer patients. In the U.S., 20,000 new cases of MDS are reported every year, making MDS one of the most common blood cancers. Today on MDS World Awareness Day, we're bringing awareness to this type of blood cancer. There is still much work to be done but LLS is leading the charge for ongoing and future work to change the MDS treatment landscape. ❤️