Joannie Clements
CML - Survivor
On December 28, 2001, Joannie was given 2-4 years to live. Today, she is a 15 year survivor living with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML). Joannie is alive today because The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) funded a life altering, revolutionary drug called Gleevec.
She has three grown children, five grandchildren, one baby great-grandson and a wonderful husband of 26 years, who have all been incredibly supportive. “Jerry has been the wind beneath my wings through my CML journey,” explains Joannie.
Just one year after being diagnosed, Joannie founded, and still continues to lead, an award winning support group called the CML Busters. This group includes fellow CML warriors who support and uplift other patients in their blood cancer journeys.
It has been her personal goal to ensure that no one has to endure what she went through, and so she has become an avid and dedicated volunteer with LLS since retiring. She is an active member of the Orange County Inland Empire LLS Board, a proud Patient Advocate, First Connection volunteer, and a mentor for the Man & Woman of the Year candidates.
Her and her family also continue to fundraise and participate in the Light The Night Walks (LTN). For the past 14 years, Joannie as has been the Team Captain of the CML Busters LTN Team and has collectively raised well over $200,000!
She is inspired by the incredible cancer survivors who share their wisdom, hearts and positive energy, and the wonderful professionals who devote their lives to finding cures and improving the lives of those who battle cancer.