These are just 10 of 20 compelling true stories of cancer survivors I interviewed in Hope Never Dies. They are remarkable accounts of courageous people who survived terrible prognoses. Some were given as little as three weeks to live; most were told they would die within a year.
Date of Diagnosis: 2004
Diagnosis: Pancreatic Cancer with tumors in Diane’s liver.
Prognosis: 3 months to live
Today: Thriving and self-employed in Wisconsin
Date of Diagnosis: 1995
Diagnosis: Lung Cancer with tumors in both of Janet’s lungs, her pancreas, stomach, liver and throughout her lymphatic system.
Prognosis: 3-6 weeks to live
Today: Retired and thriving in Ohio
Date of Diagnosis: 2001
Diagnosis: Breast Cancer with lesions in Annie’s lungs and brain, and cancer in her lymphatic system.
Prognosis: 3-6 months to live
Today: Thriving and Exec. Director of non-profit cancer organization in Texas
Date of Diagnosis: 1991
Diagnosis: Brain Cancer
Prognosis: Short-term lifespan, dire diagnosis
Today: Thriving in California
Date of Diagnosis: 1993
Diagnosis: Breast Cancer, Ann developed 25 chest wall tumors over several years.
Prognosis: Short-term lifespan, dire diagnosis
Today: Thriving and Exec. Director of non-profit cancer organization in Florida
Date of Diagnosis: 1999
Diagnosis: Ovarian and Uterine Cancer, which had spread to Elizabeth’s abdomen.
Prognosis: 2 months to live
Today: Thriving and retired in Ohio
Date of Diagnosis: 1991
Diagnosis: Skin Cancer – Melanoma, which had spread to John’s lymphatic system.
Prognosis: Short-term lifespan, dire diagnosis
Today: Thriving and retired in Illinois
Date of Diagnosis: 1988
Diagnosis: Multiple Cancers including: uterine, colon, ureters, with metastasis to Barb’s lungs, pelvis, kidney and liver.
Prognosis: 2 years to live
Today: Thriving and living in Texas
Date of Diagnosis: 2008
Diagnosis: Breast Cancer, which had spread to Julie’s lymph nodes.
Prognosis: 3-4 months to live
Today: Thriving and practicing law in Florida
Date of Diagnosis: 2005
Diagnosis: Brain Cancer
Prognosis: 18 months to live
Today: Thriving, working and living in California