Inspirational Stories

"Rashad!" As I looked around, I realized she was calling me.

What happened next was like a scene from Charlie Brown, as all I could hear were mumbled words. I began to reminisce about what I used to be ― a collegiate athlete in the best shape of my life.

This couldn't be my new reality; this couldn't be happening to me! What did I do to deserve this? Why is it happening to me? I'm sure you can relate to this reality if you are reading this.

Like many others, no one expects to hear the words, "You have cancer." Follicular lymphoma (FL) was the name of my disease. FL changed the trajectory of my life. I'll be the first to admit that I didn't ask many questions about the diagnoses. I remember feeling stuck, numb, afraid, confused, and afraid. I hid all of that behind a big grin and a smile. I vividly remember my first time undergoing chemotherapy; I was 22 years old with a fresh Superman tattoo on my right arm.

I was only 22 then; I had just adapted to being a regular student after being an athlete all my life. After transferring to a bigger program, I had just concluded that my football days were over, and the team got cut. I had finally found a sense of normalcy, and boom, here comes cancer. However, in a very unique way, cancer saved my life. It taught me to live life fully and consistently enjoy the moments. It taught me that I was stronger than the thing trying to stop me. However, my battle with R-CHOP was not easy, even at 30 and eight years removed from it. I still deal with side effects.

Cancer helped me find my voice, although causing me pain. You see, I'm now a highly sought-after inspirational speaker who travels the country to speak about resilience and overcoming adversity. I no longer live with cancer; cancer lives with me. I decided to lean into my faith and embrace this adversity. In return, I developed a methodology called C.A.K.E. I legit teach people how not to burn their cakes in life. Life is all about your willingness to utilize the ingredients that life has given you.

Like you, my story has many details. I hope one day I'll speak in front of you. I look forward to the day our paths cross. Some stories mean more when you can hear them live. I'm proud of you and hope you find peace and strength in continuing your fight.