Inspirational Stories

In March 2024, during my first year of college as an international student in America, I was diagnosed with lymphoma. The diagnosis came unexpectedly during a compulsory admissions check-up where they discovered a tumor in my chest that had grown extensively within just two months.

During the diagnosis, I faced significant challenges. As an international student without insurance that covered cancer treatment, I was turned away by multiple hospitals despite offering to pay out of pocket. The rejection was devastating and overwhelming as my status as a non-citizen made it difficult to access care, especially when I was alone. Eventually, I came across The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), and they NAVIGATED towards a resolution. I was admitted to a children’s hospital where a compassionate doctor connected me to St. Jude. From that point forward, St. Jude took over my care, starting me on chemotherapy, and staging my cancer at 2B as the tumors had spread to my arms.

I continued to receive treatment and love from the St. Jude team until I completed my treatment this October. I am now in remission. I am deeply grateful for the doctors who helped me, especially since cancer treatment in my home country is often highly dangerous and can result in fatal outcomes. It was a huge shock for my parents who were back in Africa, and I had to face much of this journey on my own. However, I was incredibly blessed to have a kind Samaritan family step in. They took on a parental role, helping me navigate the healthcare system, find hospitals, and eventually settle into St. Jude.

This experience has taught me that cancer is no joke, and the near-death experience reminded me always to be grateful, to find the brighter side of life, and never to give up—because there is always someone watching over you.