Inspirational Stories

Stories collected by Rita Putnam and Maranda Myrick

Sean Swarner's Story

Sean was diagnosed with two completely different types of cancer, once at the age of 13 with advanced stage IV Hodgkin's lymphoma and again at the age of 16 with Askin's sarcoma where he was given fourteen days to live...

On May 16, 2002, at the age of 27, Sean became the first cancer survivor to reach Mount Everest's summit...

Read Sean's story

Piotr Kolodziej's Story

Living with leukemia for the last six years, 13-year-old Piotr discovered a hidden talent for painting that has given him comfort and purpose through long treatments and hospital stays.

Read Piotr's story

James Kay's Story

One day in February of 2005, an 11-year-old James was diagnosed with a form of Ewing's sarcoma...

James has become the second-leading tackler for Montgomery Bell Academy..."If you really love something, pursue it with everything you've got," James says

Read James's story

Sarah Cook's Story

Sarah Cook, initially diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma at the age of 8, relapsed seven years later, has feared that she'd drop the Olympic torch when walking 300 metres along St. Denis in Montreal because of the cancer drugs that make her toes and fingers numb.

"...I was upset, but I wouldn't let this ruin my life. I was just like, fine, I'll beat it again," Sarah says.

Read Sara's story

Jarrett Mynear's Story

Jarrett was diagnosed with cancer six times from two years old until he succumbed to the disease at age 13. As a result of his treatment and rehabilitation, Jarrett spent a lot of time in hospitals...

As a patient himself, Jarrett knew that being in the hospital is scary and lonely. He also realized the importance of knowing that someone else was thinking about you as well. Jarrett’s goal in starting the Joy Cart was to bring excitement and joy into every child’s hospital stay.

Read Jarrett's story

Diana Garcia's Story

Diana was 11 when she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Diana is now an intern in the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, giving back to the organization that helped her through her illness.

Read Diana's Story

Riley Philpot's Story

Riley was diagnosed with a Wilm's Tumor in May 2006. Through her treatments Riley has played soccer whenever her platelet levels were high enough for her to get a green light.

Read Riley's Story

Dustan Colyer's Story

Dustan at age of 6 was diagnosed with Wilms' tumor in 2000. In November 2005 Dustan's tumor recurred...

It's mid-May and the members of Plainwell metal/hard rock band KAOS Redeemed -- drummer Dustan Colyer, bassist Zach Blett, guitarist/vocalist Sean Griffin and guitarist Aaron Ringo -- are practicing in the small room dotted with posters of such rock legends as Slash, and a sign reading, "Warning: Only heavy metal music allowed on these premises."

Read Dustan's Story

Miranda Berry's Story

Twelve year old Miranda Berry wrote and illustrated her first book - "The Elements'' in the 4th grade. The story's a fantasy, an escape from the troubles of the real world.

Listen to Miranda's story

John Challis 's Story

John was diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma, or liver-lung cancer, in 2006… He had been begging the coach to put him in… “You’ll get killed out there,” Scott (John’s father) told him… But John made an argument to which his father had no rebuttal. “Dad, I’ve got cancer,” he said. “What else could happen to me?”…

Read John's story

WHY?

Why in my brain?
It caused me so much pain.
Why in my head?
Perhaps somewhere else instead.
Why in my brain?
We tried a fluid drain.

I just want to walk like you.
I’ve had enough now, haven’t you too?

Poem from Sophie Pollock who lost her battle with cancer in 2007.

Things you can do on Difficult Days

Talk about the child who has died.
Write a letter to him/her.
Eat his/her favourite food.
Watch a video of him/her.
Wear one of his/her clothes like a scarf.
Light a candle.
Look at photos.
Listen to his/her favourite music.
Visit the grave.
Cry, laugh, scream.
Release a balloon with a message.

Some tips for parents and siblings.

What’s the Point?

What’s the point of eyes,
If you’re not here to see?
What’s the point of ears,
If you cannot hear me?
Every sense on my body,
Useless as a broken toy,
What’s the point of beauty,
If you cannot enjoy?

Cry of a parent - by JK.