Survivor Journeys
Their diagnoses came years apart, but both their journeys led them to the shared mission of helping others navigate cancer and fighting for a system that works for every patient.
“I had to be at Mayo in Rochester every 2 weeks, and it was 680 miles away,” Dennis said.
"For my type of cancer, there was no treatment. Now there is, because of research," Mary Catherine Riley explained.
Chenia Lloyd-Gascho is thriving as a civil engineering student at the University of Toronto, but behind his bright future lies a journey shaped by rare genetics, remarkable science, and resilience.
"When science is disrupted, hope is delayed—and for patients like me, time is everything," said Richard Schlueter, whose clinical trial was delayed due to the NIH Funding Crisis.
Brad Peryea, Tyler's father, said, "Without clinical trials and new medicine, so many cancers wouldn't be cured. Research gives patients a chance to live longer."
Surviving Leukemia and Finding Purpose Through Research
"We've got to beat this disease. And the only way to do that is by funding research," said pancreatic cancer patient Bob Fortin.
"Ten years ago, CAR T therapy didn't exist," said Lianna's mother, Adrian, "We need continued funding for cancer research."
"I'm a walking, talking example of the difference cancer research can make," said Alex Hepner, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor during his first year of law school.