Beyond treatment – wellbeing, support, and the acute lymphoblastic leukemia community

Know ALL hosted a webinar on September 30, 2026, titled ‘Acute lymphoblastic leukemia in older adults: A conversation about personalized treatment, wellbeing, and support’. Here we share a presentation by Sharon Cohan, a patient advocate at Blood Cancer United, US, discussing wellbeing, support, and the acute lymphoblastic leukemia community.

Sharon begins the session by explaining how living with acute lymphoblastic leukemia can affect more than physical health. Emotional wellbeing, relationships, and everyday activities can also be impacted throughout the journey (Figure 1). 

Sharon also highlights that:^1–6

• Emotions can change throughout the acute lymphoblastic leukemia journey. Feeling worried, anxious, or uncertain is natural, and talking with family, friends, healthcare professionals, or support groups can help.
• Treatment can affect everyday life in different ways. Finding a balance between treatment, energy levels, relationships, and meaningful activities can help support wellbeing.
• Life after treatment can bring its own challenges. Survivors may experience lingering fatigue, uncertainty, and changes in relationships as they adjust to everyday life after treatment.
• No one has to face acute lymphoblastic leukemia alone. Connecting with others who understand the experience can provide support, reassurance, and a sense of community.

References

1. Blood Cancer United. Mental health. https://bloodcancerunited.org/blood-cancer-care/adults/managing-blood-cancer-treatment-side-effects/mental-health. Accessed Oct 23, 2026. 
2. Blood Cancer UK. Life with blood cancer. https://bloodcancer.org.uk/understanding-blood-cancer/life-with-blood-cancer/. Accessed Oct 23, 2026.
3. Personal opinion. Provided by Sharon Cohan.
4. Blood Cancer United. Navigating your blood cancer care. https://bloodcancerunited.org/blood-cancer-care/adults#toc-3. Accessed Oct 23, 2026.
5. Leukemia Care. Keeping active. https://leukaemiacare.org.uk/about-leukaemia/living-with/keeping-active/. Updated Jun 2026. Accessed Oct 23, 2026.
6. Blood Cancer United. Follow-up care and survivorship. https://bloodcancerunited.org/blood-cancer-care/adults/follow-up-care-survivorship. Accessed Oct 23, 2026.