Survivors Say

“I have always enjoyed an active lifestyle, keen on outdoor sports and healthy living. I competed in high school and college athletics and, as an adult, finished three marathons and a number of shorter races. My family has had a history of longevity with little chronic illness. So it came as a huge surprise to my wife and me when I was diagnosed with stage IV non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in January 2009.

Following six months of traditional chemotherapy and achieving remission, we were extremely disappointed when the cancer returned a few months later. In 2010, I became a patient at MD Anderson and a candidate for a stem cell transplant. I had the transplant in July 2010, worked hard to get back into good health and am living proof that people can survive and thrive after the fight.

I beat cancer by having the transplant and through the amazing support received from the team at MD Anderson. While the day-to-day management of getting healthy was a challenge, now looking back, it’s a blip in the rearview mirror. Because I feel so blessed to have such a successful outcome, it’s time to tell my story to give others hope and encouragement that they too can succeed. During my journey, a friend shared a phrase that I really like: ‘Every day is a gift; that is why they call it the present.’"

Promise invites cancer survivors to share their reflections. Email Promise@mdanderson.org.