This blog post will feature an inspiring interview with Tori McGee. She will share her story of being diagnosed with lymphoma as a young adult and how she overcame the challenges that came with it. Through this interview, we hope to spread Tori's message of resilience and encourage readers to be open about their struggles. We have included a full transcript of the interview below for your convenience.

Chike had a presence that made you pay attention to him. He was crazy ambitious, like me. He was encompassing. We got married right after college. I was active duty in the Army and stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska. He was crazy and confident, and once he figured out what he wanted, he would do anything to accomplish it.

Hear the story of Claireliese Kennedy, the visionary behind Lymphoma Ladies, shares her story of courage and hope as a lymphoma survivor. Her inspiring journey led to the creation of this empowering organization dedicated to providing a safe place for young adult ladies with lymphoma, past or present.

Hear the story of Paige Comer, a young woman who was diagnosed with lymphoma at the age of 28. Learn how she advocated for herself and how patient advocacy can make a difference in the face of cancer.

LtCol Passerella spoke of how he met Chike Springer at Walter Reed, and Chike's positive character and strong spirit really caught his attention. He recalled that he told Chike, "It's gonna suck. It's a beast. Embrace the beast. 'Buckle your chin strap and fight back. You've got this.'” When he was asked to speak at this event, was devastated to learn about Chike's passing. We are so appreciative that LtCol Passerella shared his story to help us raise awareness and funds to advance lymphoma research and honor Chike Springer's legacy. He embodied the spirit of hope with every word, inspiring us all to fight back against lymphoma and do whatever we can to make a difference in the lives of those affected. He is an inspiring example of how to fight cancer with strength and grace.

Dr. Dunleavy, a member of the Lymphoma Research Foundation's Scientific Advisory Board, spoke about the importance of funding research to help those affected by this terrible disease and underscored how it could ultimately improve patient outcomes. He highlighted the progress made in understanding lymphoma, from diagnosis to treatment, and expressed his gratitude that patients have been able to benefit from recent research. He also discussed why funding is necessary for furthering our knowledge of this disease.

“When I did relapse, I had an oncologist that didn't understand that this happens. Like I think they were underprepared to deal with that. And I remember even one of my first appointments, them telling me it was the good cancer, the greatest cancer to have. And I was like, what? Like there is no good cancer.” - Chelsey Gomez, Artist & Cancer Advocate

Lyndsay Springer, President of the Chike Springer Foundation, talks with artist and cancer advocate, Chelsey Gomez, about the inspiration behind her Instagram page @Ohyouresotough.

Chike Springer Foundation founder and CEO, Lyndsay Springer, spoke with Tatiana about the platform she created to provide WOC (Women of Color) with a space to share their cancer journeys. By sharing these stories, Chemo Divas strives to promote representation in the cancer community, advocate for fellow Divas and inspire one another.