Graham I

My name’s Graham and I’m 19-years-old. I’m a huge cyclist and enjoy getting lost while riding my bike. I love to talk smack about professional soccer players and make fun of referee’s calls. I’m a die-hard Cubs fan. I love to learn new stuff especially when it is hands on. I’m starting school at UIC (University of Illinois at Chicago) to hopefully become a nurse. My passion for nursing didn’t stem from a family member or seeing someone at school. It was from my cancer diagnosis.

In June 2015, the end of my Sophomore year of High School, I was diagnosed with T-Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma. Nine months of intensive chemotherapy began immediately. Those nine months of treatment consisted of switching between home and the hospital (Lurie Children’s Hospital). Treatment as a 16-year-old at a Children’s Hospital for me was degrading, everywhere you look you see bubbles, cartoons, children’s toys, and bright colorful designs. While I am extremely grateful for the nurses, doctors, family, and friends who helped throughout such a challenging period in my life, from my perspective it was like throwing a teenager into daycare.

After the nine months of chemo was over, I began my journey back toward a normal life. Coming back to school after missing a year was difficult for me. The hardest part about being at school again was my maturity compared to my classmates. Going through cancer is an experience no one should ever have to go through, while it obviously changes you physically, mentally it matures you faster than you even notice. All I can say is when people complain about homework, breaking up with someone, or having to get up early I’m just thinking in my head “what have you gone through”. It took me awhile to adjust back to the norms of socializing.

Going back to my time in treatment, I met one of my favorite doctors. From there on out, whenever I saw her we would always talk about Adolescent and Young Adult Programs (AYA). Since I was going through this experience as an adolescent and her being a doctor with years of experience, we were the perfect team; always throwing ideas out there, thinking of ways we could improve patients going through the same reality as me

As a survivor who finished treatment and is remission, I look forward to using my experience to help others going through the same thing. I’ve already had the opportunity to join a board that helps current patients and survivors. My hope is that I can create a patient council at the hospital where I was treated for survivors and patients to collaborate with each other to improve the experience for current and future Adolescents and Young Adults.