Wishes In Waiting

B-Cell Lymphoma

Just a couple days after my 20th birthday, I first got the news that I might have lymphoma when the doctor's found a 6 cm mass in my mediastinum on an X-ray. After multiple other scans and biopsies, I was diagnosed with Primary Mediastinal Large B-Cell Lymphoma which is a rare and aggressive form of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. I was just a normal college student preparing to go back for my sophomore year at Purdue University. I thrived on meeting new people and finding my independence away from home.

My entire world was turned upside down by my diagnosis. I had to come home from Purdue just a week after moving in to meet an entire team of doctors and start my treatment immediately as the mass was pressing on one of my airways. My treatments have to be done inpatient for five-six days straight every three weeks which made it difficult for me to stay in school. I ended up dropping all of my classes at Purdue and only took one online course to keep my brain working. At the start of my treatments, I was able to travel up to Purdue often, however, the chemotherapy made me immunocompromised very quickly and I had to fully move home. This left me feeling completely isolated as seeing my friends and family put me at risk for an infection. For the past couple of months, I have spent my days either in the hospital or at home in bed doing puzzles or crafts when I have the energy. I have tried to make it my main goal throughout treatment to stay positive and be grateful for the little things. However, I have struggled a lot mentally trying to cope with what my life now looks like. It's difficult for me to relate to my friends as my life is nothing like what it was before.

Although cancer has taken so much from me, it has also sparked a new passion in my life for nursing. I was originally studying Nutrition and Dietetics at Purdue University but this experience has made me want to pursue a career in pediatric oncology nursing so that I can help others who are going through what I have.

What Nik's wish are you thinking about and why?
The wish that I am thinking about is a trip to Hawaii, specifically Maui or Kauai, with my parents and my two older sisters. I have always been passionate about travelling and discovering new cultures so Hawaii has been on my bucket list for a long time. I have always lived in Indiana so things like mountains, snorkeling, and hikes have always been interests of mine. One of the hardest parts about my battle with cancer has been seeing how it has affected my loved ones. My parents will trade off staying with me in the hospital and it has caused one of my sisters, who lives at home, to step up to take care of our other dog and do more housework. My other sister teaches kindergarten so even though she lives 10 minutes away, I haven't been able to see her much due to the risk of her carrying a virus from being around kids. I think a trip like this would help my family experience a sense of normalcy for the first time since August and give everyone a chance to relax. We have all been in a constant fight or flight mode so I know that an experience like this would bring so much joy and hope back into our lives'. I know this is a big ask but even just airfare or the accommodations would help to make this dream a reality.

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Before my diagnosis, my life was my own. I was busy with classes, working, involved in extracurricular activities and preparing for the next big chapter of my life: college. Since the age of ten, I knew I wanted to be a singer and decided to take a gap year, to train and prepare for auditions. Little did I know, my life was about to turn upside down. Shortly after my graduation, on August 12, 2023 I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

I'm still young and have much to learn, but I feel as though I've gained more knowledge and perspective of myself, family and life in the past year than I have in the last nineteen! There are a number of lessons I've taken away from this experience, but the most important to me are how you respond to difficulties and use them for positive growth. As difficult and trying this journey has been, it has in its own way been a blessing. I look back now and wonder how and why I could have viewed my diagnosis as a sentencing. If anything, it lit a fire beneath me. It has shown me how strong and resilient I truly am. It has forced me outside of my comfort zone and required me to take a leap of faith. It has made me realize, "the test" or "lesson" is not so much the obstacle you face, but the journey you take. However, there were still times when I wanted nothing more than to give up. Between the countless doctor's appointments, hospitalizations, chemotherapy and procedures, I felt there was no light at the end of the tunnel. It wasn't until one of my doctors asked about my future plans, did I realize the window of opportunity hadn't closed.

What will I have to show for one of my greatest triumphs? My cancer journey has given me the depth of character to recognize that my hardships can only define me if I allow them to. With that being said, I hope to not only share my story but use my voice to help lift others as artists such as Lauren Daigle and Emma Nissen have done for me and to give back to the pediatric community. I wish I could say this will be my last obstacle in life but we know that is far from the truth. Life is a frightening, yet beautifully designed mystery; nothing is certain. Our lives are constantly changing- for better or worse- and at times it feels like we'll never be able to catch up. Yet, I take comfort in knowing we possess the ability to endure any hardship and evolve into the person we choose to be.

What Nik's wish are you thinking about and why?
This past summer, I had the incredible opportunity to sing at Carnegie Hall in Lauren Daigle's choir. Unfortunately, due to the rehearsal schedule I was not able to explore the city as I had hoped. I would love the opportunity to go back to New York City to see Broadway shows and explore the city like I've always dreamed.

Hodgkin's Lymphoma

I was a mechanical engineering senior and a member of my college marching band before my diagnosis. I had just begun the first rotation of a co-op job and had the rest of my schooling planned out. Then it all changed when I came home one weekend to visit some friends. I was admitted to the hospital for two weeks straight and was away from home for three. Life has been all over the place since my diagnosis. I've been away from my friends and my studies, and it has left me feeling separated and different from my peers. It has also affected my mental health, as I am on anxiety medication now.

What Nik's wish are you thinking about and why?
I want to visit the John Deere engine and transmission design teams and tour their main production facility. I would like to do this because I grew up on tractors, and I'm an engineering student. For many years, my dream job has been working for John Deere, especially on either of these design teams.

Rhabdomyosarcoma

Prior to my cancer diagnosis, I was an incredibly independent college student who was very active in sports. I not only was on the softball team at my college, I frequently worked out and did various activities around campus. If I wasn't busy with sports or classes/schoolwork, I was hanging out with friends and being social. Due to the placement of a tumor on my spine, I lost the ability to feel my legs over the course of 2-3 days. Surgery was performed to cut out half of the tumor as the other half was too close to the spinal cord to safely remove.

Since then, I have regained most of the feeling in my legs minus some in the toes. That being said, I have been working in physical therapy to relearn how to walk. At this point in time I can ambulate close to 1,000 feet with a walker and around 400 feet with a quad cane. Despite this, I use a wheelchair for longer durations of activity.

The inability to ambulate on my own has greatly impacted my independence as well as my mental health. This is due to having to rely on others to assist me with basic tasks and things I used to be able to do on my own. I am no longer able to go out and about on my own, which can make planning things stressful. Coordinating with people who want to do things has become challenging as we need to ensure certain activities are accessible, and if they aren't we have to look at the logistics of my mobility with a walker or cane as alternative solutions.

As I regain strength and confidence at physical therapy, I am able to do more of these suggested activities. However, the mental aspect of being unsure of what life will look like for me is straining. I do not know for sure that I will ever walk on my own again which is hard as a young adult who has been seen using a walker and told "you're too young for one of those".

As for the effects of chemotherapy, the scars are more mental and internal. Going through the stages of chemo where you lose your hair, then lose significant weight will forever weigh on my mind. I also have a significant size patch on my head where my hair isn't growing back well. This is due to radiation of a tumor on my skull that I was told six months after the fact was :"just below the dose to cause permanent baldness". As a twenty year old girl that was like being told I'd have to rock the same haircut as my grandpa for the rest of my life, even though my radiation doctor is confident it will grow back in time.

Overall, my quality of life post cancer diagnosis is significantly different than it was two years ago. I am behind all of my friends in school due to the course of treatment I had mixed with the necessity to relearn how to walk, preventing me from taking in person courses. Spontaneity can no longer play a big factor in my day-to-day life. At the end of the day, there is a sizable amount to unpack mentally with a therapist about treatment, physical therapy, friendship/relationship strains, and school factors.

What Nik's wish are you thinking about and why?
My initial wish would be to attend a Harry Styles concert and meet Harry in person. Harry's music has been a vital part of my journey as it has helped me through my treatments by helping me to maintain a positive attitude and block out the negative things happening to my body. His music and music in general has been a big influence in my life as it has helped me to get through many of life's trials and tribulations.

If this is not possible, my secondary wish would be a trip to the new Universal Epic and Universal Studios with my family (two brothers and mother). They have been the biggest support to me during
my treatment and in life in general. We are all big fans of all things Harry Potter and my brothers and I love the How to Train Your Dragon movies as well, which is why I chose those specific theme parks. Growing up in a single parent household, we have never been able to go on a family trip due to either money or busy schedules. I would love to be able to do not only something for myself, but for my family/support system as well.

Hodgkin's Lymphoma

WISH: A trip to visit Maui, Hawaii

Before my diagnosis of Hodgkin's Lymphoma, my life was full and meaningful. I was in my senior year of college studying pre-med, passionate about my future in medicine. I enjoyed going out, attending community events at the Gurudwara (temple), dressing up for occasions, working out, and experimenting with new recipes.

In the year leading up to my diagnosis, I began feeling unusually tired and struggled to find joy in activities I once loved. Despite frequent visits to my doctor and dermatologist for persistent skin issues, my concerns were dismissed as psychological. It wasn't until I experienced severe difficulty breathing and began coughing up blood that I was taken seriously. A pulmonologist ordered CT scans and a lung biopsy, which revealed stage 4 Hodgkin's Lymphoma. The tumor had affected over half my right lung and was spreading to my spleen.

Receiving the diagnosis was devastating. With no family history of cancer, I felt lost and overwhelmed. I initially tried to keep the news from my family, but when the oncologist's office called me in, I knew I had to tell them. Their reactions were heartbreaking-my mom cried, my dad was in shock, and my sister tried to comfort me. It was hard knowing that I was the cause of their pain.

Treatment began quickly, giving me little time to process the situation. Chemotherapy was brutal. Having never been seriously ill before, I struggled with the intense side effects. The constant pain made me cry often, and I frequently ended up in the hospital due to severe dehydration, requiring IV fluids. I lost my ability to walk properly, endured immense pain for seven months, and lost all my hair shortly before my 22nd birthday. On top of this, I was put on heart medication and contracted COVID just before my final cycle of treatment. Those months felt like an eternity, and I counted down the days until it was over.

Despite the darkness, my family's support gave me strength. My sister accompanied me to every chemo session, drove me to appointments, and encouraged me to keep going. My mom ensured I had fresh, healthy meals and comforted me with massages to ease my pain. Their unwavering love kept me going, and I am forever grateful.

After completing chemotherapy, I focused on reclaiming my life. Just 20 days post-treatment, I graduated from college and celebrated with my family. A month later, I attended a concert, helped plan my cousin's engagement, and rediscovered my passion for helping others. I started taking neighborhood walks to rebuild my strength. Though I still struggle with balance and mobility, I'm grateful to have the energy to participate in life again. This journey has deepened my faith and taught me to cherish every moment.

I want to visit Maui, Hawaii, as a special gift to my family, especially my sister. She has always dreamed of visiting Hawaii, inspired by her love for Moana. Throughout my treatment, she was my rock, giving me unconditional support. This trip would be a meaningful way to thank her and create beautiful memories with my family in a place we've always wanted to see.

fighting Leukemia

WISH: A trip to Oregon

I was a sophomore at App State, I lived in a small college apartment with my 3 best friends and a cat. I am an EMT for Caldwell County up in the mountains. I lived a pretty normal college life, had a great group of friends, and was doing well in school.

What Nik's wish are you thinking about and why?
I want to go on a trip to Oregon with my family, we went there on a family trip when I was about 12/13 and I loved every second of it. However, I had a broken arm at the time so I had to miss out on some of the activities we were doing.

Fighting Germinoma

WISH: DisneyWorld Orlando

Before my diagnosis, I had just graduated High school, and a few weeks later I married the love of my life. I was working full-time building and designing luxury Chicken Coops while I and my wife were busy setting up our new home in the rural mountains of Tennessee. In between work, I would personally work on building an addition to my home for added comfort. Every Sunday I would work the sound booth for my local church.

After the diagnosis, everything went very fast and changed almost immediately. We were required to relocate almost 7 hours away during treatments. My wife, my little sister, and my loving parents (who graciously left their lives to be here with me as well) are now staying in a small 2-bedroom apartment provided by St. Jude. It is cramped, but we are trying to make the best of the entire situation. It's been very hard to walk away from the life I was working so hard to build up.

What Nik's wish are you thinking about and why?
A trip to DisneyWorld Orlando for me and my family. Me, my parents, and grandparents went 13 years ago together before my little sister was born. I would love to experience the magnificent fun and magic that DisneyWorld has to offer once again with my sister (8 years old) and wife as well.

Fighting Ependymoma Brain and Spine

WISH: Hawaii

Between 2007 and 2013, Josiah experienced severe headaches, pain behind his eyes, and vomiting during multiple ER visits, but no one suggested a head scan because he appeared healthy on the outside.

In January 2016, 13-year-old Josiah began experiencing debilitating headaches and was taken to the ER at Kapiolani Medical Center. After 11 hours, a scan revealed a large tumor on his cerebellum, wrapped around his brain stem. The tumor caused dangerous fluid buildup that required immediate surgery. Five days later, doctors confirmed it was Ependymoma, a rare, recurring brain cancer. The initial treatment plan included radiation and chemotherapy, but after researching alternatives, Josiah's family relocated to Houston for specialized treatment at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

In March 2016, Josiah underwent Photon Radiation therapy and started recovering. By 2018, he was back in the boxing gym and doing well, but a new lesion appeared in the same area of his brain. He had another brain surgery followed by additional radiation therapy. Despite this, he graduated high school in 2021 and enrolled in Lone Star College's Biology program, excited for the future.

In February 2022, Josiah experienced severe back pain. Scans revealed a tumor on his spine, leading to emergency surgery. Pathology confirmed it was Ependymoma. A new brain lesion near the left frontal lobe was also discovered, and Josiah underwent Gamma Knife surgery. By June 2022, his treatment plan included daily oral chemotherapy and weekly intravenous chemo.

Josiah later participated in Immunotherapy Clinical Trials in Los Angeles and continued battling recurrences. In March 2024, he had surgery on his thoracic spine to remove another tumor. In April 2024, he underwent brain surgery to address a tumor near the brainstem. He continued CAR T-cell therapy in June 2024 at City of Hope and resumed treatment at MD Anderson in August 2024.

Despite memory loss, physical rehabilitation, and the side effects of extensive treatments, Josiah remains positive and deeply rooted in his faith. He is actively involved in his care, mindful of his diet, and dedicated to his family, especially his younger sisters. His perseverance and love for his family drive him to fight harder every day.

Josiah's wish is to return to Hawaii for a dream getaway at Turtle Bay Resort, a place he and his family have always wanted to experience. This trip would allow him to reconnect with family, create cherished memories, and enjoy the beauty of home in a meaningful way.

Fighting Hodgkins Lymphoma

WISH: Hawaii

At 19, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma while working as a children's gymnastics instructor and preschool teacher. After six grueling months of chemotherapy, I achieved a six-month remission and resumed my work with children. However, following a tough relapse in June 2024, I had to pause my career again to undergo a stem cell journey. Once my battle is behind me, I plan to continue changing young lives and pursue my education in marine biology with a minor in education.

If granted a wish, I would want to travel with my family to Hawaii. My passion for working with children stems from my admiration for SpongeBob SquarePants and its creator, Stephen Hillenburg. His ability to educate audiences about marine life while making them laugh inspired my love for the ocean and my dedication to bringing joy to children. His work made my fight against cancer easier to endure and gave me strength to persevere.

Fighting ALL

WISH: Get a signed hat from Lionel Messi

I graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in mechanical engineering. However, my recent cancer diagnosis has put my career on hold. I underwent a bone marrow transplant about 100 days ago, which has limited my ability to enjoy activities I once loved, like cross country. Financially, my family has faced significant challenges due to the cost of my treatment and the need for round-the-clock care.

Music and TV shows have been a source of comfort during long hospital stays. Two people who have inspired and entertained me through this difficult time are Jenna Ortega, my favorite actress, and Olivia Rodrigo, my favorite singer. It would mean the world to meet one of these incredible women who have motivated me and brought me joy.

Alternatively, as a soccer fan, I would cherish receiving a signed hat from Lionel Messi, who plays in Miami. While I know this might be a long shot, even being placed on a waiting list for this would make me incredibly happy.

Fighting Hodgkin's lymphoma

WISH: Taylor Swift Concert

I was a relatively healthy young adult when I was diagnosed shortly after my 21st birthday. I had just started building my career as a full-time hairstylist and felt I was starting adulthood on a great note. When I received my diagnosis, I was shocked. I was at a different hospital at the time, and the oncologist didn't tell me to bring anyone for support, so I found out alone. Breaking the news to my friends and family was incredibly devastating.

Life since the diagnosis has been tough-keeping up with friends and not being able to work much has been hard. However, I'm fortunate to have an amazing support system, including my boss, a breast cancer survivor, who has been incredibly understanding and supportive through this journey.

I would love to see Taylor Swift during one of her Indianapolis concert dates. By then, I hope to be done with treatment and able to be in crowds again! Taylor's music has been a constant source of comfort throughout my treatment plan, and her concerts align perfectly with my 22nd birthday, making it the perfect way to celebrate.

Fighting Neuroblastoma

WISH: Masters professional golf tournament

I grew up in the small town of Columbus, Wisconsin, with my father, mother, and sister. I've always had a big, loving family who lives close by. I enjoy playing golf, watching sports, spending time outdoors, and playing board and video games. After graduating high school, I attended Edgewood College in Madison, Wisconsin, to study business. During college, I played competitive golf for Edgewood's men's golf team and made close friendships, including with my girlfriend, Maddie.

In May 2023, I graduated with a bachelor's degree in business management and started working as an assistant golf professional at Bishops Bay Country Club in Middleton, Wisconsin. It was a dream job for me, combining my degree and passion for golf. However, my first season ended early when I was diagnosed with cancer in September 2023.

After noticing a lump on my outer chest, I had it checked out. A biopsy revealed neuroblastoma cells. Further scans showed stage 4 metastatic neuroblastoma in nine areas of my body. The news was shocking and scary, but I was determined to fight. As the news spread, I received overwhelming support from loved ones.

Being a rare case at 23 years old-since neuroblastoma is usually found in children under five-I was treated at the American Family Children's Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin. My treatment included five rounds of chemotherapy, which caused constant nausea and drained my energy. This was followed by surgery to remove tumors in my chest and armpit, a stem cell transplant, radiation for the remaining tumor, and five rounds of immunotherapy.

In October 2024, I rang the bell to celebrate the completion of my inpatient treatment. I'm incredibly grateful for the amazing care team and the support of my friends and family throughout this journey. I'm now back to golfing, working, and spending time with loved ones as I await scans in December to confirm if I am cancer-free.

My Nik's wish is to attend the Masters professional golf tournament in Augusta, Georgia, with my family and girlfriend. The Masters is the most prestigious professional golf event in the world, held at Augusta National, a course that looks stunning on TV. Seeing this beautiful course, watching the best golfers compete, and witnessing the tournament in person would be an unforgettable experience. With my passion for golf, it would be the perfect way to celebrate the completion of my cancer fight.

Fighting Medulloblastoma

WISH: Camper

In March 2021, at 18 years old, I unexpectedly had three seizures in one afternoon and was rushed to the ER. Doctors discovered I had a brain tumor-but not just one. There were 11 tumors on my brain and spine. Two days later, I underwent brain surgery to remove the largest tumor. I spent two weeks in the ICU followed by another two weeks in the hospital's CCU. After 32 days, I was transferred to a specialty hospital where I continued treatment for the next 18 months.

During that time, my family relocated to be near the hospital. We finally returned home in September 2022. However, we continued traveling back for checkups due to worsening seizures. In March 2024, a new spot was found, and after further checks in May, it was confirmed that the cancer had relapsed. I am currently back at the specialty hospital undergoing long-term treatment for this relapse.

I've always loved camping and fishing with my family before my diagnosis, and I've dreamed of having a camper to take on trips since I was a little boy.

Fighting Hodgkin lymphoma

WISH: A Nice Vacation

Before my diagnosis, I was like any other young adult-attending college, going to class, and socializing. But after my diagnosis, everything changed. I had to leave school for treatment and move away from my family and friends.

The wish I'm thinking about is a vacation to Hawaii. It would be a much-needed getaway and something to look forward to once I've completed my chemotherapy.

Fighting Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma Type B cell

WISH: A Shopping Spree at The Mall of America

My name is Kailey Peters. I am 19 years old and just recently finished treatment for Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma Type B Cell! I was diagnosed one week after my 18th birthday. I had chest pain and horrible acid reflux that I later learned stemmed from a large tumor in my esophagus. I spent half a year with these symptoms, finishing out my volleyball season and later learning that it was all from my cancer. I have a great bond with my family, so I grew up spending a lot of time with them. I also love to spend time with my friends and animals. I played volleyball up until my diagnosis, I was on the Hillsborough Community College volleyball team. I am currently finishing up my AA degree in business administration and will graduate this December! I am going to further my education at Florida Atlantic University next fall. Cancer took a lot of things from me as I had to leave college and live at home during treatment, but I learned a lot of lessons from it. I am almost 3 months cancer free and I am pushing to get back to my old self. I missed out on a lot of opportunities during treatment but I am just more than happy to start doing things I enjoy again!

I am asking for a shopping spree at the Mall of America. I love shopping but rarely do it because it is a want and not a need. Because of this, I don't get new clothes that often. but it makes me so happy when I do! I would feel so blessed to be able to do this, as I would never do it on my terms.

Fighting Osteosarcoma

WISH: Floor Seats to the Coldplay concert in Nashville

Before being diagnosed with cancer my life was busy, I love being busy. I worked every day and if I wasn't working I had plans with my friends. Since being diagnosed that has changed, I started experiencing leg pain in August, and in September I started having to use crutches and my life became very bland. Once I was diagnosed my life was completely different because I also got an above knee amputation less than a month after my diagnosis, but I adapted fast. My friends visit me often, and I get out and do things as much as I can which is mostly golfing, I set myself goals every day to keep me motivated.