Behind every patient is a family, a story, and a community. No one should face cancer alone or in the dark. Knowledge is power. Together, we can make the cancer journey less lonely.
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Diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2002 after months of unexplained pain, our interviewee entered treatment at a time when cancer information was scarce and the internet offered little guidance. With no educational resources to help her understand the disease, she relied entirely on her doctors—facing chemotherapy, radiation, and their harsh side effects without knowing why they were happening or what to expect.
Supported by her father, her faith, and small daily routines, she pushed through the physical and emotional toll. Her journey highlights a powerful truth: lack of cancer literacy can deepen fear as much as the illness itself.
Read her full story here.
I was diagnosed with AML three years ago and underwent 7+3 induction chemotherapy. Because of a specific mutation that increased my relapse risk, my care team recommended an allogeneic stem cell transplant. Between my brother and my 13-year-old daughter, Chloe, my oncologist selected my daughter as the best haploidentical match. Johns Hopkins Hospital pioneered the haploidentical SCT protocol, and I’m grateful to have benefited from their expertise.
The hardest part of the journey was on Days +1 and +2, when I experienced intense flu-like symptoms driven by cytokine release. I was also afraid of developing severe acute GVHD, but fortunately, it never occurred, largely thanks to JHH’s use of post-transplant Cytoxan, which selectively targets fast-dividing T cells while preserving the slower-dividing ones.
I have two suggestions for anyone facing this process. First, exercise whenever you can. I dragged my lethargic body around the hospital for 3000 steps even on the day of transplant. That is a sure way of not losing too much body mass. Two, become an expert in your disease by poring over literature. I spot an overlooked mutation in a stack of pathology report, alerted my team, prompting a swift change in my treatment regimen.
Above all, be your own advocate, and stay hopeful.
Longest Living Bone Marrow Transplant Recipient
In 1960, six-year-old Nancy Lowry survived aplastic anemia through an experimental bone marrow transplant from her twin, Barb, led by future Nobel laureate Dr. E. Donnall Thomas. Now the world’s longest-living transplant survivor, Nancy’s story embodies courage, love, and the transformative power of science and hope.
Diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome in 2014, Trupti Mehta survived two stem cell transplants—donated by her siblings in New York and Mumbai. Supported by family, friends, and Stanford care, she found strength in love, nature, and humor. Today, she lives with deep gratitude, resilience, and renewed joy.
Read Trupti’s full story and be inspired by her journey of recovery.
At 19, Olympic windsurfer Michael Cramer was diagnosed with aggressive lymphoma during COVID. After chemotherapy and a 2020 stem cell transplant, he battles chronic GVHD with courage. Supported by his mother, Ashlee, he’s learned to adapt, find new passions, and embrace life’s beauty through resilience, love, and hope.
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After discovering a lump on her leg, Gay Lynn Fox was diagnosed with aggressive lymphoma. With support from loved ones, she endured chemotherapy, a stem cell transplant, and lifesaving CAR T-cell therapy. Now five years cancer-free, she mentors others, sharing her message of resilience, gratitude, and hope.
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Diagnosed with rare skin lymphoma, Eric Shaw endured two failed transplants before a groundbreaking half-match transplant from his brother at Stanford cured him completely. Supported by his devoted wife, Crystal, and family, Eric’s journey strengthened their faith, deepened their love, and inspired them to support other cancer families.
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From worst news possible, to a cure and a dream
Athlete Tom Grabiak discovered his leukemia after noticing high heart rates on his Apple Watch. With stem cells from his brother and support from his husband and family, he underwent a successful 2023 transplant. In April, they welcomed son Oliver—Tom’s “best gift” and a symbol of love and resilience.
Read more about Tom's journey.
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Welcome to the Empower Forum! This is a space to connect, share experiences, offer insights/reflections on your cancer journey, or just provide a bit of solace and comfort to someone else. We hope this forum will make your day better, whether by answering a question, being a place to express your thoughts, or cracking a smile :)
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