3 Questions: Stacia King-Sakya with For the Love of Lymphoma

By Sara Atencio-Gonzales, The Paper. – When Stacia King-Sakya faced treatment for follicular non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, her community rallied around her. Now, she’s looking to return some of that support through For the Love of Lymphoma, a fundraiser she launched in 2025 to support Blood Cancer United and help connect patients and families with resources. The event returns Saturday, Sept. 5, from 2 to 9 pm at Tractor Brewing’s Wells Park location, bringing together music, local vendors and community while raising money and awareness for those affected by blood cancer. We caught up with King-Sakya about turning her own experience into a way to give back and what she hopes people take away from the event.

For the Love of Lymphoma grew out of your own experience with lymphoma. What made you want to turn that experience into something for the community?

In the inception of being diagnosed as well as relapsing, my community held me up and supported me through my first round of treatments in 2023.  I decided to create this benefit to add purpose to the challenge I was faced with. I needed answers to my own disease process, yet also realized many do not have the same support in community or even in the medical community. [I did it] to help support Blood Cancer United, who in turn help those with limited resources. 

What has your journey with lymphoma taught you about the kind of support patients and families really need?

Cancer does not end when it is “eradicated.” In my diagnosis, it is actually incurable and is more of a chronic condition to be managed. There is so much aftermath to undergoing treatment that many may not be aware of. A person needs total psychosocial support beyond the physical process of treatment. It changed my whole being. How could it not? It made so many changes in my body that I had to re-incorporate a better relationship to self. A person needs a comprehensive support system, and sometimes that is also knowing where to start. I feel Blood Cancer United is that start, and they can guide people to the information, resources and support needed.  

When people come out to For the Love of Lymphoma, what do you hope they take away from the day?

I want them to get more education on what it could be like to face blood cancer and the resources to help those meeting these challenges from patients to families and even communities and what they can do. Also to witness how community support can enrich this process. My community totally raised me up. Also, how artistry can come together for our community. We have some amazing musicians on deck for this event. Also, it’s a win for local vendors and the venue!

For the Love of Lymphoma takes place from 2 to 9 pm Saturday, Sept. 5, at Tractor Brewing’s Wells Park (1800 4th St. NW). The event will bring together live music, local vendors and community members while raising funds for Blood Cancer United, which supports blood cancer research, patient services, advocacy and education.