Open Mic: Rudy
Reading Time: < 1 minute VIDEO: Rudy tells us a funny story from the hospital that helped him feel less isolated throughout the course of his care, at our Holiday Storytelling Open Mic in
Tag: Gratitude
Life Changing Cancer
Reading Time: 2 minutesIn January 2020, I was diagnosed with lung cancer, and started chemotherapy and radiation therapy for my spine metastasis. It was shocking that a simple back pain could manifest into
My Battle: Against Cancer and for America’s Health
Reading Time: 4 minutesIn 2006, my friend who was 22 years old was diagnosed with leukemia. The news shocked me, as I couldn’t imagine how someone so young could have cancer. Back then,
Living with stage IV lung cancer
Reading Time: 2 minutesI was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer at 30 years young. I know everyone says that their diagnosis caught them off guard; I am no different. I thought that
Finding a New Voice
Reading Time: 5 minutesBy the age of 37, I felt I had accomplished so much. I lived a very busy, happy, and successful life full of significant and joyful moments in my personal
The Panda Fight
Reading Time: 3 minutesMy name is Amanda. People call me Panda. I’ve been an athlete my whole entire life. I did a lot of sports, but my love is track and field. I
24 Year Olds Don’t Get Cancer, Right?
Reading Time: 2 minutesI think everyone remembers where they were when they were first told they have cancer. I was sitting in the back of the 66 Bus in Chicago on my way
On the surface, I look fine.
Reading Time: 4 minutesSomeone once implied that my life was easy and smooth—I had no “real” problems. When I first heard this, I was offended, yet understood the sentiment. In comparison to them,
Hospital Hospitality Rant
Reading Time: 3 minutesThe hospital is a weird place. Think of how many people touch you. Someone greets you, signs you in, takes down your information. The nurse asks your name, birthdate, weighs
When College is Put On Pause
Reading Time: < 1 minuteAs a busy summer was coming to a close, I began experiencing a dry cough, arm swelling, shortness of breath, and a lump under my armpit. These symptoms led me