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When she first heard her mother had breast cancer in 2022, Giselle felt overwhelmed as she became her mom’s primary support system for two years, accompanying her to every medical appointment as a translator and source of comfort.

Michael’s mother’s ovarian cancer diagnosis upended his family’s world. As his mother’s health declined, he witnessed her resilience in the face of overwhelming odds. In the wake of her passing, Michael was inspired to adopt her mindset in his own life, to honor his mom’s legacy. Michael says, “his mom’s memory serves as a guiding light to never lose sight of what truly mattered: love, family and faith. Her spirit guides him each day in gratitude, resilience, and a commitment to make a difference.

Last year, Isabella’s father was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer, and soon after developed lymphoma. It was difficult for her to watch her father lose his battle to cancer. Her dad was her best friend, and always her biggest fan, believing she could do anything. She says: ”I am forever grateful for everything he taught and did for me, and he forever lives in my heart”.

When Erin’s dad was diagnosed with cancer, he asked her to stay positive. Sadly, he lost his battle to liver cancer after just seven months, when she was only thirteen years old. Every day Erin wishes, and knows her dad also wishes, that he could be standing next to her for all life’s important moments. But, she says,” Michael Robert Paul shaped my life in more ways than I can count; whether that’s not to be afraid even when I might be, staying positive, and looking for the good, even in the darkest situations.”

Camilo’s father was diagnosed with cancer when he was 13, and losing him left an unfillable void for his mom and him, because while he was growing up, his father was his biggest hero and friend. Camilo says, “I understand now Life is a gift, and my mom is my company, team and best friend.”

Alice’s journey toward a career in oncology has been deeply personal. During her freshman year, her father was diagnosed with cancer, which left her determined to contribute to the fight against cancer. She immersed herself in a summer medical program, at Tufts where she conducted lab tests, worked with real data, and explored the field of health sciences—realizing her desire to become a doctor.

Her “calling” for pediatric oncology medicine deepened when she met a 10-year-old boy with leukemia through the UMass Sidekicks program, which pairs medical students with pediatric patients with chronic illnesses. Kyle credits this young boy as the true inspiration, calling him her “hero.”

Her mom told Kaitlyn, “she was the greatest blessing in his story.” And through it all, he demonstrated to everyone what it means to be resilient regardless of the circumstances, to persevere through all adversity and to have fun along the way.

Lucille lost her mother to Gastric Stomach cancer at age 4. She said, “it has been the hardest thing I had to learn to live with; a piece of my identity, my role model missing from my life.”

Jayden’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago, and went through 18 months of extensive treatment of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. He said that “cancer taught him to be grateful for those who love and support me, especially my mom, my biggest cheerleader.” His mother taught him that whatever life throws you, you need to stay positive and roll with the punches. And his mom, though not feeling well through treatment, attended every one of his hockey and lacrosse games.