I graduated in 2021 with an engineering degree and landed a full-time analyst position at a promising startup. My future was brimming with plans, and by 2022, I was gearing up to leave India for the United States — a dream I had nurtured for years.
Then, life took an unexpected turn. I began to notice that my tonsils were enlarged. A biopsy soon confirmed what I never imagined; I had non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). In an instant, everything changed. My dreams and ambitions were put on hold as I faced one of the toughest battles of my life.
Determined to survive, I dedicated myself fully to the fight against cancer. For three grueling months, I underwent intensive rounds of chemotherapy. The treatment was harsh, both physically and emotionally, but I held on to hope. With each session, I clung to the belief that light was at the end of the tunnel. After additional rounds, the results were nothing short of miraculous — I was in remission by the end of that same year.
Once my health began to improve, I slowly got back on track. I resumed my studies, pursuing both personal growth and a master's degree, and in 2023, I finally stepped onto American soil, carrying with me not just the dreams of my past but the strength and resilience forged through my battle with cancer. Two years in full remission have reminded me daily that recovery and success are possible no matter how daunting the challenge.
I share my story to give hope to others, especially young people facing their own battles. While I drew strength from reading the stories of those who had walked similar paths, I also found immense support from the work of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). If I can overcome this challenge, you can too. Stay strong, keep fighting, and never lose sight of your dreams.
Varad
non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)
