Patient Stories

At age 28, Thomas Iorio went into the hospital with a possible ear infection, after noticing swollen lymph nodes, and came out with a probable cancer diagnosis.

Roger and Cherie Paige, both psychologists, became caught in a storm of fighting against cancer, with the assistance of family, friends, and numerous professional “stormtroopers.”

"What I remember clearly is that I was supposed to have only 14 to 18 months to live. That was about 6 years ago," says Melanie Kabo.

Melissa Marshall found comfort and inspiration to help herself and others cope with cancer through both art and music.

Jason Micheli, a pastor and the author of Cancer is Funny: Keeping Faith in Stage-Serious Chemo, explains his mindset and the difficulties of dealing with uncertainty after a lymphoma diagnosis.

“As the CEO of a biotechnology company involved in cancer drugs development, I was familiar with the diagnosis and treatment of patients with cancer,” says Michael Becker, who was himself diagnosed with stage IV oropharyngeal cancer.

Lori Plutchak is part of a unique kind of cancer support group: the Team Survivor San Diego Sea Dragons boat racing team, which is made up of nearly 40 cancer survivors.