Cancer Survivor Stories

 

Sunday, June 7th is National Cancer Survivors Day and what better way to honor this day than to celebrate our Christmas Without Cancer survivors!  A few of our recipients were brave to share their stories with you. 

 

Lymphoma Survivor – Adam

I was diagnosed with Burkitt Lymphoma in March 2021.  I underwent treatments through June of 2021 including surgeries, chemo, lumbar punctures, and other medications.  I am coming up on 5 years cancer free!

 

Christmas Without Cancer was the only organization who was able to gift me an Xbox at a time when supply was incredibly low.  This organization also hosts an incredible number of fundraising events that allow me to give back for those who need it most. 

 

During my senior year in High School I was part of the school’s top band, won student of the month, was honored with the d230 Inspires Award, dual enrolled at Moraine Valley to get my CNA, and worked as a server at a reticent home.

Fast forward to today – I have recently applied to a number of different nursing schools and received direct admission to each of them!  In August, I will be attending NIU to get my Masters in Nursing and then continue on into a career as a Nurse Practitioner.  

I strongly believe that if it were not going through such a pivotal event in my life so early, I would not be near as successful as I am now.  As awful as cancer treatment was, I feel that I made the most of it and have become a better person because of it. Thank you so much CWC for all that you do for kids like me, it means more than you will ever fully realize. 

 

If you or a loved one is battling cancer, keep a positive mental attitude through it all.  Cherish the good days and take advantage of them the best you can.  Find hobbies and activities that you can enjoy.  Allow the support from others and try not to push away those that are always there for you even when you just want to be alone.  I found that reviewing movies was fun and I still do it today when I have time.  Most importantly, you will discover a sense of who you are and it is so important that you stay true to that through treatment and afterwards.  I learned so much about myself and am grateful for it. 

 

Stage 4 Bone Cancer Survivor – Nicole

I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Ewings Sarcoma that spread throughout my body in 2019.  I went through a craniotomy, 9 months of chemotherapy, and 12 weeks of radiation. I have been cancer free for over 5 years now!  Since treatment, I returned to work, had our miracle baby, and gone on many amazing vacations with my husband.  I love spending time with my friends and family while watching our son grow. 

 

Christmas Without Cancer was a crucial part of my cancer journey.  Not only did they help with the financial burden of a cancer diagnosis but also helped build a community of others who have been affected by cancer.  CWC helped support my family when I was off work due to chemo during the Covid shutdown. At this time, my husband also had limited income with the barriers of the pandemic.  This was a relief that helped pay rent during a challenging time.  The relationships built through CWC provided a sense of community when you feel isolated by your illness. 

 

For anyone battling cancer, take it one day at a time.  It can be overwhelming looking at the length of treatment or long-term fears of recurrence.  Try and enjoy the good days when you feel better than the bad days.  Do your best to attend important events and spend time with the ones you love.

 

Stage 4 Stomach Cancer Survivor – Chris

In 2019, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Gastric Cancer that was her2+ and had spread to the peritoneum and lymph nodes.  The first Oncologist I saw told me I was Stage 2b.  They didn’t realize the cancer had spread nor did they know it was her2+. I went on to get a second option who told me my diagnosis with terminal.  I remember the trembling of myself, my husband, and my daughter when we heard those words.  I was ready to fight and knew I needed to get a third opinion.  The third doctor said I was a good candidate for a new clinical trial that was starting.  This trial, advocating for my health, and the support of my family saved my life! 12 months after diagnosis I was told I was cancer free.  While I had good days and many bad days, I always did my best to stay positive.  This summer marks 6 years cancer free!  

 

Christmas Without Cancer was a big part of my positive outlook.  I never heard of CWC until I was diagnosed with cancer and a friend recommended this wonderful organization to me. The generosity shown from CWC, a group of people I had never met, brought me to tears.  CWC supported me with gift cards and some help with health insurance since I lost my insurance being unable to work as I fought for my life.  CWC has become family to me.  They have helped me and a few friends I know.  I volunteer when I can to their many fundraisers.  

 

Today I am back at work as an Oncology nurse helping other patients like myself.  I love spending as much time as possible with my family.  Beating cancer has allowed me to celebrate many big milestone birthdays for myself and loved ones.  I witnessed my son welcoming his first child into the world, my sweet granddaughter, Avery.  And I get to watch my daughter donate her time as a CWC Board Member to pay it forward for the many local families affected. 

 

The most important advice I have to anyone fighting this awful disease is always get a second and even third opinion.  That extra opinion could be what saves your life.