National Cancer Survivor’s Day offers a moment to pause and recognize the deeply personal, and often surprising, paths people take through cancer. At the University of Colorado Anschutz Cancer Center, those paths are shaped not only by leading-edge science but also by human connection, creativity, and grit.
Together, these stories from the last year show that survivorship is not a single milestone but an ongoing, evolving experience. It is present in breakthroughs, community, and the everyday moments of progress.
Psilocybin Study Helps Uterine Cancer Survivor Cope With Anxiety and Depression
For one uterine cancer survivor, the most difficult challenge was not physical, but the ongoing fear and uncertainty. Participating in a psilocybin study provided unexpected healing, helping her reframe her experience and find emotional stability after treatment.
Mountaineer Rob Mahedy Finds New Sense of Community Through Bladder Cancer Journey
Rob Mahedy was used to chasing solitude in the mountains, but bladder cancer nudged him in an entirely different direction. Through treatment and recovery, he found his footing not on a trail, but in a community of people who understood the climb he was on.
CU Anschutz Surgeon Removes Bladder Cancer from Coach Prime
When a high-profile coach faced bladder cancer, attention turned to the precision and coordination of surgical care. Behind the headlines is a story about trust in a medical team and the collaboration required to achieve a successful outcome.
A Clinical Trial Successfully Treated Norm Krimbill’s Metastatic Esophageal Cancer Without Surgery or Radiation
Norm Krimbill’s treatment did not include surgery or radiation, yet it achieved remarkable results. His experience reflects a shift in cancer care, where precision therapies can sometimes replace more invasive methods.
For a School’s Ray of Sunshine, a ‘Very Sad and Scary’ Diagnosis Turned to Joy
A frightening diagnosis cast a long shadow over a tight-knit school community, but it didn’t stay dark for long. What followed was an outpouring of support that turned fear into something unexpectedly bright, redefining resilience for everyone involved.
When Pancreatic Cancer Spread to the Lungs, a Clinical Trial Came to the Rescue
When cancer extended its reach to the lungs, the outlook grew more complicated—but not without options. A clinical trial offered a different trajectory, one that challenged assumptions about how far treatment could go in advanced disease.
‘You’re Not the Only One Going Through This’: A Head & Neck Cancer Survivor Supports Others and Advises the CU Anschutz Cancer Center
Having lived through the isolation that can come with a head and neck cancer diagnosis, one survivor now makes sure others don’t have to. He channels her experience into advocacy and mentorship, reshaping care not just through treatment, but through empathy.
‘An Incredible Response’: A Clinical Trial at the CU Anschutz Cancer Center Successfully Treated Jennifer Brown’s Stage IV Lung Cancer
Jennifer Brown’s response to treatment was exceptional. In the unpredictable context of stage IV lung cancer, her outcome demonstrates that breakthroughs can occur with each individual patient.
Jeremiah’s Story: Facing Osteosarcoma with Determination
Jeremiah faced osteosarcoma with a level of resolve that’s hard to teach. His story is marked by long stretches of treatment, setbacks, and perseverance, along with moments of humor and strength that sustained him.
Baxter’s Second Chance: A Rescue’s Journey Through Cancer and Hope
Baxter’s story highlights both resilience and companionship. His experience with cancer also demonstrates the strong bonds formed during uncertainty and the possibility of second chances.
Brothers in Arms in the Operating Room
A spine tumor diagnosis brought uncertainty into Berry Candelario’s life in ways that were both physical and deeply personal. Navigating treatment meant addressing not just the tumor itself, but also the effect it had on mobility, independence, and sense of self.
Surviving and Thriving: A ‘Warrior Queen’ With Metastatic Breast Cancer Takes Charge of Her Life
For Nediva Monroe, breast cancer unfolded as an emotional journey as much as a medical one. Support from a dedicated care team helped ensure that the experience included not only treatment, but also a sense of being understood and respected throughout the process.
After Successful Surgery for a Cancerous Lung Nodule, Sherry Wardlaw is Now Advocating for Wider Lung Cancer Screening
Lung cancer surgery marked an important turning point for Sherry Wardlaw, blending moments of uncertainty with cautious optimism. The experience highlights how surgical expertise and thoughtful care can guide recovery forward.
From Terminal Diagnosis to No Evidence of Disease Thanks to a Clinical Trial at the CU Anschutz Cancer Center
A diagnosis once framed as an endpoint became something entirely different. Through a clinical trial, one patient’s story shifted dramatically, illustrating how quickly the boundaries of what’s possible in cancer care can evolve.
After Two Relapses, A Clinical Trial Got Ron Uecker’s B-Cell Lymphoma Under Control
Multiple relapses could have defined Ron Uecker’s experience, but they did not end it. A clinical trial brought his disease under control and demonstrated the value of persistence in treatment.
Denver Broncos Coach Finds the Perfect Treatment Team at the CU Anschutz Cancer Center
For a coach experienced in building teams, facing cancer required relying on one. The most notable aspect was not only the treatment plan but also the coordination, trust, and shared purpose that defined his care experience.
World Lung Cancer Expert Diagnosed with Advanced Lung Cancer
When expertise meets personal experience, the perspective shifts profoundly. A leading lung cancer specialist suddenly found himself on the other side of the exam room, navigating the same uncertainties he had long helped others face.
‘I Love What I Do’: While She Helps Patients, a Nurse Grapples with Her Own Ovarian Cancer
Accustomed to being the steady presence for others, a nurse found herself stepping into the patient role. Balancing caregiving with her own diagnosis added layers of complexity—and insight—to what it means to care, and to be cared for.
Diagnosed at 40 With Stage IV Colon Cancer, Mom Thrives Five Years Later
A stage IV colon cancer diagnosis at age 40 could have shaped the entire future, but it became one chapter among many. Five years later, the story centers on persistence, family, and a redefinition of what life after diagnosis can become.
Rowan’s Story: A Genetic Diagnosis Brings Clarity
Rowan’s journey didn’t begin with a clear answer, but with questions that only deepened over time. A genetic diagnosis finally provided a sense of direction, reshaping not just treatment decisions but how his family understood the road ahead.
Move to CU Meant a New Outlook — and Look — for Breast Cancer Patient Laura Roberts
Laura Roberts’ breast cancer journey unfolded through a series of decisions that required both courage and trust. Along the way, the relationships built with the care team became as meaningful as the treatment itself.
‘I’m Living Proof’: Esophageal Cancer Survivor Says Early Screening and Treatment Saved His Life
What began as troubling symptoms led Dan Rathke into a complex esophageal cancer diagnosis that required both resilience and trust in a care team. The experience reflects a careful balance between confronting a serious illness and continuing to show up for daily life and the people who matter most.
Chloe’s Story: Growing Up Through Leukemia
For Chloe, leukemia became an unexpected part of her childhood. Despite this, her story includes milestones, friendships, and resilience, as well as the realities of treatment.
How a Routine Mammogram Led to Life-Saving Lung Cancer Surgery
What started as a routine screening quickly revealed something far more serious. The story shows how early detection, even when unexpected, can open the door to timely and potentially life-saving care.
