Inspirational Stories

I was originally diagnosed with Philadelphia chromosome + acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL) in June 2017. My first month of treatment was a breeze, and I tolerated IV chemo well. Unfortunately, the rest of my two years of treatment wasn’t as smooth. I ended up in the pediatric intensive care unit for over a month. I was experiencing methotrexate toxicity and fighting for my life. Once I started recovering, I relearned how to walk, got my strength back, and continued fighting my fight. I was in remission by August 2017 and then finished treatment in June 2019!! Along with that, I graduated high school and then started college that same year! I was so inspired by so many of my amazing nurses that I decided to go to nursing school.

Two weeks into my last semester of nursing school, we found out I now have Philadelphia + chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CLL). It was a tough thing to hear, but the treatment plan seemed easier than back in 2017. I finished nursing school and graduated in July 2023! I accepted my first nursing position on the adult inpatient medical oncology unit and have been working there since September. I unfortunately am not responding well to the original treatment plan and may be having a bone marrow transplant sometime soon. However, for now, I take it one day at a time and continue doing all of the things I love.

This road is tough, and I have seen so many ugly side effects from cancer and chemo. However, I have had so many amazing things come from my fight with cancer and my experience. I have proved to myself how strong I am, met amazing friends, faced my fears, and went to nursing school. I never would’ve wished for cancer (obviously), but it has been such an eye-opener for me. I am determined to turn it into something so beautiful.