Stories of Hope
Cancer survivor stories from the American Cancer Society.
Published on: April 22, 2026
After a lung cancer diagnosis, Duane Steiner found hope through a clinical trial and Hope Lodge, using his journey to advocate for cancer research.
Published on: March 17, 2026
After overcoming colorectal cancer, Janice Johnson transformed her diagnosis into action by sharing her story to inspire others to advocate for themselves.
Published on: February 4, 2026
After surviving cervical cancer, Danielle Massi turned her diagnosis into action, sharing her story to inspire others to advance cancer research.
Published on: November 18, 2025
During a routine mammogram, doctors found something unusual in Patty Schone’s left breast. But the real danger was actually hiding in her right breast. Patty was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in her left breast and was scheduled for a mastectomy. But her surgeon ordered a bilateral MRI prior to surgery as a follow-up test because Patty has dense breast tissue. The MRI revealed something more serious: invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) in her right breast. It was stage 1B and had already spread to a lymph node.
Published on: November 11, 2025
Prostate cancer is something that has been on Baltimore resident Jesse Bennett’s radar since he was in his early 40’s. That was when Jesse first had a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) level drawn, the blood test used to screen for prostate cancer. In 2009 when Jesse was 62, his PSA result was higher than in previous years. As a next step, Jesse’s doctor recommended a prostate biopsy to determine if the change in his PSA level was from cancer or another problem. Results showed cancer cells were found and that the cancer was an aggressive type.
