It was not too long ago that pairing the word cancer with either survivor or veteran seemed like a contradiction in terms. When I was first diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease (now Hodgkin Lymphoma) 30 years ago, these terms were simply not a part of the cancer vocabulary.

“Last night’s Academy Awards got me thinking… On Being a Cancer Survivor, “Barbie Style”- America Ferrera’s monologue about womanhood in the movie “Barbie” nailed it for me.

A book review and personal thoughts from a fellow Hodgkin's survivor, Maria Sarath Ragucci.

I titled this article 'The Myth of Survivorship' to highlight the need for active participation in our lives rather than just surviving. I don't see myself as a survivor because it implies a passive role, as though I am a victim of disease and circumstances beyond my control.

I titled this article 'The Myth of Survivorship' to highlight the need for active participation in our lives rather than just surviving. I don't see myself as a survivor because it implies a passive role, as though I am a victim of disease and circumstances beyond my control.

I had the chance to attend Epic Experience, a life-changing adventure camp for adult cancer survivors, held in the Colorado Rockies, in July 2021. I had applied two years prior, and after submitting an application, medical records, and clearance from my doctor, I received confirmation that I would be attending in July 2020.

Lori contracted the Covid 19 virus (CV19) in 2021. Her initial symptoms included a low-grade fever and some chest tightness with breathing. She was transported and admitted to the hospital after calling 911 on day three of symptoms.

More than thirty years after radiation treatment–huge amounts of crudely aimed cobalt radiation to the mantle field–some serious late effects had come at me in full force, one after another.