National Cancer Survivors Day Stories - Mario Lemieux Foundation

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My Dad has beat cancer not once but twice, lung and then prostate. I know everyone says they have the best Dad but I’m pretty sure my brother and I do. He’s been to every sporting event for both of us, moved me in and out of college for four years, then half way across the country and back. He taught both of us how to fix things for ourselves and be official beer fetchers. He became a Pap for the first time this year, it’s hard to think he might not have lived to see this moment but he has and it is the best thing to watch him show Luke things. — Gary, submitted by his daughter Leah

My dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer in August of 2018. His last radiation treatment was on November 5, 2018, the night the Pens did their Hockey Fights Cancer Awareness night. I took it as a good sign. His scans have been clean and this November is will be three years. I honor my dad, a prostate cancer survivor. This year he turned 64. — Gilbert, submitted by his daughter Jessica

Ethan was diagnosed with Leukemia as an 18 month old. He spent over three years in chemotherapy that left him with some residual deficits. But you will not meet a sweeter, more kind-hearted kid who strives to overcome these challenges. Recently completed his first year of college and survived a pandemic. Ethan is pictured here with his sister Charlotte. — Ethan, submitted by Molly

In 2015 my son-in-law, Andy, was diagnosed with hairy cell leukemia. We were all very scared since we never heard of this and didn't know what to expect. He spent 2 weeks in the Posner Towers. Thankfully with the treatments , the wonderful medical staff and the love and support of his wife Courtney and their 2 sons Toby and Tyler , he was on the road to being cancer-free. Being diligent about his blood checks and doctor visits helped them catch the leukemia when it returned this past May. After another stay in Posner Towers, Andy is back home with amazing results. He is now waiting to schedule his Immunotherapy. It was a rough road, but through it all he remained determined and positive without complaining or feeling sorry for himself. We love him so much. He is looking forward to doing his 6th 6.6K Lemieux run. I look at him as an inspiration to anyone battling cancer. The Mario Lemieux Foundation is a blessing and we are so thankful for them. — Andy, submitted by Carol

I was 8 months pregnant when my husband Stew started having significant medical problems. He kept pushing his own issues off to be there for me and the baby. My daughter was 6 weeks old when my husband finally broke down and went to a doctor, and soon after he started his cancer journey. Our daughter became the chemo office mascot and accompanied him to his treatments for Hodgkins Lymphoma. Even though he was miserable during treatment, my husband was there for all of the important moments of our daughter's first year. He pushed through his own pain to give our daughter a great life. He is now 2 years in remission. Oh and by the way, his only requested gift of our entire marriage? A purple Hockey Fights Cancer Penguins Jersey. — Stew, submitted by his wife, Lisa

My husband Matthew Bricker had stage 4 colon cancer in 2010 at age 28 and beat the 8% odds to survive! He also had melanoma while I was pregnant with our first baby, so he is a double cancer survivor. He's a blessed and special person.

He also LOVES hockey and attributes his love of hockey to watching Mario Lemieux as a kid. Matthew played at Neville Island throughout all his chemo. Hockey and faith kept him positive! At 40 years old he still plays in a hockey league today! — Matt, submitted by his wife Lindsey

Sue is our warrior and inspiration as she has best breast cancer twice. She is an incredible mother, wife, daughter and sister who is the definition of resilience and grace. We love her so much! — Sue, submitted by Emily

By the age of 28 I had Hodgkin's Lymphoma with tumors in my heart, lungs and neck the same type of cancer Mario had at that age. It took me 10 years to get healthy again, and growing up a hockey and penguins fan Mario has always inspired me and given me hope that i can beat it also. I love this foundation and thank my doctors and the higher powers for fixing me up. — Christopher

My husband was diagnosed with an incurable but treatable form of papillary thyroid cancer in 2008. It was a shock to us since he was asymptomatic. His and our life was turned upside down with the word "cancer". As a parent and teacher he knew how important it was to be there for his family and students. He worked even when he was so sick he could not handle it. He was determined to survive. Fast forward to 2019, we were in a car accident. I found out I had pancreatic neuroendocrine cancer. He has been there with me through everything and took care of me and our family despite him having to take care of himself. David is a SURVIVOR and a CAREGIVER! I can't thank and love him enough for all the unconditional care and love gives everyday! — David, submitted by his wife Jennifer

Brandy had less than a 5% chance of surviving her brain cancer at the age of 5. She is now 18, and cancer free!! — Brandy, submitted by Kathy

I overcame Hodgkins Lymphoma when I was 22. I had chemo and radiation. 13 years later I overcame breast cancer which was a late effect from radiation treatments to my chest when I was battling Hodgkins. I am now a pediatric nurse at the same hospital that I was treated at for both cancers. I work with pediatric oncology patients and their families, as well as children with many other diseases/illnesses. I live in Boston and consider myself very lucky to live so close to such amazing hospitals. Thank you! ( I am on the left side of the picture at work during the pandemic!) — Joanne

He was diagnosed with colon cancer in October 2019 and after 12 weeks of chemo it didn’t work. He is now on ketruda an immunization therapy and is doing well. He does have neuropathy in his feet which is very painful but he deals with. He has been a trooper since he got it. He gets a ct scan on the 9th and we pray he is still doing well. I need my husband of 50 years next month. It is the hardest thing he has to deal with. He is the love of my life and great father and grandfather. He is 71 and looks great. He still does many of his hobbies and interest. — Stephen, submitted by his wife Anita

My Husband Sam had Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2014 at the age of 37. Sam is a loving father and husband and he continued to work full time while he was undergoing chemo. He did not feel good, but he continued to push himself everyday. His strength and determination inspired our family. We love him Very much and we are very thankful that he is okay today. — Sam submitted by Stephanie

Trisha is my daughter. Two months after I was diagnosed with breast cancer she was also diagnosed with breast cancer. As I struggled with my own treatments I watched my daughter go though the hardest battle of her life. Fighting for her life. She was so strong during all the surgeries and chemo treatments. She is truly a warrior and a survivor. A inspiration to her two children. Teaching them to never give up. Speaking at the Relay for Life. And then writing her story. The good the bad and the ugly parts of cancer. Wanting to inspire people. Hoping that because of her they didn’t give up. I am so proud of the woman that she has been and will continue to be. — Trisha, submitted by her mom Patty

My son David Jr. is a Cancer survivor. He had Hodgkins Lymphoma a month after Covid first started and went into remission only to get it again 4 months later. He is in remission now. He had his last radiation treatments recently and will be doing preventative chemo about once a month for a year. He has gone through so much and is fearful it will come back again. My husband and I tell him that he’s a fighter and even though he went through all of this that he needs to be optimistic and not negative otherwise cancer will win. We adopted our son in 2018 at the age of 14. Before he was adopted he had a hard life and at times had to survive on his own. He is a survivor and we are very proud of all he has accomplished. It has been hard for him and he has had many obstacles before and after he was adopted but as I told him if he survived all that he can survive anything that life throws a him. — David, submitted by his mom Nicole

30 year survivor or burkitts lymphoma - diagnosed at the age of 11. Received six months of chemotherapy including intrathecal chemotherapy injections to prevent relapse into the central nervous system. While I have scars surgery and vein damage from clots due to the central line - I live a happy and healthy life- now working as an oncology pharmacist helping patients fight against cancer! — Jeffrey

Lisa, submitted by Clover

My mom, Judy, beat cancer twice!! She was diagnosed in the early 80s with Hodgkin’s lymphoma stage four. She received very creative treatment. The doctors told her she would not be able to have children, she had three!! Then in 2005 she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. She had her thyroid removed and underwent treatment. She beat it! In 2009 she was diagnosed with Liver cancer. Unfortunately, this cancer was probably due to all her treatments from the others and she just couldn’t beat this one. She passed in 2010. I will always remember taking her to hillman for treatments and seeing Mario’s jersey hanging in the reception area. It always made me smile! — Judy, submitted by her daughter Emily

In July of 2016 I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer. I had to go through a total hysterectomy. I was very fortunate to have caught it early enough to not have to do any type of treatment. And I have been very fortunate enough to not have any additional issues with the cancer coming back or spreading. — Darcie

I was diagnosed in 2014, two months after the birth of my second child, with a rare and vicious DIPG brain tumor. I received treatment at my local hospital (radiation oncology) and continue to be followed by the team at UPMC - Williamsport. My tumor remains in remission and has been stabilized for six years. I'm back to raising my kids (my "baby" is now six) and continue to be inspired by other survivors. I have completed ten 5ks since remission and am now committed to running a 5k a day! I am a Pittsburgh native and lifelong Penguins fan,. — Lee Ann

I was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer on December 21, 2018. Prior to this, in April 2014, I lost my beautiful, smart and profoundly disabled daughter, suddenly, due to respiratory failure. I was beyond grief stricken. I prayed to God to just let me be with my daughter. Fast forward to December 2019, after extensive grief counseling, I had a visit with my PCP for my annual Flu shot. I brought to her attention that my stomach was the size of a 6 months pregnant woman. She then asked a plethora of questions and then advised I needed a CT scan right away. The CT scan determined that I had a mass the size of a soccer ball. I was immediately referred to Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, FL. After the consultation with the Oncologist, he advised the mass was a benign mass and surgery was scheduled to remove it. To my surprise after the surgery, I was then informed by my best friend that indeed it was malignant and it was a Stage 3B high grade serous ovarian cancer that metastasized to the colon. I then underwent 6 rounds of chemotherapy. At the conclusion of the chemotherapy, my Oncologist then delivered a heavy message... I had a 80-90% chance of recurrence of the cancer. This is and has been very difficult to navigate for the past 2 years. At this time I am in the "No evidence of disease" category. After going through this journey, I have come to realize that I am on this earth for a reason and my daughter is with me every step of the way. She is the one that gives me the strength to carry on and live a life I am meant to live... even from heaven. She is my true angel and without her and her memory, I would never have been able to navigate this journey. I received my own bell after ringing the bell on my last chemotherapy treatment. I ring this bell daily to remind myself that I am happy to be living. — Yvette

I’m a Hodgkin’s Lymphoma survivor. Diagnosed in 2016. I’ve been in remission with no treatment for 2 years. My oncologist at WVU and I are both big Pens fans and celebrated the back to back cups together! — Britt

I was misdiagnosed twice in 1991 with Breast Cancer, age 43. When the official diagnosis of the Rt Br was finally diagnosed 6 mos later as positive, there was talk of only 3-6 mos.?
Dr Stanley Marks, at AGH then, told me that if I did what he told me, Adriamiacin, hospitalizations, transfusions, etc, “we would grow old together”.
I was let go of my job, lost my health & disability insurance, but pushed through.
If 2020 wasn’t already bad enough, my breast cancer came back. I went to him at Hillman & I ultimately had a double Masectomy. I told him “Thank you, we did grow old together “ but now “we need to grow ‘older’ together!” ?. I’m 73.
I’ve learned never to give up, stay positive, believe in your ability to fight it and keep on living everyday. — Kathy

My daughter Megan is a two-time survivor of acute myeloid leukemia. First diagnosis at 5 years old in 2010; second battle in 2012 at age 8. Both hospital stays over six months; chemo in first round and chemo and bone marrow transplant in second.

She was a fighter and still fights secondary issues caused by cancer treatment. She is type 1 diabetic, battles other endocrine issues, and suffers depression. She has lost too many friends made during her cancer journey, but she carries on the best she can.

Today she is a honor student, band member, athlete, 4-h leader, and a culinary student, with a dream of owning her own food truck someday.

She is kind, strong and loving to all she meets, and a wonderful sister to her brother Alex, who has ASD. — Megan, submitted by her mom Sonya

She was told she had breast cancer and had the surgery done and so far is doing great I love my cousin She is a very strong and loving person — Pasty, submitted by Robert

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017. Had lumpectomy and radiation treatments and was declared cancer free in 2018. But in 2021 doctors found a tumor on my kidney. While it’s been determined to be cancer, I still don’t know if it’s kidney or breast cancer that moved. Hoping for the best and plan on attending some Penguins games next season! — Stacy

At the young age of 39 my mom was diagnosed with colon cancer. I was only in 1st grade at the time so I didn’t really know what that meant. She spent a long time in the hospital undergoing surgery then chemotherapy and radiation treatments. That was about 30 years ago. She has been cancer free since. I can’t imagine what I would have done without my mom here, but I can tell you that the staff at what is now known as UPMC Altoona saved her life. She has been able to enjoy life and watch her grandkids grow up. The picture I am attaching was put up on billboards throughout the Altoona Area with my mom and me on it. — Kathy, submitted by her son Michael

My mom. She’s had 3 forms of cancer (the most recent she had surgery for a couple of weeks ago). She’s still going strong. — Stacy, submitted her daughter Stephanie

My sister just finished her last chemo treatment for small cell lung cancer. Her tumor shrunk by 80% according to her most recent scan! She is so strong and beautiful and she has so many people in her corner praying for her! We know she can beat this! ❤️ — Amber, submitted her sister Jill

I survived testicular cancer, first discovered in 2011. A cancer we rarely hear about because men will usually not talk about it. I hope all young men finding a lump down there find the courage to get examined by a doctor because the healing rate is over 95%! — Maxime

I went back to school to be a nurse when I was 40. I worked full time and went to school in the evening / weekend nursing program at UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing. In my last semester of nursing school, I was diagnosed with breast cancer I dropped out of school to have a double mastectomy and chemotherapy. I completed my nursing school and passed by boards while still getting maintenance chemotherapy. While I was getting chemotherapy - I thought to myself that I would like to give chemotherapy to other cancer patients one day. I just celebrated my 10 year cancer free anniversary in April and I have been an oncology nurse, giving chemotherapy for 6 years now at the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in New Castle, PA I am also a hockey mom ? — Kelly

My mom is 71 years old. She was diagnosed with stage IV Lung Cancer in September of 2017 We were told she could have 5 months to 5 years. July 17th 2018 my mom's scans showed no signs of cancer. September 2019 my mom received the bad news that she had a few small tumors spine, she's been seeking treatments for this and her newest scans received (May 2021) show that chemo is working and the tumors are shrinking. My mom is a true warrior, I have no doubt that she will beat this a second time. — Patti, submitted by her daughter Megan

My mother (pictured on the left) she is a survivor of breast cancer twice. My sister (pictured on the right) is a breast cancer survivor as well.

But my mother, as a youngster I seen my mother battle this terrible cancer and me not understanding at my young age what was going on, all I remember is just hanging out, helping her, and watching Golden Girls with her lol.

The second time around they did have to remove both of her breasts to get the all the cancer. I couldn't imagine going through such a decision as did she. But she went along with it, and the way she just stayed positive and always in good spirits I am thankful she's still here today for sure. — Anita, submitted by her son Eric

Abbey, submitted by her dad Dennis

My mom was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in October 2020. She was faced with the hardest battle of her life and recently underwent a stem cell transplant in March 2021 at shady side hospital. She received great care from the staff there and at UPMC hillman cancer center on the blood cancer floor. With an awesome team of doctors and amazing medicine, she is currently in remission! — Sue, submitted by her daughter Jamie

My father has battled cancer 2 times now. We were shocked with his diagnosis, as his only symptom was heart burn. After testing, his doctor broke the news that he had Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. When the doctor explained it to him, he said “Do you know who Mario Lemieux is?”. That was my fathers guiding light and hope for survival. He immediately said ... as we were all crushed ... “If Mario can do it, so can I”. And he did beat it ... twice. We are so thankful to still have him in our lives. — James, submitted by his daughter Melinda

My hubby, started out as bladder cancer, turned into penile cancer, had to have it removed, went through cemo, then went through imunitherapy, after 3 yrs, cancer survivor, thank God every day. He has to wear a bag but he is a surviver!! Cancer free!!! — Thomas, submitted by his wife Mary

I'm heading into year 8 of being a cancer survivor! It’s a label I’m proud of, but obviously a club I never would have willingly joined. Stay strong fellow fighters and survivors!

Here's my story:
I guess it's not every day that you're driving down a major highway and see yourself on a billboard!
I was nominated in 2015 by my nurses at St. Margaret's to tell my story for the patient testimonials section on their website. Why? Because I am a cancer survivor! Stage 1A, Grade 3 Endometrial Cancer. Chemo, surgery, radiation. Long story short, I told my story (way too many times to count!) and was then asked to do a photo shoot for UPMC CancerCenter representing St Margaret. I was then featured in their ad campaign in the Trib, the Shaler Journal, the Plum Advance Leader and the Fox Chapel Herald. Also a postcard mailer and this billboard I just happened upon one day located on 28 near Harmarville.

I truly believe when you survive a horrific tragedy or a horrible disease, it's for a reason. You have a purpose. Giving up was not an option for me. You have to hope, pray and believe. You are stronger than you know! — Sheri

John was unexpectedly diagnosed with Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia in August of 2018. The same day as his diagnosis, he was hospitalized to begin immediate treatment. For the next two months, he underwent daily chemotherapy and countless transfusions; he was finally able to return home in October, where he continued outpatient treatment over the next 8 months. John was declared in remission in May of 2019. Inspired by the kindness and generosity of his doctors, nurses, and hospital volunteers, he is committed to raising awareness and funds for cancer research and patient assistance. — John, submitted b Elizabeth

He is my 5 year old who beat leukemia!!! He was diagnosed with it when he was 1 years old and beat it last year we still go to children’s once every two months to make sure he does not relapse. He also rang the bell. — Alexander, submitted by Courtney

My wife is a cancer survivor. She is now a mom to our three beautiful girls. She’s such a strong and caring person. We met playing hockey in a adult co Ed tournament. She’s a huge Penguins fan and has raised our daughters into Penguins fans as well. She’s such a deserving woman. — P:aula, submitted by her husband Mett

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018 at the age of 42. I have 2 daughters who were 6 and 8 at the time and they were my driving force behind beating cancer. I knew I couldn’t leave them without a mom and I also knew I had too much left to live for (like winning a puck signed by Mario Lemieux LOL. ).. So after 8 rounds of Chemotherapy, weeks of radiation, surgeries and many tests, I now have a clean Bill of health. The road was not fun getting here but worth every single second. — Sherry

I was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2008! I was lucky they caught it in time, as the cancer stayed in my cervix. I had a radical hysterectomy & have been 13 years cancer free so far! — Colleen

Quinton is my son. He was diagnosed in 2015 at 5 months old with ALL leukemia then again at age 3. At age 3 in 2018 he received a bone marrow transplant that was from his sisters cord blood that we save 9yrs earlier. Today Quinton is 2.5 yrs post transplant and doing amazing ! A true survivor! We call him little Fighter!
Quinton is a funny and very busy almost 6 year old! And of course a big Penguins fan! — Quinton, submitted by his dad Jim

My son Reed , who is 8 years old, was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma in 2015 at the age of three. For 11 months, Reed endured a very aggressive treatment plan that included chemo, radiation, surgery to remove over half of his pelvic bone and a bone marrow transplant. However, it wasn't the procedures he went through or the pain he endured that make him my hero. It is his positive energy and can do attitude that leaves me speechless. He knows he is slower than other kids but that doesnt stop him from playing sports and trying new physical activities that are almost impossible. His teachers constantly compliment Reed for his positive attitude that is reflected on his classmates. Often times, Reed is referred to as a "role model." Reed also wants to help others. He has hosted lemonade stands for Alex's Lemonade Stand, we completed the 6.6K virtual walk for the Lemieux Foundation, and participated in various other activities to raise money for pediatric cancer. A few months ago, Reed came home from school and said he wanted to start his own business to help makes kids wishes come true. We didn't tell him that he was stepping on the toes of the Make-A-Wish Foundation to deter him even though there is no deterring him. When I hear about a child who has been diagnosed with cancer, I think about Reed and the hand he was dealt with but how he also come out of such a horrible event as a positive and motivating individual and it gives me hope for those other kids who I will never meet but wish they come out of the dark time in their life with the same positive energy and appreciation for life that Reed has. — Reed, submitted by his dad Chris

I was diagnosed with grade 2 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma ER+/PR+/HER2- on November 4, 2016 at age 46. I had a lumpectomy on my right breast and sentinel node removal, but it had spread to my lymph nodes. 2nd surgery was to remove all lymph nodes under my right arm. My testing showed that chemo would not be a viable treatment option, however, I did receive 33 rounds of radiation. In 2018, I had a hysterectomy, as my hormones were spiking and my cancer was hormone-fed. I did hormone therapy for 5 years, but recently had to stop due to the side effects. I'm also enrolled in an aspirin research trial for breast cancer prevention. I consider myself so blessed and lucky for my outcome - and feel guilty that I got out so easy compared to others. I'm an advocate for cancer survivors through my involvement with 412 Thrive. — Amy

Chris is a dad to 7 kids. He is one of the most caring and kind person ever. He goes out of his way to provide for his family and would give anyone the shirt off his back. He had kidney cancer and had it removed in 2015. He has been going strong ever since! — Chris, submitted by Patricia

An avid Penguins fan and veterinary technician. I was diagnosed with stage 2 ovarian cancer just months after moving into my new home. I was 36 years old at the time. I have a sister battling chronic Lyme and my dad had recovered from colon cancer years prior. I went through a major surgery and 19 weeks of chemo. I am proud to 3 years later I am still here and in remission. I have appointments every 3 months and yearly procedures still as they also found I have lynch syndrome that makes me highly likely to develop other types of cancer. Let's go pens! — Michele

My Aunt is currently fighting stage 4 breast cancer. She underwent chemo and just found out after 2 rounds that it has shrunk the tumor enough to operate and then try radiation. — Sally, submitted by Dawn

I was in the ICU two months premature and diagnosed years later with neuroblastoma as a young little girl after radiation ,chemo and surgeries for a couple years I was cancer free. Believe it or not I will be turning 40 next year !!!! — Erin

Clayton was my pap. On June 9, 2020 he passed away due to bone cancers He was like a father figure to me and I miss him dearly. I still remember watching a Jordan Staal short handed goal against the Rangers with him!

Clayton served his country in the Army from 1958-1960. Clayton worked as a heavy equipment operator for many local companies. He was a life member of Citizens Hose Volunteer Fire Company in Natrona Heights. Clayton enjoyed being a handyman, watching sports, Pirates, Steelers and Penguins, and reading about local history, especially the history of Birdville. Clayton was also involved in working on the restoration of the World War II Memorial in Natrona Heights. — Clayton, submitted by Jordan

Mario Lemieux Foundation
Two Chatham Center, Suite 1661
112 Washington Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

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The Lemieux Foundation is classified as a 501(c)3 organization, IRS tax ID 25-1708231. Contributions, therefore, are deductible to the extent permitted on federal and state income tax returns. A copy of the official registration form and the financial information of the Mario Lemieux Foundation can be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania: 1-800-732-0999.