Growing up, I was a curious, empathetic kid with an interest in biology. When I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma 2 months before I turned 15, those qualities shaped how I engaged with my care. I asked questions, wanted to understand what was happening in my body, and built strong relationships with my doctors and care team. I also grew up in a family culture that taught me my voice mattered and that advocating for myself was not only acceptable but important.
