Cancer Survivor Stories

The goal of cancer research is to provide benefit for cancer survivors and their loved ones. Please read the courageous stories below from a variety of cancer survivors to learn how we are transforming patient care by making research count for patients and survivors.

Note: Submissions to this page represent the opinions of the presenters. They do not represent the position or the opinion of the AACR or its members and should not be considered medical advice.

Working to Make a Difference in the Fight Against Cancer

Working to Make a Difference in the Fight Against Cancer

Diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma 30 years ago, childhood cancer survivor Meghan Costello is an advocate for cancer research to end pediatric cancers.

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Brandi Benson: A Journey to Chart a Different Course

Brandi Benson: A Journey to Chart a Different Course

Stunned by her diagnosis of Ewing sarcoma, Brandi fought to change her narrative and carry a message of hope to others.

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Overcoming Metastatic Cancer

Overcoming Metastatic Cancer

Toni English was determined to beat the poor prognosis after being diagnosed with stage 4 mucosal melanoma.

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Running to Honor Her Mother

Running to Honor Her Mother

Vowing to continue her mother’s valiant battle against cancer, Regina joined the AACR Runners for Research team to raise awareness and funds for cancer research at the AACR Philadelphia Marathon.

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Triumphant Thriver: Empowering Others Through Breast Cancer Advocacy

Triumphant Thriver: Empowering Others Through Breast Cancer Advocacy

After overcoming stage 3 breast cancer, 11-year survivor Jess Whorton became a healthcare and survivorship advocate.

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Living with Metastatic Lung Cancer

Living with Metastatic Lung Cancer

Gregory O’Brien is striving for a high quality life while living with stage 4 lung cancer.

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Determined to Beat Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Determined to Beat Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Diagnosed with AML at the age of 20, Carson Mapes continues to fight her cancer.

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A Chance Encounter Led to a Cancer Diagnosis

A Chance Encounter Led to a Cancer Diagnosis

Sarah Cauley was at her mother’s doctor’s office decades ago when a chance encounter and stomachache led to a cancer diagnosis.

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Mary Gloria: Cancer Survivor Works to Counter Cancer Misinformation in Nigeria

Mary Gloria: Cancer Survivor Works to Counter Cancer Misinformation in Nigeria

Diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 35, Mary Gloria Orji confronted the stigma to speak about cancer and formed a patient support group in that nation.

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Matt Cleaveland: A Plan to Run a Marathon, Interrupted by Cancer

Matt Cleaveland: A Plan to Run a Marathon, Interrupted by Cancer

Matt Cleaveland was diagnosed with testicular cancer at the age of 25 as he trained for his first marathon. Successful surgery put him back on track to running.

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