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Stories of Inspiration

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

  • Jeannie Ramirez

    A Musician’s Guide to Healing and Hope

    Austin musician Jeannie Ramirez has always had a strong connection to music. Ever since her mom passed away prematurely from breast cancer, she channeled music as part of her healing process.

    "Music keeps you young, calm and happy. I’m here to touch people through my music."

    Jeannie Ramirez
    Breast Cancer
  • Val Jones

    Say Yes To The Dress, My Oncologist, and the Perfect Glacier Wedding

    I’m no stranger to big news. On October 31, 2011, I got the biggest news of my life, and like every cancer patient, word of my breast cancer diagnosis left me spinning out of control.

    "When I walked through the doors of Texas Oncology in early November of 2011, freshly diagnosed, and with very little time to process what was happening, a sense of urgency, fear, and some pretty out-of-the-ordinary, out-of-control feelings flooded my brain."

    Val Jones
    Breast Cancer
  • Robin Gutierrez

    Choosing to Thrive with Cancer: Robin's Story

    Robin Gutierrez may never become “cancer free,” but she’s still working each day to get back to what she loves: giving back to kids by teaching elementary school.

    "It's difficult to be sick, but I’m here today. I’m alive. And I can still do good things for people– even if it’s just a smile."

    Robin Gutierrez
    Breast Cancer
  • Chuck Wakefield

    Chuck Wakefield: A “Mountaintop Moment” in Cancer Survival

    Chuck Wakefield knows a lot about fighting cancer and climbing mountains. Recently, the 12-year multiple myeloma survivor climbed Mount Kilimanjaro with his Texas Oncology physician, Dr. Brian Berryman.

    "Fighting cancer is a lot like climbing a mountain. It's difficult to get there, but life-changing when you do. And afterward, you keep living as a new person."

    Chuck Wakefield
    Multiple Myeloma
  • Dennis Jeter

    Dennis Jeter: His "Personal Best" in Cancer Survival

    Lifelong athlete Dennis Jeter brought his competitive spirit to fighting cancer. Now, he’s striving for his “personal best” life after treatment.

    "I had so many people at my church praying for me and encouraging me. They kept my spirits high, and I was determined to get through treatment and get back to doing what I love – working with my children, playing softball with my team, and doing what I can to give back."

    Dennis Jeter
    Melanoma
  • Danielle Dennis

    Prioritizing What Helps Her Thrive: Danielle Dennis

    When Danielle started ovarian cancer treatment, she worked with her care team to make sure she could keep doing what she loved: cheering at her daughter’s soccer games.

    "When you get into treatment, you have a choice — you can dwell on where you are, or you can focus on the things you have to look forward to."

    Danielle Dennis
    Ovarian Cancer