What kind of music do you love, and who are some of your favorite artists or bands? I love so much music! Soul, Americana, Rock, Folk, and Country are some of my favorite soundscapes. The Avett Brothers’ song “No Hard Feelings” had a major impact on my cancer journey. It helped me cry, face my own death, and let go. What was your relationship with music like before your cancer diagnosis? I always loved music! I started learning guitar in the hospital and writing songs after my diagnosis. I’d always wanted to try, but never made time for it. Learning guitar, writing songs and singing truly helped me heal. Can you share a little bit about your cancer story? I was diagnosed when I was 29 with bone cancer. I was very afraid. I became determined to live. I went through about a year of treatments – in-patient IV chemotherapy and surgery – and re-learned how to walk! Did your experience with cancer change your relationship with music? Writing songs and singing helped ease my pain and fear of death. Learning guitar gave me something to focus on. What led you to join Play It Back, and what are you hoping to get out of the experience? Play It Back is the best! Kenli is an absolutely amazing human being, I love spending time with him. It’s also been so fun to connect with other young adults on similar journeys. If you had to describe the kind of music you want to make (or already make), how would you describe it? I want to put my heart and soul into my songs and hopefully give people a place to feel. My goal is to share my music with folks in person and through all the other ways in order to hopefully make a positive impact with my life. Anything else you want to share? Fun facts, random thoughts, secret talents — we’re all ears. I’m releasing a new record this fall called “Nothing Lasts Forever” !
What kind of music do you love, and who are some of your favorite artists or bands? My favorite music is oldies, pop, punk, rock, and alternative.
Some of my favorite songs are:
Silence – Marshmello (feat. Khalid)
Love Like Winter – AFI
The Diary of Jane – Breaking Benjamin
Fighting Myself – Linkin Park
Simple and Clean – Hikaru Utada
Hold the Line – Toto What was your relationship with music like before your cancer diagnosis? I use to write songs in high school but didn’t ever sing or perform them. Music has been a way a life line for me, I am a very introspective person and music helps me express feelings and emotions so beautiful. I often dance around while listening to my favorite jams. Cancer hasn’t changed my feelings on music it is a way to connect with my body and help bridge people together, especially great for making aya cancer pals. Can you share a little bit about your cancer story? I had to fight for a diagnosis, in 2017 after many months of emergency visits, doctors appointments, much chest pain and soo much medical gaslighting I was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma stage 3 AX. I started my first of twelve chemotherapy treatments on September 11 2017…yaaa… I have been in remission since August 2018. I have become a bigger advocate of young adult cancer and I have volunteered with multiple aya cancer organizations for the last three years. Did your experience with cancer change your relationship with music? I think much hasn’t changed with me and music but after cancer I have been so much more appreciative of music. What led you to join Play It Back, and what are you hoping to get out of the experience? I joined after joining a Play It Back experience and thought ohhh a challenge, I like trying out things out of my comfort zone but also still having some control so I thought okay I can do this and well I can and have been. As I stated above I use to write songs and never really thought much about singing or performing but hoping this experience helps me build my courage in my singing and courage in life in general. If you had to describe the kind of music you want to make (or already make), how would you describe it? I have been working on two songs both are very much me and the kind of music I listen to. I think the best description of the songs are punk..they have a angsty angle to them. Anything else you want to share? Hmmm I am kinda a open book…but shy book
I love libraries
I am a only child
I was crowned queen of my 8th grade class at end of the year dance
I am a first generation college graduate
I once was in a newspaper, it was for a egg hunt..I was the dark haired blur running for eggs lol
What kind of music do you love, and who are some of your favorite artists or bands? I really like folk music and folk rock. Some of my favorite artists include Bob Dylan,
Simon and Garfunkel, and James Taylor. I like listening to music from the 60’s and 70’s
because of the authenticity of the instruments and because there are many songs with
messages that still resonate today What was your relationship with music like before your cancer diagnosis? I always liked music when I was younger, I did take some guitar lessons and I sang a few
choir performances between church and school, but it was never a main focus in my life
like it became after my diagnosis. Can you share a little bit about your cancer story? I was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma when I was 16, I was treated at Sloan Kettering in
NY where I received Chemotherapy, radiation, and multiple rib resection surgeries. When I
was 17 I had a second unrelated diagnosis of Spindle Cell Sarcoma which was found in my
heart during routine scans and required open heart surgery. I am doing better now in my
20’s and other than a yearly checkup I have no further treatments planned. Did your experience with cancer change your relationship with music in any way? After my diagnosis I was looking to find a new normal, and I ended up taking a college
class for guitar. I really liked it, and it has been a big part of my life since. I mostly play
fingerstyle acoustic guitar, and I enjoy both learning cover songs and writing my own songs
where I can play guitar and sing. What led you to join Play It Back, and what are you hoping to get out of the experience? I initially joined Play it Back because I had started to record some of my cover and
original songs, and I saw that this looked like a great program to help people like me get
their songs recorded. Since I joined, I have learned a lot about music and the recording
process, and it has also been great experience getting to meet some of the fellow artists in
the program who all have their own unique styles. If you had to describe the kind of music you make or want to make, how would you describe it? I would describe the music that I make as folk rock that is anchored by slightly
melancholic fingerstyle acoustic guitar sound. I like for most of the songs that I write to
have some meaning that is both relatable to me personally and to anyone who may be
listening to it. I also like the idea of writing songs where no two are the same, and they don’t
have to belong to a single genre or formula. Anything else you want to share? I got my bachelor’s degree in mathematics, and I’m currently working as a math tutor. In
addition to music, I also enjoy watching sports like Baseball and Football.
What kind of music do you love, and who are some of your favorite artists or bands? I’m a big fan of pop music and radio hits, but I also have been a lifelong fan of musical theater. Some of my favorite artists that inspire me are Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran. What was your relationship with music like before your cancer diagnosis? I have been singing for my entire life. Some of my earliest memories are singing songs with my mom over and over again, singing in choir from elementary school through high school, participating in some musicals at school, and being a part of show choir and an acapella group in high school. Music has always been a huge part of my life, listening to music and singing gives me so much serotonin. I have never been a runner, but I imagine it’s what a “runners high” feels like 😂 Can you share a little bit about your cancer story? I was diagnosed in late summer 2024 with a rare blood cancer called High Risk Myelodysplastic Syndrome with Excess Blasts. This is a cancer normally seen in the older population and is uncommon in my age (diagnosed right after turning 31). This was a huge shock, and terrifying as a mama of a then 2 and 4 year old. I went through 3 rounds of outpatient chemotherapy and then was admitted for a bone marrow transplant in January 2025. I had a really tough time with transplant, but am doing much better now as I recover and try to find my new normal. I am so thankful and grateful to be home with my babies and get to watch them grow up! Did your experience with cancer change your relationship with music in any way? Music has definitely helped me cope through my cancer diagnosis. I listened to the same songs on repeat right after diagnosis that I felt very connected to, and that helped me try and get some perspective on the situation. I was unable to sing for a while during and after transplant due to severe mucositis, and now being able to sing again makes me feel like I’m myself again. What led you to join Play It Back, and what are you hoping to get out of the experience? I met a fellow play it back artist via posting about my cancer journey on tiktok. She lives in the same state as me, and we originally connected due to getting treatment at the same hospital. It wasn’t until later that I found out about teen cancer America from her, and then play it back! Having cancer and then finding the play it back program has really helped me recognize how big of a dream creating music is for me. It always has been my dream to be a singer and to create, and now I realize this is my opportunity to go for it! I have never had the confidence to pursue this dream in the past… but getting a cancer diagnosis has a way of changing your perspective. Time is limited, you never know what is going to happen, so it has given me motivated and made me want to give this my all. I feel so lucky to have found this program. It has brought me so much joy already, and my sessions with Kenli are one of my highlights of my week! If you had to describe the kind of music you make or want to make, how would you describe it? My main interest is in creating pop music. I love when a song has meaningful words or a message, but also makes you want to groove along and dance!
What kind of music do you love, and who are some of your favorite artists or bands? I love music that tells a story and has a lot going on instrument wise! I enjoy all genres from nu metal to gospel. My favorites are Korn, Gorillaz, Casting Crowns, and Selena (Quintanilla-Perez AND Gomez). What was your relationship with music like before your cancer diagnosis? I started writing music back in the days of Hannah Montana because I wanted to be Hannah Montana when I grew up. I never stopped wherever life took me, specifically writing about where life took me. I wrote music, made posters, album covers, and practiced with a few bands during my life. Can you share a little bit about your cancer story? I was diagnosed with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia during my 28th week of pregnancy with my son. I was able to safely deliver a healthy baby in between chemo rounds. Each recovery period in between rounds always brought complications. These experiences have inspired me to raise awareness for how leukemia affects young adults on social media. Did your experience with cancer change your relationship with music? I was really intimidated by the amount of paperwork I received before my first blood transfusion. I asked for some time to just sing. The song lyrics became my prayers. When I lost the strength to sing, I drew the lyrics. When I lost the strength to draw them, I could read them hanging up on my hospital room walls. What led you to join Play It Back, and what are you hoping to get out of the experience? Music was my first form of coping with my diagnosis/treatment. I have a lot of songs about cancer to get out of my head and on paper, but I also enjoy the time to just be creative and record whatever comes to mind in that instant. If you had to describe the kind of music you want to make (or already make), how would you describe it? I started within the nu metal genre and then transitioned more into electronic/dance after listening to Selena Gomez’s “Bluest Flame”. Most of my lyrics have one strong/thought provoking line that work the best with that genre’s format as compared to others. Anything else you want to share? Not to brag but I can pick up and play any instrument. So far the only one I can’t really pick up are drums.
This secret talent has provided the most fun for me when experimenting with music and allows me to connect with so many other musicians.
What kind of music do you love, and who are some of your favorite artists or bands? I love alternative rock most, but with some folk and indie roots. I like catchy songs with clever lyrics. I’m a fan of Cage The Elephant, Twenty One Pilots, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, and Young the Giant.
But I will note that it was Twenty One Pilots who ultimately inspired me to begin writing, and creating, as well as pursuing my dream. What was your relationship with music like before your cancer diagnosis? I was actively playing shows with my old band “Grey Flower” and we were writing lots of songs and even put out a full album called Ten Colors. But when I found out about the cancer and how much it had spread, and being told about my dismal chances, I felt it was best to disband and so we parted ways but still remain friends to this day, 67 rounds of chemo later. Can you share a little bit about your cancer story? So I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colorectal Cancer a little over 3 years ago. It started with just a stomach ache that wouldn’t go away, so I went to the doctor, one thing led to another and a colonoscopy was ordered.
But when they attempted to insert the smallest camera, we found out there was a large tumor growing around my colon which obstructed the camera and my bowel movements. Emergency surgery the following week to get all the cancerous lymph nodes out and remove the tumor. The surgery went great, but it is seemingly more usual to do chemo first and then a surgery, but in my case it couldn’t wait.
Because of that fact it’s been more difficult to get all of the cancerous spots because the surgery left many that are practically undetectable until they grow enough to cause pain and become a threat.
I’ve had to endure several major surgeries, even a spine surgery as another tumor was forming on my spine and was going to paralyze me if not operated on soon, so we did the surgery and it was over 12 hours long.
Ive been through hell over and over and over again. I came close to death a few times over the years and even had to write my will in a hospital bed after a bad stint with fistulas. It’s been so much pain, more than I ever thought possible for someone to endure. But I keep bouncing back because my spirit has grown stronger and stronger and I will not lose faith. The cancer has definitely reshaped my life, but it will never get my spirit! Did your experience with cancer change your relationship with music in any way? Yes it almost felt like at some points music felt like a cold drink of water in the middle of a desert. I just needed it to survive. To not give up. To keep fighting. What led you to join Play It Back, and what are you hoping to get out of the experience? I was encouraged by my family and my aunt had some connections that got me linked up with Kenli Mattus! I’m hoping to get recording and studio experience as well as help in improving my songwriting, and learning when to overthink it and when not to. If you had to describe the kind of music you make or want to make, how would you describe it? It’s funny, I like to tell people my genre of music I’m trying to make is called “Outlaw Folk Rock” it’s like a mix between alt-rock, folk, and some indie roots Anything else you want to share? Just so everyone knows… I’m not shy ;)
Also I’m learning to train with a Katana everyday and how to do the different defensive and offensive techniques. It’s also a great workout.
What kind of music do you love, and who are some of your favorite artists or bands? I generally lean towards heavier music such as rock and metal but I’ve been known to listen to pop, rap and even classical music. My favorite bands are Korn and Mastodon. Other artists I have loved are Lana Del Rey, Charli xcx, 90s rock music such as Alice in Chains and Pearl Jam. The list would be endless if I named everyone I liked. What was your relationship with music like before your cancer diagnosis? Before my cancer diagnosis music was just a means of escape or being able to relate to someone else going through the same things I have been through. Can you share a little bit about your cancer story? I was diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2023. I began to start chemo treatment later that year but got really sick from it. I already had an infection but it got worse in my hip so they had to remove the hip and now I walk with just crutches. In 2025 I was declared NED (No evidence of disease) but we are going to keep a close eye on it and monitor it. Did your experience with cancer change your relationship with music in any way? I would say that it did. I found this program that enabled me to connect to music in a deeper way and changed the way I listen to music and eventually create my own music. What led you to join Play It Back, and what are you hoping to get out of the experience? A patient advocate at my hospital gave me a list of organizations and Play It Back was on it. She suggested it after me mentioning how much I liked music. I’m just hoping to connect to other patients, survivors and advocates and help grow and represent the organization on a bigger scale. I really love and support this program. If you had to describe the kind of music you make or want to make, how would you describe it? I can’t really describe it. The genre, vibe and type of music I make is entirely different with each song. Whatever helps represent the lyrics in the best possible way is how I end up choosing the kind of music I make. Anything else you want to share? I love this program and I think anyone with even a general interest in music should read more on it and possibly join. We have lots of fun on Music Monday’s and we make our own music (even if you never made a song ever in your life). I hope this information helps you and no matter where you are at in your journey, just know you are not alone. There are many of us going through the same thing and we love to support each other.
What kind of music do you love, and who are some of your favorite artists or bands? I have a very eclectic taste in music. The artists that stay in rotation are in the Neo-Soul, R&B/Soul, Alternative Rock, and Electronic genres. What was your relationship with music like before your cancer diagnosis? Growing up I saw music as a vessel for uplifting mood, celebrating a milestone, or passing the time while completing household chores. I can recall making playlists by recording songs from the radio on cassettes, cds, or even playing around with computer programs that incorporated ways to create music or use characters to do so (I loved “The Sims”). I have to say music is serving as that vessel till this day! Can you share a little bit about your cancer story? In 2005, at the age of 16 I was diagnosed with Stage III – Ovarian Cancer. Being personally impacted by a cancer diagnosis while “coming of age” has been a difficult road to navigate during survivorship. However, my experiences have been the catalyst for much of the work I do as an advocate for AYA Cancer Survivorship. I hope that my efforts will make a difference for other fighters and survivors aging through transitions of care – so they can live the best life they deserve. What led you to join Play It Back, and what are you hoping to get out of the experience? I was so excited to find out about the Play it Back program because, I’ve always desired to bring the sounds I hear in my head to life. By joining, I now get to dedicate time to expand my knowledge and skill for a new creative outlet. I also have an opportunity to meet other creatives who are sharing their musical talents as well. It’s been a great source personal growth and place of community. If you had to describe the kind of music you make or want to make, how would you describe it? The music I make is influenced by what I am listening to at the time. When I began I was listening to Barry White and Teddy Pendergrass. As I am becoming more familiar with music production/beat making, I am learning how to have FUN in the process! Lately my sound has been Lo-fi and Electronic but, I’m excited to see how things will improve from where I initially began.
What kind of music do you love, and who are some of your favorite artists or bands? I love to listen to lots of different music from different decades. I mainly listen to country, Mexican, reggaton, and 2000s. Some of my favorite artists are George Strait ,Luke Bryan, Aaron watson, Mariah Carey and Maluma What was your relationship with music like before your cancer diagnosis? My relationship with music before my diagnosis was already there and very strong. I would listen to music every day all day. I also played guitar and sang since I was about 11 years old Can you share a little bit about your cancer story? I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (A.L.L) when I was 17 in high school. I was a very good football player getting ready to play for scholarships my senior year of football. After training I started to feel bad and went to the doctor to have my blood tested. The doctors told me It looked like I had Leukemia. After hearing i was diagnosed with Leukemia, I told myself I wasn’t going to die from it. Through my journey I stayed positive even in the worst situations Did your experience with cancer change your relationship with music in any way? I would say cancer definitely changed my relationship with music in a very positive way. It made me to learn to appreciate the art and time that goes into each song made and it definitely helped me cope with my diagnosis especially in the hospital What led you to join Play It Back, and what are you hoping to get out of the experience? I heard about play it back from the social worker at my clinic. Once I heard about the program I was immediately interested since I had already been into music for a long time. One thing im hoping to get out of this experience is to leave my mark in the music world even if its a spec. Another is to inspire people like me that they don’t have to give up and can achieve even the impossible. If you had to describe the kind of music you make or want to make, how would you describe it? The kind of music I’m currently making would definitely be considered country. Growing up, I fell in love with country music, and it was the music that touched my soul. When I make my music, I don’t really care if anyone likes it or not. Its what I’m proud to be doing and some people just like to hate. My message is to not let people define you for who you are. Anything else you want to share? I love to play my guitar and sing. I play video games and I also love to hunt. Camping and fishing are definitely my vacation plans. The office is probably one of the best shows ever made. When I’m bored I love to ride on my Can-Am and jam out to some music.
What kind of music do you love, and who are some of your favorite artists or bands? Indie pop , kpop/jpop, and rock What was your relationship with music like before your cancer diagnosis? Music was a way to fill space or to help me study Can you share a little bit about your cancer story? I was diagnosed September 2020 with Stage 3 ovarian cancer Did your experience with cancer change your relationship with music in any way? It still is a great thing to help fill space but it’s also has become a way to ground myself when any kind of anxiety is brewing What led you to join Play It Back, and what are you hoping to get out of the experience? I had a friend in play it back and introduced me to it and told me that any music dream I had could most likely be able to come true; Also getting to meet so many cool people with similar backgrounds If you had to describe the kind of music you make or want to make, how would you describe it? Emotionally confusing, anime inspired Anything else you want to share? I play clarinet, I’m able to sing most songs after hearing it 2 times, I have a cat named Mochisama
What kind of music do you love, and who are some of your favorite artists or bands? I love so much music! Soul, Americana, Rock, Folk, and Country are some of my favorite soundscapes. The Avett Brothers’ song “No Hard Feelings” had a major impact on my cancer journey. It helped me cry, face my own death, and let go. What was your relationship with music like before your cancer diagnosis? I always loved music! I started learning guitar in the hospital and writing songs after my diagnosis. I’d always wanted to try, but never made time for it. Learning guitar, writing songs and singing truly helped me heal. Can you share a little bit about your cancer story? I was diagnosed when I was 29 with bone cancer. I was very afraid. I became determined to live. I went through about a year of treatments – in-patient IV chemotherapy and surgery – and re-learned how to walk! Did your experience with cancer change your relationship with music? Writing songs and singing helped ease my pain and fear of death. Learning guitar gave me something to focus on. What led you to join Play It Back, and what are you hoping to get out of the experience?
Play It Back is the best! Kenli is an absolutely amazing human being, I love spending time with him. It’s also been so fun to connect with other young adults on similar journeys. If you had to describe the kind of music you want to make (or already make), how would you describe it? I want to put my heart and soul into my songs and hopefully give people a place to feel. My goal is to share my music with folks in person and through all the other ways in order to hopefully make a positive impact with my life. Anything else you want to share? Fun facts, random thoughts, secret talents — we’re all ears. I’m releasing a new record this fall called “Nothing Lasts Forever” !
What kind of music do you love, and who are some of your favorite artists or bands? My favorite music is oldies, pop, punk, rock, and alternative.
Some of my favorite songs are:
Silence – Marshmello (feat. Khalid)
Love Like Winter – AFI
The Diary of Jane – Breaking Benjamin
Fighting Myself – Linkin Park
Simple and Clean – Hikaru Utada
Hold the Line – Toto What was your relationship with music like before your cancer diagnosis? I use to write songs in high school but didn’t ever sing or perform them. Music has been a way a life line for me, I am a very introspective person and music helps me express feelings and emotions so beautiful. I often dance around while listening to my favorite jams. Cancer hasn’t changed my feelings on music it is a way to connect with my body and help bridge people together, especially great for making aya cancer pals. Can you share a little bit about your cancer story? I had to fight for a diagnosis, in 2017 after many months of emergency visits, doctors appointments, much chest pain and soo much medical gaslighting I was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma stage 3 AX. I started my first of twelve chemotherapy treatments on September 11 2017…yaaa… I have been in remission since August 2018. I have become a bigger advocate of young adult cancer and I have volunteered with multiple aya cancer organizations for the last three years. Did your experience with cancer change your relationship with music? I think much hasn’t changed with me and music but after cancer I have been so much more appreciative of music. What led you to join Play It Back, and what are you hoping to get out of the experience? I joined after joining a Play It Back experience and thought ohhh a challenge, I like trying out things out of my comfort zone but also still having some control so I thought okay I can do this and well I can and have been. As I stated above I use to write songs and never really thought much about singing or performing but hoping this experience helps me build my courage in my singing and courage in life in general. If you had to describe the kind of music you want to make (or already make), how would you describe it? I have been working on two songs both are very much me and the kind of music I listen to. I think the best description of the songs are punk..they have a angsty angle to them. Anything else you want to share? Hmmm I am kinda a open book…but shy book
I love libraries
I am a only child
I was crowned queen of my 8th grade class at end of the year dance
I am a first generation college graduate
I once was in a newspaper, it was for a egg hunt..I was the dark haired blur running for eggs lol
What kind of music do you love, and who are some of your favorite artists or bands? I really like folk music and folk rock. Some of my favorite artists include Bob Dylan,
Simon and Garfunkel, and James Taylor. I like listening to music from the 60’s and 70’s
because of the authenticity of the instruments and because there are many songs with
messages that still resonate today What was your relationship with music like before your cancer diagnosis? I always liked music when I was younger, I did take some guitar lessons and I sang a few
choir performances between church and school, but it was never a main focus in my life
like it became after my diagnosis. Can you share a little bit about your cancer story? I was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma when I was 16, I was treated at Sloan Kettering in
NY where I received Chemotherapy, radiation, and multiple rib resection surgeries. When I
was 17 I had a second unrelated diagnosis of Spindle Cell Sarcoma which was found in my
heart during routine scans and required open heart surgery. I am doing better now in my
20’s and other than a yearly checkup I have no further treatments planned. Did your experience with cancer change your relationship with music in any way? After my diagnosis I was looking to find a new normal, and I ended up taking a college
class for guitar. I really liked it, and it has been a big part of my life since. I mostly play
fingerstyle acoustic guitar, and I enjoy both learning cover songs and writing my own songs
where I can play guitar and sing. What led you to join Play It Back, and what are you hoping to get out of the experience? I initially joined Play it Back because I had started to record some of my cover and
original songs, and I saw that this looked like a great program to help people like me get
their songs recorded. Since I joined, I have learned a lot about music and the recording
process, and it has also been great experience getting to meet some of the fellow artists in
the program who all have their own unique styles. If you had to describe the kind of music you make or want to make, how would you describe it? I would describe the music that I make as folk rock that is anchored by slightly
melancholic fingerstyle acoustic guitar sound. I like for most of the songs that I write to
have some meaning that is both relatable to me personally and to anyone who may be
listening to it. I also like the idea of writing songs where no two are the same, and they don’t
have to belong to a single genre or formula. Anything else you want to share? I got my bachelor’s degree in mathematics, and I’m currently working as a math tutor. In
addition to music, I also enjoy watching sports like Baseball and Football.
What kind of music do you love, and who are some of your favorite artists or bands? I’m a big fan of pop music and radio hits, but I also have been a lifelong fan of musical theater. Some of my favorite artists that inspire me are Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran. What was your relationship with music like before your cancer diagnosis? I have been singing for my entire life. Some of my earliest memories are singing songs with my mom over and over again, singing in choir from elementary school through high school, participating in some musicals at school, and being a part of show choir and an acapella group in high school. Music has always been a huge part of my life, listening to music and singing gives me so much serotonin. I have never been a runner, but I imagine it’s what a “runners high” feels like 😂 Can you share a little bit about your cancer story? I was diagnosed in late summer 2024 with a rare blood cancer called High Risk Myelodysplastic Syndrome with Excess Blasts. This is a cancer normally seen in the older population and is uncommon in my age (diagnosed right after turning 31). This was a huge shock, and terrifying as a mama of a then 2 and 4 year old. I went through 3 rounds of outpatient chemotherapy and then was admitted for a bone marrow transplant in January 2025. I had a really tough time with transplant, but am doing much better now as I recover and try to find my new normal. I am so thankful and grateful to be home with my babies and get to watch them grow up! Did your experience with cancer change your relationship with music in any way? Music has definitely helped me cope through my cancer diagnosis. I listened to the same songs on repeat right after diagnosis that I felt very connected to, and that helped me try and get some perspective on the situation. I was unable to sing for a while during and after transplant due to severe mucositis, and now being able to sing again makes me feel like I’m myself again. What led you to join Play It Back, and what are you hoping to get out of the experience? I met a fellow play it back artist via posting about my cancer journey on tiktok. She lives in the same state as me, and we originally connected due to getting treatment at the same hospital. It wasn’t until later that I found out about teen cancer America from her, and then play it back! Having cancer and then finding the play it back program has really helped me recognize how big of a dream creating music is for me. It always has been my dream to be a singer and to create, and now I realize this is my opportunity to go for it! I have never had the confidence to pursue this dream in the past… but getting a cancer diagnosis has a way of changing your perspective. Time is limited, you never know what is going to happen, so it has given me motivated and made me want to give this my all. I feel so lucky to have found this program. It has brought me so much joy already, and my sessions with Kenli are one of my highlights of my week! If you had to describe the kind of music you make or want to make, how would you describe it? My main interest is in creating pop music. I love when a song has meaningful words or a message, but also makes you want to groove along and dance!
What kind of music do you love, and who are some of your favorite artists or bands? I love music that tells a story and has a lot going on instrument wise! I enjoy all genres from nu metal to gospel. My favorites are Korn, Gorillaz, Casting Crowns, and Selena (Quintanilla-Perez AND Gomez). What was your relationship with music like before your cancer diagnosis? I started writing music back in the days of Hannah Montana because I wanted to be Hannah Montana when I grew up. I never stopped wherever life took me, specifically writing about where life took me. I wrote music, made posters, album covers, and practiced with a few bands during my life. Can you share a little bit about your cancer story? I was diagnosed with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia during my 28th week of pregnancy with my son. I was able to safely deliver a healthy baby in between chemo rounds. Each recovery period in between rounds always brought complications. These experiences have inspired me to raise awareness for how leukemia affects young adults on social media. Did your experience with cancer change your relationship with music? I was really intimidated by the amount of paperwork I received before my first blood transfusion. I asked for some time to just sing. The song lyrics became my prayers. When I lost the strength to sing, I drew the lyrics. When I lost the strength to draw them, I could read them hanging up on my hospital room walls. What led you to join Play It Back, and what are you hoping to get out of the experience? Music was my first form of coping with my diagnosis/treatment. I have a lot of songs about cancer to get out of my head and on paper, but I also enjoy the time to just be creative and record whatever comes to mind in that instant. If you had to describe the kind of music you want to make (or already make), how would you describe it? I started within the nu metal genre and then transitioned more into electronic/dance after listening to Selena Gomez’s “Bluest Flame”. Most of my lyrics have one strong/thought provoking line that work the best with that genre’s format as compared to others. Anything else you want to share? Not to brag but I can pick up and play any instrument. So far the only one I can’t really pick up are drums.
This secret talent has provided the most fun for me when experimenting with music and allows me to connect with so many other musicians.
What kind of music do you love, and who are some of your favorite artists or bands? I love alternative rock most, but with some folk and indie roots. I like catchy songs with clever lyrics. I’m a fan of Cage The Elephant, Twenty One Pilots, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, and Young the Giant.
But I will note that it was Twenty One Pilots who ultimately inspired me to begin writing, and creating, as well as pursuing my dream. What was your relationship with music like before your cancer diagnosis? I was actively playing shows with my old band “Grey Flower” and we were writing lots of songs and even put out a full album called Ten Colors. But when I found out about the cancer and how much it had spread, and being told about my dismal chances, I felt it was best to disband and so we parted ways but still remain friends to this day, 67 rounds of chemo later. Can you share a little bit about your cancer story? So I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colorectal Cancer a little over 3 years ago. It started with just a stomach ache that wouldn’t go away, so I went to the doctor, one thing led to another and a colonoscopy was ordered.
But when they attempted to insert the smallest camera, we found out there was a large tumor growing around my colon which obstructed the camera and my bowel movements. Emergency surgery the following week to get all the cancerous lymph nodes out and remove the tumor. The surgery went great, but it is seemingly more usual to do chemo first and then a surgery, but in my case it couldn’t wait.
Because of that fact it’s been more difficult to get all of the cancerous spots because the surgery left many that are practically undetectable until they grow enough to cause pain and become a threat.
I’ve had to endure several major surgeries, even a spine surgery as another tumor was forming on my spine and was going to paralyze me if not operated on soon, so we did the surgery and it was over 12 hours long.
Ive been through hell over and over and over again. I came close to death a few times over the years and even had to write my will in a hospital bed after a bad stint with fistulas. It’s been so much pain, more than I ever thought possible for someone to endure. But I keep bouncing back because my spirit has grown stronger and stronger and I will not lose faith. The cancer has definitely reshaped my life, but it will never get my spirit! Did your experience with cancer change your relationship with music in any way? Yes it almost felt like at some points music felt like a cold drink of water in the middle of a desert. I just needed it to survive. To not give up. To keep fighting. What led you to join Play It Back, and what are you hoping to get out of the experience? I was encouraged by my family and my aunt had some connections that got me linked up with Kenli Mattus! I’m hoping to get recording and studio experience as well as help in improving my songwriting, and learning when to overthink it and when not to. If you had to describe the kind of music you make or want to make, how would you describe it? It’s funny, I like to tell people my genre of music I’m trying to make is called “Outlaw Folk Rock” it’s like a mix between alt-rock, folk, and some indie roots Anything else you want to share? Just so everyone knows… I’m not shy ;)
Also I’m learning to train with a Katana everyday and how to do the different defensive and offensive techniques. It’s also a great workout.
What kind of music do you love, and who are some of your favorite artists or bands? I generally lean towards heavier music such as rock and metal but I’ve been known to listen to pop, rap and even classical music. My favorite bands are Korn and Mastodon. Other artists I have loved are Lana Del Rey, Charli xcx, 90s rock music such as Alice in Chains and Pearl Jam. The list would be endless if I named everyone I liked. What was your relationship with music like before your cancer diagnosis? Before my cancer diagnosis music was just a means of escape or being able to relate to someone else going through the same things I have been through. Can you share a little bit about your cancer story? I was diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2023. I began to start chemo treatment later that year but got really sick from it. I already had an infection but it got worse in my hip so they had to remove the hip and now I walk with just crutches. In 2025 I was declared NED (No evidence of disease) but we are going to keep a close eye on it and monitor it. Did your experience with cancer change your relationship with music in any way? I would say that it did. I found this program that enabled me to connect to music in a deeper way and changed the way I listen to music and eventually create my own music. What led you to join Play It Back, and what are you hoping to get out of the experience? A patient advocate at my hospital gave me a list of organizations and Play It Back was on it. She suggested it after me mentioning how much I liked music. I’m just hoping to connect to other patients, survivors and advocates and help grow and represent the organization on a bigger scale. I really love and support this program. If you had to describe the kind of music you make or want to make, how would you describe it? I can’t really describe it. The genre, vibe and type of music I make is entirely different with each song. Whatever helps represent the lyrics in the best possible way is how I end up choosing the kind of music I make. Anything else you want to share? I love this program and I think anyone with even a general interest in music should read more on it and possibly join. We have lots of fun on Music Monday’s and we make our own music (even if you never made a song ever in your life). I hope this information helps you and no matter where you are at in your journey, just know you are not alone. There are many of us going through the same thing and we love to support each other.
What kind of music do you love, and who are some of your favorite artists or bands? I have a very eclectic taste in music. The artists that stay in rotation are in the Neo-Soul, R&B/Soul, Alternative Rock, and Electronic genres. What was your relationship with music like before your cancer diagnosis? Growing up I saw music as a vessel for uplifting mood, celebrating a milestone, or passing the time while completing household chores. I can recall making playlists by recording songs from the radio on cassettes, cds, or even playing around with computer programs that incorporated ways to create music or use characters to do so (I loved “The Sims”). I have to say music is serving as that vessel till this day! Can you share a little bit about your cancer story? In 2005, at the age of 16 I was diagnosed with Stage III – Ovarian Cancer. Being personally impacted by a cancer diagnosis while “coming of age” has been a difficult road to navigate during survivorship. However, my experiences have been the catalyst for much of the work I do as an advocate for AYA Cancer Survivorship. I hope that my efforts will make a difference for other fighters and survivors aging through transitions of care – so they can live the best life they deserve. What led you to join Play It Back, and what are you hoping to get out of the experience? I was so excited to find out about the Play it Back program because, I’ve always desired to bring the sounds I hear in my head to life. By joining, I now get to dedicate time to expand my knowledge and skill for a new creative outlet. I also have an opportunity to meet other creatives who are sharing their musical talents as well. It’s been a great source personal growth and place of community. If you had to describe the kind of music you make or want to make, how would you describe it? The music I make is influenced by what I am listening to at the time. When I began I was listening to Barry White and Teddy Pendergrass. As I am becoming more familiar with music production/beat making, I am learning how to have FUN in the process! Lately my sound has been Lo-fi and Electronic but, I’m excited to see how things will improve from where I initially began.
What kind of music do you love, and who are some of your favorite artists or bands? I love to listen to lots of different music from different decades. I mainly listen to country, Mexican, reggaton, and 2000s. Some of my favorite artists are George Strait ,Luke Bryan, Aaron watson, Mariah Carey and Maluma What was your relationship with music like before your cancer diagnosis? My relationship with music before my diagnosis was already there and very strong. I would listen to music every day all day. I also played guitar and sang since I was about 11 years old Can you share a little bit about your cancer story? I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (A.L.L) when I was 17 in high school. I was a very good football player getting ready to play for scholarships my senior year of football. After training I started to feel bad and went to the doctor to have my blood tested. The doctors told me It looked like I had Leukemia. After hearing i was diagnosed with Leukemia, I told myself I wasn’t going to die from it. Through my journey I stayed positive even in the worst situations Did your experience with cancer change your relationship with music in any way? I would say cancer definitely changed my relationship with music in a very positive way. It made me to learn to appreciate the art and time that goes into each song made and it definitely helped me cope with my diagnosis especially in the hospital What led you to join Play It Back, and what are you hoping to get out of the experience? I heard about play it back from the social worker at my clinic. Once I heard about the program I was immediately interested since I had already been into music for a long time. One thing im hoping to get out of this experience is to leave my mark in the music world even if its a spec. Another is to inspire people like me that they don’t have to give up and can achieve even the impossible. If you had to describe the kind of music you make or want to make, how would you describe it? The kind of music I’m currently making would definitely be considered country. Growing up, I fell in love with country music, and it was the music that touched my soul. When I make my music, I don’t really care if anyone likes it or not. Its what I’m proud to be doing and some people just like to hate. My message is to not let people define you for who you are. Anything else you want to share? I love to play my guitar and sing. I play video games and I also love to hunt. Camping and fishing are definitely my vacation plans. The office is probably one of the best shows ever made. When I’m bored I love to ride on my Can-Am and jam out to some music.
What kind of music do you love, and who are some of your favorite artists or bands? Indie pop , kpop/jpop, and rock What was your relationship with music like before your cancer diagnosis? Music was a way to fill space or to help me study Can you share a little bit about your cancer story? I was diagnosed September 2020 with Stage 3 ovarian cancer Did your experience with cancer change your relationship with music in any way? It still is a great thing to help fill space but it’s also has become a way to ground myself when any kind of anxiety is brewing What led you to join Play It Back, and what are you hoping to get out of the experience? I had a friend in play it back and introduced me to it and told me that any music dream I had could most likely be able to come true; Also getting to meet so many cool people with similar backgrounds If you had to describe the kind of music you make or want to make, how would you describe it? Emotionally confusing, anime inspired Anything else you want to share? I play clarinet, I’m able to sing most songs after hearing it 2 times, I have a cat named Mochisama