Hope’s Stage 2 Adrenal Cancer Story
Interviewed by: Nikki Murphy
Edited by: Chris Sanchez
Hope is a 37-year-old mother of 3 boys who recently overcame adrenal cancer. She is from the Washington, DC metropolitan area and currently resides in Maryland. Hope had a brain tumor and Chiari malformation as a child. She underwent brain surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital during her youth, an experience that left a lasting impression.
In 2021, Hope began experiencing symptoms that were ultimately diagnosed as adrenal cancer. This aggressive cancer led her to undergo a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. As of October 12, 2024, she has been cancer-free for nearly two years. Hope’s journey through these medical challenges has shaped her perspective on life and deepened her appreciation for each day with her family.
Motivated by her own experiences and recognizing the lack of research and funding for adrenal cancer, Hope launched a nonprofit organization called Adrenal Cure Collective (ACC) in April 2024. The nonprofit aims to raise funds for adrenal cancer research and to increase awareness about this rare condition. She has taken on a leadership role in organizing ACC’s initiatives, with the goal of driving more support for those affected by adrenal cancer.
Hope is currently planning the first major event for her nonprofit, called the ACC Warrior Weekend, which bring together the adrenal cancer community, fundraise for research, and foster a sense of solidarity among those affected by this rare disease. Her ultimate goal for the nonprofit is to fund more research into adrenal cancer, a disease that receives far less attention and research funding compared to other cancers.
Beyond her work with the nonprofit, Hope is deeply involved in her children’s lives. Despite the medical challenges she has faced, she remains dedicated to being a present and active mother to her 3 boys. Balancing motherhood with her health journey and nonprofit work, Hope’s resilience and passion for making a difference shine through in every aspect of her life.
The impact of Hope’s advocacy extends beyond her own story, as she seeks to raise awareness for those battling adrenal cancer and to build a community of support for patients and families affected by the disease. Through the Adrenal Cure Collective, she is determined to bring more attention and resources to the fight against adrenal cancer, ultimately working toward better outcomes for those diagnosed with this rare and often overlooked condition.
- Name:
- Hope L.
- Age at Diagnosis:
- 35
- Diagnosis:
- Adrenal cancer
- Staging:
- Stage 2
- Initial Symptoms:
- High blood pressure
- Butterfly rash
- Joint pain and swelling
- Rapid heart rate
- Treatment:
- Surgery (adrenalectomy)
- Chemotherapy (Mitotane)
This interview has been edited for clarity. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider for treatment decisions.
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