What kind of music do you love, and who are some of your favorite artists or bands?
I am a very open minded individual as far as music goes. My favorite genres are rap, hip hop, and jazz. Bands, such as the Gorillaz, have inspired me to want to create music. My favorite Gorillaz song is Clint Eastwood. Another musical group I love is called US3, and they were active during the early 90s. US 3 mixed hip hop and jazz together perfectly, and it makes my soul jive.
What was your relationship with music like before your cancer diagnosis?
From the time I first heard music I fell in love. I have a knack for recalling lyrics. As a child I listened to music of various genres all the time. Music was, in a way, a friend to me as it brought the culture of school more social. Music was a big influence in high school years, and students were not afraid to represent the bands they love. From Snoop Dogg to Brittney Spears, we all have open ears.
Can you share a little bit about your cancer story?
At the age of 8, in July of 1999, I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (A.L.L.), blood cancer. I was immediately put into the process of treatment and medications. I am an extrovert, meaning I love to socialize, so being confined to my house was a struggle. I was not allowed to leave my house due to low blood cell counts. I went through a year and a half of chemotherapy, and then went into remission. Unfortunately, in 2002 I relapsed with A.L.L. and was put through the chemotherapy process again. While I had a difficult time, the quality of care I received was fantastic. I received intense treatments at UCLA Hospital. During my cancer battles, I found myself obtaining various hobbies to help pass the time and feel less alone. I love doing artwork, making jewelry, and writing. Sadly, in 2006, at the age of 16, I relapsed a second time with A.L.L. and was sent to UCLA Hospital to start chemotherapy and radiation treatments for three months. Then, I received a bone marrow transplant from the cells of an umbilical cord.
During my bone marrow transplant, I was infected with encephalitis, swelling of the brain. It wiped my memory. I could not recognize my own mother. Luckily, over time, I began to recall my childhood, but I now had short-term memory loss. Everyday I forget what happened the previous day. Yet, oddly enough, I can remember music lyrics, so my relationship with music became more personal.
Unfortunately, at the age of 26, in 2016, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. After some intense medical treatments, I was given a thyroidectomy, so my thyroid was removed. One’s thyroid controls her/his emotions. Therefore, without a thyroid, I struggle emotionally. Thankfully, music brings me peace. On top of bringing me peace, it helped me during my scholastic journey to obtain a Master’s Degree in Public Administration. Due to having short-term memory loss, schooling was tough, but I utilized rhyming with my school notes to better recall information. I would make poems and songs to help me recall. While my memory of what I learned is foggy, I can still say, thanks to rhyming and music, I obtained a Master’s Degree.
As blessings rained down upon me, I became actively involved with an amazing nonprofit called Teen Cancer America. Teen Cancer America is amazing and does amazing things for children and teens battling cancer. Teen Cancer America got me involved in their Play it Back program, where I work with Kinley Mattus in creating songs. Kinley is amazing, and makes me feel respected and worthwhile. Thank you Teen Cancer America.
Did your experience with cancer change your relationship with music in any way?
Music became my soulmate. I fail to remember the simplest of things, but music always pulls through. Music helps me emotionally cope, relate to others, and overcome memory barriers I face. Music is amazing.
What led you to join Play It Back, and what are you hoping to get out of the experience?
In today’s world, the opportunity to connect, make friendships, and bonds has become very difficult. Joining Play it Back helps me feel like I’m a part of something bigger than just sitting at home alone. I have already obtained my hopes and goals. I want to create, relate, and navigate the road ahead, while maintaining a close kinship with Play it Back. Thank you Kinley.
If you had to describe the kind of music you make or want to make, how would you describe it?
I tend to make rap music, but I would love to create something with a jazz vibe to it. Jazz displays cultural arrays of music. It seems as though Jazz is less constrained to a specific style, but instead a specific mindset.
Anything else you want to share?
Thanks to Teen Cancer America, I was able to meet some fantastic rappers, and it was awesome. I was able to meet Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa, which blew me away. Thank you Teen Cancer America!