Inspirational Stories

Hello! I am Taylor, and most people know me for being a human biology premed student at the University of California San Diego. However, what most people don’t know is I was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer in March of this year. I have systemic mastocytosis (SM) which leads to lots of anaphylactic reactions and hospital visits. I spend lots of time getting tests because my cancer is rare and infusions at the cancer center. I have had several types of chemotherapy drugs and many biopsies. The difficulties become even more overwhelming when this diagnosis befalls a college student who also happens to be a first responder. I work to help others and make an impact through each individual patient because I know how hard it is to be the patient, me. I work as an EMT because I want to help people feel heard. I understand the healthcare system, and I work to support it. It is thanks to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) that I am still able to work during my active cancer treatments. They have provided me with resources and information to help support me in my journey. My mom and grandmother are currently battling breast cancer. All the women in my family have different cancers, and we utilize support systems like the ones that LLS has. Light The Night (LTN) helped me feel connected to other patients like me and gave me hope to keep fighting. I continue to fight and hopefully, one day will become a doctor who can support patients like me.