As my first year of graduate school began, things seemed to be working out exactly as I planned – I had everything that I ever wanted. I did however have one minor problem – a nagging cough. I finally had it checked out, and later that day, the physician called to let me know that I had Lymphoma. I was completely in shock. I was to receive six cycles of a multi-drug regiment bi-weekly for six months, followed by 26 radiation treatments over a one month period. Throughout treatment, I continued attending my classes and felt that school gave me something on which to focus other than my cancer and treatments.

There are many who remain as ignorant as I used to be, not knowing the difference between chemotherapy and radiotherapy. I believe that education and awareness promotion are essential to demystify what is usually touted simply as ‘cancer.’ I certainly do not think that experiencing cancer first hand is a good way to learn about it. By the same token, however, having had cancer and undergoing aggressive treatments, I now know that I have to seize opportunities as they come. It is my hope that as I complete my PhD, I will go on to become a respected scholar in bioethics.