Inspirational Stories

This story is about my girlfriend of six years, Kara. I was diagnosed with Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (PH+ ALL) in May 2021 and went into the ER on Kara's actual birthday, May 22. 

Over the past 2½ years, I have been going through cancer treatment. I started at St. Jude Medical Center in Fullerton where I was diagnosed, then transferred to USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center to start my first round of chemo. Eventually, I ended up at City of Hope to finish my chemo and radiation which eventually led to my stem cell transplant. I had the transplant in August 2022 and have been in remission ever since. 

Okay, enough about me. Now about the most wonderful, beautiful, most giving, selfless person that I know and get to call my girlfriend. Kara and I have known each other for a long time. We attended the same elementary, middle, and high school. We became close friends our junior year in high school and remained good friends during college. We started dating and have been in a relationship for the past six years. We are best friends who have done everything together. 

Kara is/was my caregiver when I received my stem cell transplant. She took a leave of absence from work to be my full-time caregiver while I needed full attention during my recovery. She was in charge of my food, medications, comfort at home, and making sure I got to my doctor appointments. She took care of me without complaint and made sure I was always comfortable. Nobody wants to spend their time at a hospital around sick people, but Kara never missed an appointment and made sure she spoke up for me if I wasn't feeling well. Without Kara, I wouldn't have been able to get through the last 2½ years. When you're at your lowest low, a person like Kara can make you see the light at the end of the tunnel. That kind of support from Kara made this entire journey possible. She made getting poked by countless needles, blood transfusions, bone marrow biopsies, chemo, and radiation all worth it. If there was an MVP for caregivers, Kara would be the frontrunner. 

I'm grateful to have Kara in my life, and I don't know what I would do without her. She's special in every way, and I love her. She has been the greatest support during this journey. She has sacrificed so much for me, and I owe her everything. If we can get through the treatment of cancer, then we can get through anything.

Thank you, Kara, for everything you've done for me. I love you always. 

Written by Dylan.