In March 2020, I went through something I hoped would be my final battle with cancer — an autologous stem cell transplant after being diagnosed with stage 4 non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).
It was one of the toughest experiences of my life. The chemo, the fatigue, the isolation — it all pushed me to the edge. But I made it through. I entered remission, and for the next 4½ years, I lived with deep gratitude and a renewed sense of purpose. I thought the worst was behind me.
Then, in September of 2024, I relapsed.
Hearing that the cancer had returned hit even harder the second time. It felt like the ground was ripped out from under me all over again. But I refused to give up.
After weighing my options, my medical team and I decided on CAR-T cell therapy — a powerful and promising treatment that uses my own immune cells to fight the cancer. In March 2025, I underwent the CAR-T transplant. The process was no joke. I had fevers, confusion, and a rough recovery. But I held on, one breath at a time.
And it worked.
Today, I’m back in remission, and I’m here to say this: Cancer tried twice, but I’m still standing.
This journey taught me that resilience isn’t about being tough all the time. It’s about showing up — again and again — even when life knocks you flat. It’s about believing there’s still something on the other side of pain: purpose.
You are not alone. And you are not done.
Carlos
stage 4 non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)
