Survivorship Is a Mixture of Really Beautiful and Really Hard

#1MillionSurvivalStories #iSurvived2020

It feels amazing to have a career that allows me to give back.

Just Before I turned 20, I Was Diagnosed With Hodgkin Lymphoma.

I was a sophomore at Dickinson College in Pennsylvania. I came to Department of Pediatrics for treatment, and I was around so many young kids who were patients. I learned so much from them about strength — but I don’t think I ever saw somebody else my own age.

I Turned My Feelings of Isolation Into Something New

I felt doubly isolated — from my healthy peers and from the cancer population that was either so much younger or older than I was. I had ideas for how ... could support young adult patients and got involved in a focus group that then evolved into ... Teen and Young Adult Program. To join with so many other young adult patients in one room together was powerful, and we created a space where we could all support each other.

Everyone has a choice in how they integrate their cancer experience into their identity. I Found My Calling in Life Through Cancer

I met psychiatrists and social workers who showed me what it would be like to work in oncology support services. After I was done with treatment and school, I started on my path to become a social worker.

Now it feels amazing to give back to this community. I’ve found a way to incorporate my cancer experience into my identity in a way that has enabled me to not only heal myself, but to help other people. It is weird to be grateful to cancer, but it’s how I ended up where I am. Sometimes things line up exactly as you need them to.

Cancer Is Bigger Than Just Treatment

I look at survivorship as a broader term — not only is it the person living with cancer, but it’s also their family system, friends, caregivers, and loved ones. It’s actually cathartic and beautiful to have everyone come together — even though it’s around a really painful experience.

— Hadley

Because Everyone's Journey IS Different