I knew something was off with my body for over five years before I finally discovered I had cancer. I experienced unexplained weight gain, inflammation, hormone imbalances, thyroid nodules, night sweats, skin issues, high anxiety, and anemia. Eventually, my doctor sent me to a hematologist for my anemia, who also happened to be an oncologist. He ran some tests and sent me for a CT scan — that’s when they found a 26cm mass in my abdomen, with tumors also on my spleen, liver, and lungs.

On February 3, 2023, at 29 years old, I was diagnosed with stage 4 adrenal cortical carcinoma — a one-in-a-million, extremely aggressive cancer. I was told I had 12–18 months. I began treatment right away. I started with chemotherapy to try to shrink the tumor, but it didn’t work. I was told surgery wasn’t an option, but I got a second opinion — and they removed the tumor, along with multiple organs and part of my diaphragm. I’ve also done radiation, multiple chemo combinations, immunotherapy, and a clinical trial.

Most recently, my treatment protocol has kept things stable with only mild progression. I also integrated natural treatments like high-dose vitamin C and localized hyperthermia, which have improved my energy and helped shrink some tumors. It’s hard to afford all of it, and balancing the cost, appointments, and recovery while working part-time has been incredibly tough. But I’m still showing up for my life and doing my best to heal.

LifeList Wish:

1. Pilates classes
2. Fall exercise course

Hello, my name is Sara and I was officially diagnosed with synovial sarcoma on April 17, 2025, at the age of 24. I noticed a mass on my upper right thigh near my groin back in December of 2024 but ignored it, thinking it wasn’t serious. The mass suddenly became twice the size in March of 2025, and I decided to get it checked.

I’m an ER tech and was working the night shift. By the end of my shift, I was limping in pain, so I asked one of the doctors to take a look. He ordered imaging, and I remember sitting on the side of the bed thinking it wasn’t a big deal — it felt funny being a patient. After the images came back, the doctor told me it looked very similar to sarcoma.

I stayed in the hospital a few more days and was told to follow up with a cancer specialist. Thankfully, I was able to see a sarcoma oncologist quickly and start treatment. The plan is four rounds of chemotherapy and 25 rounds of radiation, followed by surgery to remove the tumor. After surgery, I’ll go through three more rounds of chemotherapy to help kill any remaining cancer cells.

Sara’s LifeList:

1. Help buying a new refrigerator

I was already managing Crohn’s disease when I started feeling even more exhausted and unwell than usual. It was shortly after Christmas in 2015, and I was 27 years old. My doctor noticed my white blood cell count was extremely high and scheduled a bone marrow biopsy. That’s when I was told I had cancer — and given a prescription that didn’t take my Crohn’s into account. I left that appointment feeling dismissed and overwhelmed.

I decided to get a second opinion at a cancer center. That was the first and only appointment my parents attended with me. When the oncologist confirmed my diagnosis and offered a treatment plan that truly considered my needs, I finally felt seen. But after that day, I’ve navigated this journey on my own — handling appointments, treatment, and finding resources by myself. It’s been a long road, but I’ve stayed on top of it. Cancer is just another diagnosis I manage — like all the others — with strength and determination.

Shemeka’s LifeList:

1. A trip

I was 34 years old when my world turned upside down. I was at the public pool with my family, having a normal day, when I jumped into the water and couldn’t catch my breath. I’d noticed my breathing had been off for a while, but this time it was serious. I went to the hospital thinking it might be asthma — but scans revealed a mass, and I was admitted for emergency surgery and a tracheostomy. After testing, I was diagnosed with stage IV squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx — cancer of the voice box.

Since then, I’ve undergone the maximum amount of chemotherapy and radiation. Most recently, I had a total laryngectomy and received a prosthesis. Recovery has included skin grafts, throat reconstruction, and upcoming physical therapy. It’s been a lot to take in — especially for someone who always felt strong and healthy. This diagnosis came out of nowhere. But I keep going, for my daughter, my fiancée Yesenia, and the life I’m still determined to live.

Cody’s LifeList:

1. A trip with his famiy

My name is Agustin, and I’m 36 years old. I went to the ER in early April 2025 because of a headache that wouldn’t go away. I was getting ready to travel for work and figured I’d be sent home with some antibiotics. I never expected to hear the word “cancer,” but after lab work, the doctor came into the room and told me I needed to call someone because I was being transferred to another hospital. I was alone when I was diagnosed, and it didn’t feel real. My wife came right away, and I was taken to a specialized hospital for more testing.

A few days later, I was told I had acute myeloid leukemia. My life changed in an instant. Since then, I’ve completed three rounds of chemotherapy and just finished the third cycle on June 30, 2025. I’m currently waiting to see if one of my siblings is a match for a stem cell transplant and will find out soon if I’ll need a fourth round of chemo.

Agustin’s LifeList:

1. New mattress

I was diagnosed with bladder cancer in October 2024. At first, I had two small procedures to remove tumors from my bladder — one in November and another in January. Unfortunately, they weren’t successful, and the cancer kept coming back stronger. I was told I’d need to have my bladder removed and start using a urostomy bag for the rest of my life.

In February 2025, I had the surgery to remove my bladder. Recovery was tough — I ended up staying in the hospital for two weeks because my body wasn’t responding well. A few weeks later, I found out I would also need chemotherapy and immunotherapy to help get rid of the remaining cancer cells.
I’m currently still in treatment, undergoing both chemo and immunotherapy. This experience has changed so much in my life — from how I move and stand to how much I can do with my two little girls. Not being able to play with them the way I used to has been one of the hardest parts.

Alfred’s LifeList:

1. New furniture

On October 8, 2024, I was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. It changed everything in an instant. Since then, my treatment has included multiple rounds of chemotherapy, blood and platelet transfusions, lumbar punctures, and bone marrow biopsies. The physical toll has been intense — I’ve experienced hair loss, memory issues, anxiety attacks, early menopause, and was newly diagnosed with diabetes. My immune system is fragile, so hospital visits are restricted. I often can’t walk or even get dressed without help. Eating is difficult, and I’ve missed out on countless family gatherings and holidays.

Right now, I’m starting my third cycle of immunotherapy. My doctors delayed this round because of concerns about memory changes — they’ve done a lumbar puncture and an MRI to check whether the treatment or the leukemia is affecting my brain. I still have another cycle ahead and two more bone marrow biopsies before we know what comes next.

Being a young adult with cancer means never having the time to fully process what’s happening. From the moment you’re diagnosed, you’re launched into treatment — flight mode kicks in and everything becomes a blur. But through all of it, I’ve tried to hold on to hope. I miss my family, especially my nephew, who was born just a month before I was diagnosed. I dream of doing something fun and meaningful with them again.

Mia’s LifeList:

1. Meet the Broncos cheerleaders

2. Tickets to take her family to a Broncos game

In June 2021, I began experiencing frequent headaches, but I didn’t think much of it until August 1, when the pain became unbearable and I blacked out. I was rushed to the hospital, where I had to be resuscitated and was later diagnosed with hydrocephalus caused by a tumor in my brain. Emergency surgery saved my life, and I spent weeks recovering before being released just days before my 18th birthday. For several years, I underwent regular MRIs with no changes—until July 2024, when a new formation appeared. A microbiopsy confirmed I have a low-grade glioma with a V600 mutation, and I began oral chemotherapy treatment. The journey has been overwhelming and exhausting, with side effects including fatigue, fevers, and emotional stress. Despite everything, I’m trying to stay positive and keep moving forward.

Andrea’s LifeList:

1. Still deciding

I was diagnosed in October of 2024, a month before my 32nd birthday. We found the cancer by a pure fluke—I was having pain in my right lower quadrant with nausea and vomiting. My wife thought it was my appendix and took me to our local ER. After a CT scan, they told me I had a mass in my colon and multiple lesions in my liver. Days later, I was at a major cancer center. Not even a week later, they confirmed it was cancer. I met with an oncologist and began chemotherapy.

In February, a radiologist thought they saw a suspicious lesion on my spine. My oncologist ordered a bone scan, and it showed metastases along my spine and at the base of my skull. Most recently, I was hospitalized due to weakness in my left hand. My care team now believes the cancer has spread to my brain, and I’m scheduled for an MRI with contrast to confirm.

Tyler’s LifeList:

1. A pop up pool