Natalia Famous is a 20-something, young adult living with sickle cell disease – a blood disorder that severely weakens the immune system. She was born with the disease and at the age of 10, she suffered a stroke.
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Posts By: Kadesha Washington
Our Hero: Zoey
Imagine being an outgoing 9-year old girl who loves fashion and enjoys playing with your siblings. Then, you learn that you have cancer. That’s precisely what happened to Zoey.
Our Hero: Ian
Ian was a healthy 4-year old visiting the dentist for his first teeth cleaning. After receiving a Novocain injection, a small bump appeared on Ian’s right temple. Over time, the bump grew into a tumor in his cheek and changed the shape of his face.
Our Hero: Jack
Jack was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia just after he graduated from high school. No stranger to tough battles, Jack was born with a rare liver disease and had three liver transplants by the time he was two years old.
Our Hero: Essence
Diagnosed with AML in 2014, Essence was a high school senior looking forward to graduation. Instead, she was faced with cancer and a 40% chance of survival.
Our Hero: Aaron
Growing up, Aaron had a passion for playing sports. But that changed once he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in September 2001. He was 10-years-old at the time, and his world was turned completely upside-down.
Our Hero: Robert
As a pitcher on his baseball team, Rob relied on his arms. When he started to experience shoulder pain every time he pitched, he knew something was wrong.
What’s In A Name?
Stacy Kim and Kyle Okimoto, captains of Team GOAT, share how important the support of the Hope & Heroes Walk community (no matter how near or far) is to a patient’s journey.
“Walking” Full Circle
Carol was diagnosed with Stage IV Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. But for months she had been misdiagnosed by another doctor, causing her disease to progress to life-threatening levels.
We Are Survivors
In recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we have a deeply personal submission from Mary Magnani, a former patient at Columbia and a two-time cancer survivor. Mary’s story illustrates the challenges that childhood cancer survivors face as they grow into adulthood.