Childhood Cancer Survivor Stories: Meet the Patients

Studies show that females who receive radiation to the chest have an increased risk of developing breast cancer later in life. Their risk is comparable to women with BRCA gene mutations in the general population.

Because childhood cancer is so rare, health care providers may never care for a childhood cancer survivor. Those that do may not be aware of the possible late effects of childhood cancer treatment.

Jenny was thrilled when her daughter, Mabry, finished chemotherapy, but she also had concerns — would the cancer come back? Learning how to handle anxiety is important.

Survivor guilt is when you feel guilty after surviving an event that others did not. Not all childhood cancer survivors will experience this feeling, but it’s not uncommon.

When Haley, 33, a childhood cancer survivor, tells a new health care provider about her medical history, sometimes she detects a “deer in the headlights” type of reaction because childhood cancer is so rare. It’s important to become your own health care advocate and try to ensure your provider gets the information he or she needs before making decisions.

When Lindsey’s leukemia came back after it had been in remission, she turned to others to help her through the tough times –God, family, friends, hospital staff, and the community as a whole.

Neuroblastoma and osteosarcoma survivor Paris Prinsen overcame feelings of isolation through creativity. Read how she found power and peace as a cancer survivor.

Ever hear the one about a 15-year-old girl diagnosed with cancer in her butt? Unbelievable, right? Cancer in your butt.

Fear speaks first and fear speaks loudest—but that does not mean it is a voice of reason, nor is it a voice of truth.

Javon shares his story of surviving 2 bouts of cancer. Learn how the support of family, friends, and his care team helped him through his cancer journey.

I was always a very social girl. You could find me hanging out with my friends, going to football games, or shopping. When I was diagnosed at the age of 16 with papillary thyroid cancer, I was nervous to tell my friends. How would they react? Would my relationships change?

When Evan’s cancer relapsed, it was hard news to hear. But he responded with the most powerful defense he could think of – a positive attitude.

On December 13, 2016, I was diagnosed with leukemia. That was the day my journey began. A journey full of helplessness, fight, hope, anger, depression, anxiety, weakness, nausea, and many more emotions.

Jakayla shares her story about surviving acute lymphoblastic leukemia twice. Learn how her love of music and faith gave her strength.

MJ had a brain tumor called pineoblastoma during his preteen years. Now he is cancer-free and headed to college.

After having limb-sparing surgery, Micah Winkle had to give up contact sports. After a year of recovery and trying new activities, Micah became a champion rock climber. 

Katie has made it her mission to get everyone she can vaccinated against COVID-19.

Neuroblastoma and osteosarcoma survivor Paris Prinsen overcame feelings of isolation through creativity. Read how she found power and peace as a cancer survivor.

When Emma was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in July 2015, Margaret was a huge part of her support system. Who would have guessed that Margaret would face the same diagnosis less than a year later?

"Cancer has affected my life both negatively and positively. It was the darkest and scariest year of my life but also one of the most important. "

Ricky Terry Jr. was diagnosed with medulloblastoma in 2016 when he was 22. At first, he thought he had migraines.

Daniel Strunk survived leukemia as a child. In 2022, he became another type of survivor — a contestant on CBS' Survivor TV show. Read about his experience.

Marty did not talk about his childhood cancer diagnosis for decades. Now he is sharing his childhood cancer survivor story.

She overcame many challenges during treatment. Today, Sitara Khan helps other children and families face cancer in India. Read her story.

In 1972, doctors diagnosed 4-year-old Sandy Owen with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the most common form of childhood cancer. She had less than a 50% chance of survival. Chemotherapy and radiation treatments cured her cancer. Now, 50 years later, she lives each day to the fullest.

Chances are, if you’re a survivor of childhood cancer, you’re going to have some side effects. But you can overcome them with optimism, a healthy lifestyle, and regular medical care.

When María reflects on her story with childhood cancer, she is reminded about how the sun always shines after the storm.

When Sarah and Toby wanted to grow their family, they knew adoption would be the right option for them. Meet this childhood cancer survivor and follow her adoption journey.

Childhood cancer survivor Emily Browne shares what she wishes she had known when she finished cancer treatment.