Since 2010, September has been known as blood cancer awareness month. Although millions of people across the globe are affected by blood cancer in some way, awareness of the disease is very low. The three main types of blood cancers are lymphoma, leukemia, and myeloma.
In the United States alone, approximately 1.6 million people live with or are in remission from a type of blood cancer. There is a new blood cancer diagnosis almost every three minutes.
Sadly, this was the shocking reality for senior biology major, Savannah Byers. On May 30, 2023, she was diagnosed with classic Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. She began to vigorously fight this disease head-on, telling her parents, “I don’t care what people say, I’m going back to school in the fall.” Savannah’s first round of chemo started on June 30, 2023, with the hope that she will only need four rounds of chemo before she enters remission.
However, Savannah did not let her diagnosis stop her from living. Throughout the summer, she continued to work when she could, went on vacation with her family, and kept a positive attitude. Then, against all odds, Savannah returned to start her fall semester at Geneva College continuing her participation in student government and volleyball while beginning her fifth round of chemo, receiving treatment every two weeks.
“I never expected to come into my senior year fighting cancer, but God decided it should be a part of my story. I have witnessed first-hand how destructive cancer can be, but through my hardships, I have been overwhelmed with love and countless blessings. The support from my family, the Geneva community, and my volleyball family has been crucial, and I would not still be going without them. My hope is that my story will glorify God and that I can spread my blessings to others who have had to endure all the trials that cancer brings.”
Geneva’s volleyball team will be hosting a blood cancer awareness fundraiser on September 30, 2023, during their game against Grove City to show their support for Savannah and her family. Grove City’s coach, Leo Sayles, has also been diagnosed with kidney cancer and myeloma, one of the types of blood cancer. Even through his struggles, he has reached out to Savannah on many occasions and supported her throughout her journey knowing firsthand how hard it can be.
Together, Geneva and Grove City Volleyball want to bring awareness to blood cancer, the effects it can have on a person, and show their love and support for Leo and Savannah.
Geneva’s volleyball coach, Wendy Smith, says, “Even though, at the end of the day we have a volleyball game to win, we want to show our support to Leo and Sav in this journey.”
Join the Geneva community on September 30 at 1 p.m. to show your support for Leo and Savannah. There will be several themed baskets for a silent auction, fans can “chuck a duck” towards prizes, and there will be other donation opportunities. Wear red or purple as red represents myeloma and purple represents Hodgkin’s lymphoma. All the money raised will go toward the Pittsburgh Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to help find the cure for cancer.
Read more about Leo and Savannah’s stories on their Caring Bridge site here.
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Have questions? Call us at 724-847-6505.
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