How facing Hodgkin’s Lymphoma as a teen shaped my faith, identity, and perspective—and what I want other young survivors to know.
Being diagnosed with cancer as a teenager is life-altering. As a young cancer survivor, I want to share how faith helped me navigate the fear, pain, and uncertainty that came with my Hodgkin’s Lymphoma diagnosis—and how that journey led me to a renewed sense of purpose. If you’re an AYA cancer survivor or a young person navigating cancer treatment, know that you’re not alone.
Diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at 15
It was the day before my 16th birthday and I had just gotten in the car after a long day of babysitting. For the past few weeks, I had been feeling very sick, with no idea why. We had gotten a biopsy done to see if the swelling in my neck was anything serious, and were waiting on the results. As my mom and I drove home, I remembered that my biopsy results should have already come in. I’ll never forget casually asking about it, expecting her to say it came back just fine. Her silence in that car was loud enough for me to know that it was definitely not “just fine.”
At that moment, I knew my whole life was about to change. My older sister had just gone into remission for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma when I was diagnosed with it. Over the past 2 years, I had watched her go through treatments and transplants, being stuck in the hospital for weeks at a time. Though I was familiar with the path ahead, and knew remission was possible, the emotions that came with the news were still overwhelming.
I began to wonder what the future would look like—if there even was one—and what this diagnosis would mean for mine. As we drove home, my mind filled with questions: How did this happen? And what would happen now? Would I survive to celebrate any more big milestones, like my 16th birthday?
Navigating Life as a Teen with Cancer
Cancer was unlike anything I had ever experienced before. My perspective on life shifted—I was no longer stressing over a math test or a busy schedule, but instead, facing a life-threatening illness and worrying about what the future held. My immediate plans, like getting a job to save for college, were put on hold and my sense of control over my life shattered. Never in a million years did I think something like this would happen to me.
All this change led me to reflect on the values I had lived by my entire life. This was the point where my faith was tested.
At first, the shocking new reality hadn’t fully set in. It was like the adrenaline rush you get when you’re injured, temporarily numbing the pain. But as time passed, reality hit. And in those defining moments, I couldn’t help but ask myself what I truly believed about all that was happening to me.
Losing My Hair, Losing Control—and Finding my Faith
I remember so clearly the day I decided to shave my head. For weeks, I had been trying to slow down my hair loss. But eventually, we had no other choice—my hair had become so sensitive that brushing it was simply impossible, leaving knots that couldn’t be untangled. When I looked into the mirror after shaving it all off, it hit me: I was no longer just a normal girl. I was a girl with cancer and it was a reality I would have to accept.
The diagnosis brought a lot of stress on my body as I took on chemotherapy. I was in a constant state of discomfort. My body would ache and get so sensitive that it hurt to even lay my head down on a pillow. This became a vicious cycle as I was constantly exhausted from treatments and not able to rest because of the discomfort. From that pain, I began to experience anxiety at night because I knew the long hours ahead. It was in moments like that that I began to lean into my beliefs. I believed that I was never truly alone because God was always with me. The comfort of knowing I would not have to go through these experiences alone helped me make it through those nights.
I also dealt with insecurity, feeling like I stood out without my hair. As a teenage girl, the last thing I wanted was to look weird or “not pretty enough.” As I dived deeper into God and faith, I came to believe that God was less concerned about what I look like on the outside, and more about who I am on the inside. I became less concerned about my looks and more focused on being a kind person.
The hard moments like these continued to deepen my desire to make sense of this situation. I realized that the only thing I could control at this point was what I chose to believe.
How I Found Hope, Purpose, and Peace During Treatment
Throughout my cancer journey, I continued to explore the beliefs I had grown up with. I wanted to know what I truly had faith in, and why it mattered. Personally, I believe in the words of the Bible, so I began reading it more. I sought mentorship from people whose faith inspired me. I asked myself tough questions—about my purpose, my future, and what truly matters in life.
This led me to recognize what I believe to be my life’s purpose as a Christian: to have a meaningful relationship with God and share that with others. I chose to believe that if my cancer was a way for me to do that, then I was truly walking in my purpose. This idea really changed my perspective on my sickness, and I began to see it as an opportunity.
I want to note that while I was discovering my beliefs, I did not belittle the harsh reality of my sickness. I would not pretend that everything was amazing when it wasn’t. I learned that faith doesn’t mean the absence of fear or struggles—it means leaning into what you believe, despite them. From that realization, I was able to acknowledge my suffering while still holding onto what I believed.
Becoming rooted in faith during my cancer journey was one of the best things I could have done for myself. It gave me peace of mind and a sense of purpose amidst the suffering. It ultimately gave me a whole new perspective on life. From my hospital bed, I began to see life differently—one small moment at a time. I found joy from the truth I believed, and in the love and support of my family, friends, and church. When cancer had seemed to steal everything from me, my faith gave me something that no diagnosis could take away.
Advice for Young Cancer Survivors Seeking Hope in Their Diagnosis
To anyone walking through a similar journey, I want to encourage you to ask yourself the hard questions, reflect on what you believe, and search for hope. Even if you don’t have a specific faith, I would encourage you to explore what you do believe. Faith and cancer can coexist, just remember that it isn’t about denying the challenges you face, but seeking out what you believe about them when they come.
Gabriella Clinton was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at the age of 15. Today, she is proud to say she has been in remission for six years. Raised in Long Island, New York, her family of 3 moved to Hampton, Virginia, to care for their eldest daughter, who was first diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Gabriella is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Strategic Communication at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. With a desire to give back, she hopes to work in social media management for a nonprofit, spreading awareness for those facing similar challenging circumstances.
