I was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in June 2007, just days before my 5th birthday. I underwent two and a half years of chemotherapy at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and its outpatient facility in Voorhees, NJ. I was declared cancer-free on October 1, 2010. (15 years!)
My strongest memory of connection with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, now Blood Cancer United, came during elementary school (around 5th grade), when our class watched a video called Heroes, directed by Chris Kreitz, which featured local survivors. I remember recognizing Ellie K. — a friend I knew from treatment but hadn’t seen in a few years.
At the time, I never spoke openly about my diagnosis, just wanting to be a normal kid, but seeing an old friend who I struggled with over the past few years brought up emotions I had never felt before. I immediately broke down in front of my classmates, not just because I recognized an old friend, but because it was the first time I ever saw Ellie healthy.
Fast forward to today, and Ellie and I have reconnected in medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Both of us are now survivors pursuing careers in medicine, inspired by our experiences as patients. Our story was featured on CBS Mornings in early August.
But as for myself, I always say my dream of becoming a pediatric oncologist has taken shape not as a sudden decision, but as a lifelong calling -- born out of struggle, shaped by experience, and sustained by the love and support of my family, friends, and doctors. I hope to be a source of joy, strength, and understanding for children facing the same challenges I once did. I believe my own experience gives me a unique empathy: I understand what it's like to be that child in the hospital room, and I know the fears and questions that families quietly carry. I’ll be able to put myself in my patient’s shoes because I once wore the same pair. My uniqueness as an individual today is a result of my experiences, and I am most grateful for how they have shaped me.
A few years back, when I graduated high school, my parents wrote me a letter. Included in it were a few points of “motherly advice”, one of which was to find what fulfills me and gives me purpose. I can’t imagine any other world where I wouldn’t be giving back to the industry that saved my life. I am filled with the utmost confidence that my purpose in this world is to serve my community, to treat and heal, and above all, to bring just a sprinkle of joy and happiness to children who are as ill-fated as I once was. This isn’t just a career to me; this is my life coming full circle. Medicine didn’t just save my life; it gave me my purpose.
I’m usually not the one to share my story, but if one child hears it and believes they can still chase their dream, then sharing my story is worth it.
Dawson
acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
