The story of Maria
On March 27th, 2000, I was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of Wilms’ tumor. The journey changed my life in many ways. After surgery, I faced big challenges like a weak immune system, over 10 with a G-tube, long-term effects from chemo and radiation, and developmental difficulties I’m still navigating.
When I was younger, I didn’t realize my life wasn’t “normal.” I spent years hoping to move past cancer and its effects, but now I see it will always be part of me. It’s shaped my life in both hard and meaningful ways. I’ve made tough choices others my age haven’t, but it’s all part of my journey. For a long time, I felt ashamed of being a survivor—but this year, I’ve learned to embrace it and take pride in the strength it gave me.
After health complications in my late teens and early 20s, I began seeing a genetics team. That’s when I was diagnosed with Mosaic Variegated Aneuploidy Syndrome 3 (MVA3), a rare disorder. I was the first adult they had diagnosed, followed by six children. Learning this helped explain many lifelong challenges and gave me a clearer understanding of myself. It’s another layer of my journey that connects past experiences to new insights.
What many don’t realize is how hard life after cancer is. People think once it’s gone, you’re cured—but that’s not true. The long-term physical and emotional effects stay with you. Childhood cancer brings challenges that are hard to explain.
Even with all this, I’ve found happiness. My cat is a great comfort, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) has helped me reconnect with my body and meet incredible people who support me. I’m also grateful for friendships with fellow survivors through amazing organizations.
I know more challenges lie ahead, but I’ve learned to appreciate what I have. I’m thankful for the joy, the lessons, and the people who’ve stood by me. I’ve recently started seeking support to better cope with long-term effects.