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Stories of Inspiration

Stories of survivors who've inspired us with their determination and hopeful spirit.

  • Sierra Galvez

    Sierra Galvez: An Unwavering Spirit

    What was first thought to be an infection turned out to be a rare form of breast cancer for 18-year-old aspiring broadcast journalist Sierra Galvez.

    “Truly…every day is a gift.”

     

    Sierra Galvez
    Breast Cancer
  • Shruit  Babu

    Shruti Babu: A Mother’s Motivation

    As a mother of two daughters, Shruti Babu uses her unexpected cancer diagnosis as a teachable moment of strength and motivation.

    “I don’t want my children to be scared of the word cancer. I want them to grow up to be strong women who say, ‘You know what? Life goes on.’”

    Shruit Babu
    Breast Cancer
  • Nancy Littlejohn

    Nancy Littlejohn: From Vice President to Patient

    For Nancy Littlejohn, a trip to the emergency room with what she thought were symptoms of a heart attack ended up launching a cancer journey that would take her life and career down a path she never expected. Fast forward nine months and Nancy is closing in on her final chemotherapy treatment with Dr. Muffaddal Morkas and her care team at Texas Oncology–Houston Memorial City.

    "Once I understood the extent of my diagnosis, I knew an in-depth conversation with my employers was necessary. Fortunately, they were prepared for it, which was incredibly helpful as I tried to figure out next steps for all aspects of my life, including work."

    Nancy Littlejohn
    Leukemia
  • Shirley Peters

    Shirley Peters: Serving Up Positivity at Work

    Shirley Peters beat her first breast cancer diagnosis in 1999, but at the height of her career, her work life took a turn when her cancer returned. She was working as a district manager and recruiter for 7-Eleven.

    “Cancer isn’t the end of the world and attitude has a lot to do with survival. If I die today, I can say I have had a very full and happy life.”

    Shirley Peters
    Breast Cancer
  • Axel Reissnecker

    Axel Reissnecker: Outrunning Cancer

    Axel Reissnecker knew from the moment of diagnosis that letting his cancer treatment get in the way of his active lifestyle wasn't an option. So with an unrelentingly positive outlook and the right treatment approach, Axel was about to continue his commitment to endurance running.

    "Treatments we thought were impossible just 10-20 years ago are now possible, whether it's killing the cancer entirely or lengthening your lifespan. So I always say, don't worry too much - a positive outlook is always helpful."

    Axel Reissnecker
    Renal Cancer
  • Mindy Sue Cohen

    Mindy Sue Cohen: Fighting Cancer with Colleagues

    Breast cancer patient Mindy Sue Cohen finds support in colleagues who became her biggest cheerleaders.

    "It was incredibly helpful to have female managers to confide in. My co-workers were understanding and accommodating with my treatments."

    Mindy Sue Cohen
    Breast Cancer