Zachary Bernardo, 9, Burkitt Lymphoma, New Bedford, with Morgan (mom), Benjamin (brother, 10), and Brady (brother, 16)

Zachary was diagnosed with Burkitt's lymphoma in November 2022. He was congested, but not sneezing or coughing. His adenoids were enlarged and blocking his airways. His parents took him to see an ear, nose, and throat doctor, where they found a mass that turned out to be cancerous. His treatment included 5 months of chemotherapy. He is done with active treatment now and there is no evidence of disease. Burkitt lymphoma is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is one of the most common cancers in the United States,accounting for about 4% of all cancers. American Cancer Society estimates about 80,550 people (44,880 males and 35,670 females) will be diagnosed with NHL in 2023 This includes both adults and children. NHL can occur at any age. In fact, it is one of the more common cancers among children, teens, and young adults. Still, the risk of developing NHL increases throughout life, and more than half of patients are 65 or older when they are first diagnosed.