All articles tagged with #survivor story
Pete Carleton survived a devastating plane crash in Toronto that left him with lasting trauma, including panic attacks and fear of flying, but he is finding ways to cope and give back through wildlife volunteering, reflecting on his second chance at life.
A survivor of the Michigan church shooting, where her father was killed, recounts how she looked the gunman in the eyes and forgave him, emphasizing her message of forgiveness and peace amidst tragedy. The attack was carried out by Thomas Jacob Sanford, who died in a shootout with police after opening fire on churchgoers.
A Michigan man was sentenced to 40-60 years for kidnapping and torturing a woman he stalked for over a decade, including holding her in a soundproof bunker. The case highlights the dangers of stalking and led to changes in protection order procedures in Michigan. The victim, Samantha Stites, shared her harrowing experience and her journey to safety, advocating for other women.
An office cleaner at 345 Park Avenue recounts her harrowing experience during a shooting rampage by a gunman who targeted the building, killing three people. The shooter, believed to have been headed to the NFL headquarters, was suffering from CTE. The survivor describes her fear and stress following the incident, highlighting the tragic impact of the violence.
Sebije Nelovic, a long-time cleaner at a Manhattan office building, narrowly escaped harm when she encountered a gunman pointing a machine gun at her on the 33rd floor of 345 Park Avenue, leading her to feel too scared to return to work.
Viswashkumar Ramesh, the sole survivor of the Air India crash that killed over 240 people, recounted his miraculous escape from the wreckage in Ahmedabad, highlighting his quick thinking and the chaos of the crash, while mourning the loss of his brother among the victims.
Vishwaskumar Ramesh is the sole survivor of the Air India Boeing 787-8 crash near Ahmedabad, which killed 241 passengers and crew, as he recounts his harrowing escape and the tragedy's impact.
John Comstock, a survivor of the 1999 Texas A&M Aggie Bonfire collapse, reflects on his journey 25 years later. Despite severe injuries that nearly claimed his life, Comstock has built a fulfilling life, graduating from Texas A&M, working for the university, and raising a family. He honors the memory of the 12 students who died in the tragedy by living fully and cherishing his family.
Katie Coleman, a 33-year-old from Austin, Texas, was diagnosed with a rare kidney cancer after years of being dismissed by doctors who claimed she was 'too young' for the disease. Despite her persistent symptoms, medical professionals failed to take her concerns seriously until her cancer reached stage four. After undergoing surgery and treatment, she was declared free of disease in November 2022. Coleman shares her journey in her memoir, "Too Young for Cancer," highlighting the challenges of being a young cancer patient and the importance of being heard by healthcare providers.
During a routine doctor's appointment for Crohn's disease, David Brantley was diagnosed with colon cancer by Dr. Joseph Payne, ultimately saving his life. Brantley, who was initially given six months to live due to Crohn's disease, now advocates for early detection and routine screening to catch the disease before it becomes cancerous. He has written a book about his journey and hopes to raise awareness about colorectal cancer, dedicating the book to Dr. Payne, who he credits with saving his life.
Woody Miller, a 66-year-old male breast cancer survivor, credits his wife for saving his life by encouraging him to seek medical attention. Miller urges other men to undergo yearly mammograms, emphasizing that breast cancer is not just a women's disease. Despite experiencing occasional chest pain, Miller had no other symptoms. After his wife insisted, he sought medical help and was diagnosed with cancer. Miller underwent surgery and radiotherapy, and subsequent tests confirmed he was cancer-free. He now uses his story to empower other survivors and supports them financially, highlighting the importance of early detection and a strong support system.
Kent Miller, a retired Wichita Fire Department captain, shares his survivor story and spreads awareness about the health risks associated with acid reflux. Miller's battle with esophageal cancer, which he believes was caused by the crushing injuries he sustained in a tractor accident over three decades ago, highlights the importance of early treatment for acid reflux symptoms. He emphasizes the need for individuals to communicate with their doctors and not ignore persistent issues with acid reflux or heartburn. Miller's message serves as a reminder to get checked regularly and take symptoms seriously.
A 33-year-old man shares his experience of being diagnosed with bowel cancer, challenging the misconception that it only affects older people. After experiencing changes in his bowel habits and blood in his stool, he sought medical attention and was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor. He underwent a six-week course of daily radiotherapy and oral chemotherapy, followed by surgery and eight rounds of chemotherapy. Despite setbacks and an infection after surgery, he ultimately beat cancer. He emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about bowel cancer in people of all ages and encourages regular check-ups and awareness of symptoms.
Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men aged 15-35, but many men wait months before seeking help. Red flags for testicular cancer include a painless lump in the testicle, testicle pain, heaviness or swelling, a dull ache in the groin area, or any tenderness or changes in the male breast tissue. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment, and survivors recommend banking sperm before treatment. The five-year survival rate for testicular cancer is about 95%, making it one of the most treatable types of cancer.