Patient Stories

Jacky Costello details how her cancer journey has scarred her but ultimately made her stronger, which taught her valuable lessons about seeking support from others and finding strength through change.

Frank Sierawski had never smoked and had no family or personal history of lung problems, but what started out as a distressing cough ended up being lung cancer.

A.J. Patel, who ran around 20 miles a week as a semi-professional soccer referee, was shocked to get a lung cancer diagnosis and dismayed when his relationships strained. Then, an estranged uncle came to his aid.

Gina Stratton was inspired by her granddad, who had advanced-stage lung cancer. She talks about her dealing with her breast cancer diagnosis at the age of 40 while having a full-time job.

Idalina Colburn, BSN, RN, OCN, ONN-CG, recounts her transition from helping people with cancer as an oncology nurse to being a patient herself and learning to appreciate every moment of her life.

When Sandra Lewis found out she was a carrier of the BRCA2 gene mutation, she was determined to get informed. She learned to embrace the moment, focused on the facets of her life that she could control, and remembered to smile as part of healing.

At age 24, Nalie Agustin was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer. After about 3 years of remission and gaining a large online following through her inspirational writing, videos, and podcasts, she was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. She explains to doctors that their words are as powerful as the treatments they prescribe.