Stories of Courage and Resilience

After an unexpected diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia, Cynthia Paine faced a bone marrow transplant, a cross-country move, and an uncertain future. Five years later, she shares how humor, movement, music, and a determination to find joy helped her build a new life after transplant.

Dan Davison was among the first people in the world to be diagnosed with VEXAS, a rare and life-threatening inflammatory disease, and the first known VEXAS patient to undergo a stem cell transplant. Today, after a successful transplant at Mayo Clinic, Dan is thriving and using his experience to help other patients navigate this complex disease and treatment journey.

Donna was living an active, adventurous life when a routine blood test led to a life-changing multiple myeloma diagnosis. Fourteen years later, after pioneering treatments, two CAR T-cell therapies, and unwavering determination, she's living proof of how far myeloma care has come.

Jonathan shares his journey through Hodgkin Lymphoma, the complexities of a stem cell transplant, and how he turned his medical crisis into a guide for others.

Beaudin Larrabee may seem like an ordinary baseball-loving teenager, but his life was transformed at age six by a diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia and a difficult journey through relapse and groundbreaking CAR T-cell therapies. Now more than five years cancer-free, he and his family share a story of resilience, uncertainty, and hope.

Blindsided by her diagnosis on her 60th birthday, a dedicated IT consultant left the career she loved and entered treatment overnight. Sustained by family, compassionate caregivers, and a young stem cell donor who saved her life, she emerged with hard-won acceptance and a new outlook: we’re going to be okay.

In the span of five years, Joe and Gayle were both diagnosed and transplanted. As both patients and care partners, they have lived both sides and have come through the experience stronger than ever. They remain in good health and appreciate each day.

What started as an unexplained decline in stamina during a period of personal loss quickly escalated into an aggressive cancer diagnosis. This story follows how rapid disease progression, pivotal treatment decisions, and access to an early CAR T-cell clinical trial ultimately changed the course of his illness and his future.

"In one day, your plans can do a 180,” Dave recalls, reflecting on his sudden leukemia diagnosis. Through a stem cell transplant and CAR T-cell therapy, he fought back and emerged cancer-free, discovering resilience and hope along the way.

Raised in a close-knit family in Mumbai and later building her own in America, Trupti leaned on the strength of her siblings, husband, and children to face not one, but two bone marrow transplants. Her story is one of resilience, family bonds, and finding joy in the little things even through the hardest battles.

After diagnosis, grueling treatments and GVHD, I never gave up and found strength in the struggle. Today I am happy to help others navigate treatment and recovery. “One’s ultimate destiny is not in our hands,” Dora Kunz

As we corresponded, we learned about each other and our families. Michael was in the age range of our children. It was as if I had a new relative, almost a new son. A blood twin.

After donating stem cells to her sister, Joy Underhill returns home carrying more than just a bag of hair—she carries hope. Along the way, past differences fade as the sisters rediscover connection in the face of illness. A quiet, powerful reflection on love, memory, and what we choose to hold on to.

I intentionally didn’t do a whole lot of reading about my prognosis or survival rates. I just trusted my health care team. I resolved to be a good patient and follow instructions and not introduce any information that might derail the process.

Crystal Shaw cared for her husband, Eric, and their family through his three transplants. They both have wonderful insights to share.

Gay Lynn Fox forgot who she was for three days during CAR T-cell treatment—but came back with a powerful story of survival. Her journey through relapse, memory loss, and miraculous recovery reveals the raw power of resilience and cutting-edge science.

Mom and son duo reflect on surviving a transplant and managing graft-versus-host disease as a young adult.

Veteran, firefighter, and transplant survivor Jim Finley, compares his Iraq War experiences with battling leukemia with a transplant.

Therapeutic musician Carolyn Brodginski and Zac Mirecki, stem cell transplant survivor, discuss The Power of Dulcimer Music During Recovery.

The longest-living bone marrow transplant survivor in the world, and her twin sister and bone marrow donor, Barb, discuss their history-making transplant in August 1960.

Stem cell transplant survivor explains his new role as an advocate for patients’ rights.

Peter Feinberg came through transplant and graft-versus-host disease, and shares what it took to regain his physically active life after treatment.

I never expected the medical community to do all the work – I did everything in my power to survive, including growing my own food, exercising, and becoming a partner with my doctor

"I never imagined a simple cheek swab would lead me to donate stem cells. I helped give others a second chance at life, and in the process, discovered just how powerful one act of kindness can be."

Growing up, I never saw sickle cell as an issue. I climbed trees, ran around barefoot, and played. I never used sickle cell as a crutch or as an excuse.

Hang in there, don't let it overwhelm you and don't look too far ahead.

Ecuadorian Onco-Psychologist Draws Strength from Her Patients During Transplant.

19+ years after being diagnosed with leukemia, author Rob Henslin tackled a transplant.

“My biggest moment of breakdown was when my dad picked me up from the hospital. I’d been holding it together so long that, when I got in the car, I just lost it. My dad said, ‘you saved up all your tears for me…thank you!’”

There is not a day that goes by that I don’t feel gratitude and appreciation to be here.