Intense rounds of chemo and radiation therapy wiped out Lynwood resident Nicole C. Bullock after her blood cancer diagnosis, but only temporarily. Her ordeal also left her determined to show the importance of the platelet and blood transfusions that helped sustain her while she was being treated.
Bullock, who was diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma in the fall of 2016, said a steady supply is crucial for many people, including those with other cancers and sickle cell disease, and even premature babies.
That determination moved her to found the Nicole Cares Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit organization based in Lansing that helps families affected by lymphoma through awareness, fundraising for research and supportive services.
“I was blessed whenever I needed blood, I was able to go to the hospital to get it,” said Bullock, 54, who lives with her husband, James and three children, William, Taylor, and James, Jr. in Lynwood. “I knew I wanted to make a difference because people of color donate much less than other ethnic groups.”
She pointed out there is a nationwide blood shortage, likely because people donate less during the summer and some of the people who donated during the pandemic didn’t come back.
The foundation is holding their fifth annual blood drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 7 in partnership with Faith Movers Church and Versiti Blood Center of Illinois at the church, 425 Exchange St., University Park. Information is at https://bit.ly/2024-NicoleCaresBloodDrive or 800-7-TO-GIVE.
It was a long cancer journey for Bullock, who was initially misdiagnosed with acid reflux by two doctors. An acid reducer didn’t help the feeling of something being stuck in her throat and she became very short of breath. Her primary care doctor ordered a CT scan, which revealed a chest mass the size of an eggplant. A biopsy revealed blood cancer.
So she was hospitalized, received steroids and many rounds of chemotherapy, including several into her cerebrospinal fluid, followed by more radiation therapy.
Once doctors said there was no evidence of disease, she was ecstatic
“I just thanked God for allowing me to have a second chance to be here to raise my children,” said Bullock, who works in financial management. “It was definitely my faith that got me through it.”
While she had a strong support system of family, friends and faith, there was always the feeling only she could truly understand what she was going through. Plus she was not the typical lymphoma patient, who is often older, male, overweight and white.
That’s one reason why she wanted to reach out to support other people with cancer.
“Our motto is you’re not alone,” she said.
She and her volunteers began offering patients TLC packages with a water bottle, lip balm, lotion, Kleenex, warm blanket, warm socks, crossword puzzle or coloring book and hand sanitizer. These were the types of things that comforted her in the hospital.
While she and foundation volunteers initially brought the care packages to patients, since the pandemic they have dropped them off in hospitals with hand-written prayers.
Stephanie Brown, who is being treated for breast cancer, received a visit from Bullock.
“She came by to see me to bring the care package to me and we shared stories,” Brown said. “That was helpful and it helps you know you’re not necessarily out there by yourself and alone.
“It’s good to know that people can support you while you’re going through your journey, after they’ve come out on the other side of treatment … they can encourage you to keep your spirits up so maybe you can reach that same goal.”
Bullock and Brown are sorority sisters, as well as friends on social media.
“I wasn’t expecting it and she actually went with me to one of my chemo appointments,” said Brown, a doctor who used to work in adolescent medicine.
Foundation volunteers also participate in Leukemia and Lymphoma Society walks, offer gift cards to some survivors who might need funds for parking at a hospital or groceries and offer a support group on Zoom.
Bullock also provides advocacy and gives educational talks. She hopes to increase participation by people of color in clinical trials.
“People who see someone who looks like them gives people hope they, too, can survive,” said Bullock. “If I had not advocated for myself, I wouldn’t be here today.”
Janice Neumann is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.