A Tale of Two Worlds: Emily’s Story of Survival
Today is National Cancer Survivors Day and in celebration, we are bringing you the survivorship story of 2013 Ambassador Emily, who was diagnosed with osteosarcoma as a 16-year-old. Now nearing five years cancer free, she’s a huge advocate for kids’ cancer research. She wants to see all kids with cancer leave the childhood cancer world behind — for good. Read on for more about Emily, her treatment and its effects, and what it’s like to be a survivor.
Emily in 2013, during her treatment for cancer (left) and Emily last month (right) in New York City, which she’s made her home after graduating from New York University.
Emily lives in two worlds.
In one, she just graduated from New York University, is cruising the Adriatic Sea over the summer, and snagged her dream job in television production.
The other world is different.
18-Year-Old Cancer Fighter Gives Back by ‘Painting the Town Gold’
When Todd Schultz shaved with St. Baldrick’s in 2013, he had no idea that just a few months later he’d be diagnosed with kids’ cancer. Read on for more about Todd’s diagnosis and how he’s raising awareness, plus vital dollars for research, as the founder of a St. Baldrick’s non-profit partner — Painting the Town Gold.
Todd Schultz is the 18-year-old founder of the St. Baldrick’s partner Painting the Town Gold.
Two weeks before his diagnosis, Todd Schultz was on the football field. The 13-year-old was a linebacker — strong, fit and ready to do what it took to keep the other team from stopping the ball.
He was lifting weights to get even stronger and acting as the umpire at kids’ baseball games. His hair was just growing back after shaving it with St. Baldrick’s in honor of a little girl he knew who was diagnosed with children’s cancer.
Todd was healthy, with his freshman year of high school just around the corner.
Then everything changed.
‘Our Own Little Valentine’s Day’: Ambassador Sarah’s Wedding Story
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, your favorite lovebirds are back — 2012 Ambassador Sarah and her honey Patrick. You remember how it all began, almost 10 years ago — boy meets girl, girl fights cancer with boy by her side, boy pops the question. Now read on for the happiest of happy endings.
Photos courtesy of Chelsie Darling Photography
Patrick and I tied the knot on October 29, 2016. It started like any other good day, with Starbucks and reflection.
I kept thinking, ‘I am about to marry the man who had loved me through it all — through long distances, relapse, transplant, recovery, and finishing my degree. He has never failed to love me.’
I had no fears about our marriage standing the test of time, because we had already been through so much together. Our wedding day had been more than nine years in the making – and what a day it was!
Moving On From Cancer: The Challenges Adolescent and Young Adult Survivors Face
Being a teen or young adult can be tough. Being a teen or young adult who has survived cancer is even tougher. Read on for more about the unique challenges adolescent and young adult (AYA) survivors face, and how a St. Baldrick’s researcher is reaching out to help.
Psychologist Dr. Lisa Schwartz and a patient look at the health app that she’s using in her texting intervention study.
The teenage and young adult years are a time of discovery, a time to map out one’s identity, and to stretch into what could be. Those years are a coming-of-age dance, with a side of hormones, prom dates, and boundary pushing.
Sometimes it’s a little awkward, and maybe filled with more than a few mistakes. But as much as some of us wanted to skip right over them, those years are crucial.
But what happens when cancer is thrown into the mix?
That already rough developmental period gets rockier.
‘My One Ticket to Live On’: How a Clinical Trial Saved Mitch Carbon’s Life
Like most college freshmen, Mitch Carbon is excited to be getting a fresh start. But unlike his peers, just two years ago, he didn’t think he’d live to see this day. Read on for more of Mitch’s story and the clinical trial that saved his life — all made possible by YOU.
When Mitch Carbon was a junior in high school, he was preparing to die.
A Balancing Act: An Update on Kate Foster
Two years ago we brought you the incredible story of Kate Foster, who was just getting back to the gym after surviving childhood cancer. Now she’s 17 and still competing in gymnastics — all while keeping up top grades, applying to colleges, and advocating for kids with cancer. Read Kate’s story in her own words below.
When I was 8 years old I started competitive gymnastics and it quickly became my life.
A Heartfelt Goodbye to Two Board Members
Today marks the end of an era for Joe Bartlett and Chuck Chamness as they complete their terms on our board of directors. Read 2012 Ambassador Sarah’s heartfelt letter thanking them for all the hard work they’ve dedicated to kids with cancer.
Joe Bartlett (left) and Chuck Chamness hold their goodbye gifts at their final St. Baldrick’s board meeting.
Dear Mr. Bartlett and Mr. Chamness,
I want to thank you for all you have done as members of the St. Baldrick’s Foundation’s board of directors.
My Cousin Has Cancer, But She Will Not Fight Alone
For Maddie Messner, family comes first. So when she heard the news that her cousin, Allie, was diagnosed with a rare form of sarcoma, Maddie knew she had to do something to help. Read on to see how Maddie has decided to “rally for Allie,” and how Allie inspired her along the way.
Cousins Allie (left) and Maddie share a very close friendship.
My cousins and sisters are my best friends.
The 11 of us call ourselves “the cousin clan.” Growing up, we did everything together: sleepovers, parties, road trips. I even shared a dorm room with my one of my cousins all through college.
Dear Mom, Thank You for Always Being There for Me
2012 Ambassador Sarah’s childhood cancer journey was nothing less than difficult. But through it all, she had the constant support from her mom. Read Sarah’s sweet letter to her mom for Mother’s Day.
Sarah was diagnosed with biphenotypic leukemia in August 2003.
Dear Mom,
Where do I even begin to thank you for all you have given and done for me? To be honest, it’s a little daunting.
We Survived Together: A Letter to My Mom on Mother’s Day
2013 Ambassador Emily is living it up in the Big Apple as a student at New York University. Meanwhile, her mom is on the other side of the country in California. Despite the distance, Emily made sure her mom is feeling loved for Mother’s Day — read Emily’s touching letter below.
Emily and her mom have a close relationship.
Dear Mom,
First off, happy Mother’s Day! I love you so much, which I hope you already know. I hope you can understand how difficult it is for me to write this letter because you (and Dad and Max) mean more to me than everything in the world.
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