Claudia Alvarez-Plaud shared their story at the 2025 Stupid Cancer NYC Storytelling Open Mic Event in NYC.

Claudia shares her experience as a caretaker. She speaks on how watching her mom battle cancer was challenging; it was also empowering and motivating, and ultimately brought her and her mother closer together. Her powerful words, stories, and reflections reveal the true colors of emotion and have a powerful, impactful effect on anyone watching or listening, both near and far.

“[My mom] let me and my sister know it’s possible the cancer came back. I was instantly filled with fear and regret. I decided that no matter what happens, I’m going to be by my mom’s side one hundred percent of the way. I was 17.”