Inspirational Stories

My name is Jessi, and I am a stage 4B Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) survivor. My journey to diagnosis was a long and winding road, filled with misdiagnoses until January 2016 when my battle truly began. That year was the toughest of my life, enduring the rigors of chemo and radiation. But it was also the year I decided to document my journey through my blog, Lymphoma Barbie, not just as a personal outlet but as a beacon of hope for others navigating the murky waters of cancer.

Writing became my solace, and from my experiences, I penned Talk Cancer to Me: My Guide to Kicking Cancer's Booty! This book was my heart laid bare, offering insights, laughter, and tears, aiming to light the way for those feeling lost in the darkness of their diagnosis.

Surviving cancer felt like being reborn. It bestowed upon me a profound sense of purpose and gratitude, compelling me to pay this gift forward. Thus, Chemo Kits was born ― a venture where I curate care packages for those enduring the trials of cancer treatment, hoping to offer a sliver of comfort and a reminder that they are not alone.

This August marks eight years of remission for me, a milestone that sometimes feels surreal. Reflecting on my journey, I realize that surviving cancer is not just about the battle itself but what we choose to do in its aftermath. My mission, through my book, blog, and Chemo Kits, is to be a source of strength, encouragement, and hope for those fighting their battles.

Thank you for allowing me to share my story. If it inspires even one person to hold on to hope, to fight a little harder, or to feel less alone, then every challenge I've faced along the way has been worth it.