What is Lymphoma?

Rally Kid Ethan is a survivor of lymphoma, “graduating” to the survivorship clinic in August of 2022. He wants to be a pilot and plans to study aviation in college.

Lymphoma is a cancer of the body’s lymphatic (lymph) system which is essential to the immune system.

The lymphatic system is made up of a type of white blood cells also known as lymphocytes which flow throughout the whole body.

These lymphocytes fight infections throughout the body, so when cancerous cells begin to grow they can quickly spread through the entire lymph system.

This then makes it difficult for the immune system to work properly.

Early symptoms of lymphomas usually begin with a swollen lymph node near the neck, underarms, collarbone or groin. Other symptoms may include:

• Cough
• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Shortness of breath
• Swollen abdomen
• Unexplained weight loss

Rally Kid Chandler is a survivor of Burkitt lymphoma, a rare but aggressive form of blood cancer. She is now married and had a baby boy in the summer of 2023.

Two types of lymphoma are diagnosed in children, teens and young adults: Hodgkin lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer of the lymph nodes, and more common in teens and young adults. It can start anywhere in the body and then spread to areas such as the liver, spleen or bone marrow.

Rally Kid Parker, shown here with his grandfather when he was in treatment, is a survivor of Burkitt lymphoma. He has graduated from college and is working in financial services.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is more commonly found in kids younger than age 14. Non-Hodgkin lymphomas in childhood include: lymphoblastic lymphoma, Burkitt lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and anaplastic large cell lymphoma.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma develops in the cells of the immune system. These cells are produced in the bone marrow and then travel to the lymph glands and other areas of the body.

Once the type of lymphoma is diagnosed, treatments can include chemotherapy, surgery to remove tumors, radiation, targeted therapies, stem cell transplants and immunotherapy.

Rally Foundation funds research specifically for lymphomas and successfully advocated for lymphomas to be included in the DOD Medical Research Program securing $31 for lymphoma research.