Kristin, United States

On World Cancer Day, I want to share a piece of my story—not for sympathy, but for awareness, connection, and hope.

In May 2024, I was diagnosed with Stage 3C melanoma of the scalp. Like many, I believed we had caught it in time. I began immunotherapy with cautious optimism.

But the cancer did not respond.

It spread to my liver, lungs, and bones. I underwent radiation to my spine and began targeted therapy. Just when I thought I had found some footing, in June 2025, melanoma spread to my brain. I was diagnosed with seven brain tumors and underwent CyberKnife radiation.

Today, I continue to take daily targeted therapy. I live scan to scan. I am waiting and hoping for a clinical trial to open that I may qualify for—after being disqualified from one earlier this year because of my brain metastases.

This journey has changed every part of my life.

I am a mom of three young children. They are my greatest motivation and my greatest heartache—because loving them so deeply makes every unknown feel heavier. I am also a therapist who has had to step back from the work I love to focus on surviving.

Cancer is not just a diagnosis.

It is learning how to live inside uncertainty.

It is redefining strength.

It is grieving the life you had while still fighting for the life you want to keep.

If you are walking this road too—whether as a patient, caregiver, or loved one—you are not alone.

And if you are healthy today, please hear this:

Early detection matters. Advocate for yourself. Get checked. Take skin changes seriously.

Today, I stand here still fighting. Still hoping. Still loving fiercely.

For my children.

For my family and friends.

For my patients.

For everyone facing melanoma and metastatic cancer.

#WorldCancerDay #MelanomaAwareness #MetastaticMelanoma #CancerFighter #HopeInTheFight