On July 27, 2020, at just 29 years old, Ida Peterson Hardon was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). What followed was a four-year fight marked by extraordinary courage and resilience. Ida endured round after round of chemotherapy, two stem cell transplants from different donors, and countless days in hospitals. Through it all, she carried herself with determination and married her loving soulmate, Michael Hardon.
After her second transplant, Ida entered remission and was gifted nearly two beautiful years without disease. She made the most of every moment, embracing life with purpose and joy. In October 2023, she poured her energy into helping others, becoming a top fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. As she said at the time, "I am trying to live my life to the fullest and spend my time loving, accepting, and giving back."
One of Ida's deepest hopes was for a cure for AML, not only for herself, but for all who face this devastating disease. She often spoke of wanting her experience to mean something beyond herself.
In November 2023, Ida's cancer returned suddenly and tragically, leading to cardiac arrest. She continued fighting for another six months. On May 13, 2024, Ida passed away. She left a legacy defined by love, resilience, and generosity.
Honoring Ida's Legacy: Carrying Her Wish Forward
In the wake of Ida's passing, her family and loved ones sought a way to turn grief into impact and carry forward the hope she never let go of. To honor that wish, the Ida Impact Fund for Leukemia Research was established as an endowed fund at Johns Hopkins in partnership with her oncologist, Dr. Mark Levis.
Dr. Levis is a pioneer in AML research, dedicated to developing innovative therapies and ensuring that patients have access to promising treatments. The fund will support translational and early-stage AML research, helping accelerate innovative approaches and bring the field closer to durable cures.
Although a cure did not come in time for Ida, her spirit lives on through this effort. Through the Ida Impact Fund, we carry forward her fight, her hope, and her love, so that future patients may have the chance at the cure Ida dreamed of.
Gift Information
Your support of the Ida Impact Fund for Leukemia Research helps turn Ida's courage into progress and brings us closer to a future where AML no longer takes lives too soon.
