On my 12th birthday, I was diagnosed with Burkitt Lymphoma (BL), a highly aggressive form of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (terrible birthday present, btw!). At the time of my diagnosis, the tumor in my jaw was the size of a woman’s fist; immediate intervention was critical because Burkitt’s cells double every 24-48 hours.
My treatment was as aggressive as the lymphoma. I had two ports installed - two, because of the massive amount of chemotherapy needed as well as other meds to keep me as healthy as possible for the duration of my treatment.
Once I started treatment, I spent 60 of the next 90 days in the hospital. Fighting cancer plus the intense side effects of chemo were exhausting and extraordinarily difficult, both physically and mentally.
If there’s anything good to say about Burkitt it’s that the treatment - although aggressive - is relatively short. Four months after my diagnosis I was declared cancer-free, and my ‘Survivor Pose’ was born! My care team at Children’s Minnesota and Dr. Joanna Perkins will always hold a very special place in my heart.
Blood Cancer United also played a central role in my story. Shortly after my treatment began, a Pennies for Patients campaign kicked off at my middle school, and I was the face that made cancer real for my classmates.
When I finished treatment, I began sharing my story as an Honored Hero at Pennies campaigns at elementary and middle schools throughout the Twin Cities. In 2016, I was honored (and surprised!) to receive a Lifeblood Award, which is given in recognition of relentless pursuit of a world without blood cancers (let’s go!).
From 2013 to 2019, I shared my story with more than 15,000 students, inspiring them to act through my candor, humor and kindness. The schools I spoke with went on to raise over $250,000! (I also learned that I was the only Honored Hero to date to have a full size cardboard cutout made in my likeness – thanks Shirley Hills Primary School in Mound, MN!).
In 2019 I was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award for my work as an Honored Hero - huge shout out to Alli R. who acted as my agent and biggest cheerleader! In 2023, the inaugural year of the scholarship program through Blood Cancer United, I was selected as a scholarship recipient for my final year at Loyola University!
Now, I’m a Scholarship for Blood Cancer Survivors volunteer reviewer and each application I read leaves me profoundly proud of the resilience shown by young adults who were impacted by childhood cancer.
I’ve been cancer free for almost 13 years and my birthdays have certainly gotten better! Each one is a milestone. I graduated from Loyola University in 2023, and I live and work in Chicago. I enjoy spending time with my family and attending concerts and trivia nights with friends! This past year, my friends and I took a bucket list trip to Japan – an amazing trip and, I hope, just the beginning of seeing the world.
There is so much power in sharing our stories – we never know who might be helped. I will continue to share my story in hopes of inspiring generous giving and making the path a little lighter for those who are fighting. I'd love to connect with you if you're looking for a speaker - together we can make an impact!
Being cancer-free doesn't mean my journey is done. Eight years post-treatment I learned that one of the chemo therapies damaged my heart; I'm monitored regularly and I'll be on medication indefinitely. More research is desperately needed so kids with cancer don't experience other serious health conditions as adults.
Tate
Burkitt lymphoma (BL)
