Cancer Patient Stories

See the stories of cancer survivors who received their care from Scripps MD Anderson Cancer Center

A Scripps MD Anderson cancer patient wears a red blouse and relaxes on a couch. Learn about her and other cancer stories.

See the stories of cancer survivors who received their care from Scripps MD Anderson Cancer Center

The people in these cancer patient stories knew their diagnosis was the start of a life-changing journey. Their next step was finding the right cancer care to help them win the fight. To get there, Scripps MD Anderson Cancer Center was with them every step of the way, no matter the type of cancer or stage of cancer they were facing.


Committed to cancer treatment that features a multi-disciplinary approach to oncology. Empowered by a compassionate and unrelenting team of cancer specialists who inspire confidence in their patients. Driven by the bold, clear and honest vision to lead the fight to end cancer. With all this in mind, Scripps MD Anderson provides care patients can count on as they navigate their cancer journey.


These are its cancer patient stories of hope and renewal. Stories where Scripps helped each person realize one of life’s most challenging achievements — surviving cancer and thriving.

Teeing Up a Game Plan

Multi-athlete, Sean O'Callaghan, wears a lavender polo and confidently swings a golf club after beating testicular cancer.

Teeing Up a Game Plan

Sean O’Callaghan is moving forward after testicular cancer thanks to quick, comprehensive care at Scripps.

The Better Option

Vy Yamat stands with her third baby, husband and two young children at a pier having overcome cervical cancer with Scripps.

The Better Option

Scripps MD Anderson gave Vy Yamat a customized treatment approach for cervical cancer and spared her fertility.

Artful Effects

Painter and father, Mark DeSalvo, wears a green sweater with his toddler son in his lap, and is happy to beat tonsil cancer.

Artful Effects

Scripps MD Anderson helped painter and father, Mark DeSalvo, beat tonsil cancer while inspiring his creative resolve.

Guided by Faith and Trust

Gloria Carrasco wears a light blue blouse and has a lot to smile about as a two-time cancer survivor who relies on Scripps.

Guided by Faith and Trust

Gloria Carrasco placed her trust in Scripps for the long-term follow-up care she required as a two-time cancer survivor.

The Path to Healing

Carrie Steele wears a pink cardigan and walks with her daughter at the beach, grateful for her expert cancer care at Scripps.

The Path to Healing

Carrie Steele beat breast cancer with the help of her network and a targeted approach to care by Scripps MD Anderson.

A Journey to Resilience

Edith Rodriguez wears a red cardigan and happily walks with her family after working toward with Scripps to cancer remission.

A Journey to Resilience

Highly-specialized, advanced care at Scripps helped Edith Rodriguez in her fight against ovarian cancer and into remission.

Fortunate and Fulfilled

Carolyn Honore, a Scripps MD Anderson cancer patient, smiles as she holds a pot of yellow flowers after surviving cancer.

Fortunate and Fulfilled

When Carolyn Honore was diagnosed with breast cancer, Scripps MD Anderson helped her get her life back. 

From Cancer Fighter to Father

Jesse Oleson wears a blue oxford and smiles with hope after care at Scripps following melanoma diagnosis.

From Cancer Fighter to Father

Jesse Oleson found hope from Scripps following a melanoma diagnosis that came four days prior to learning he'd be a dad.

Right at Home

Marco Cisneros, a Scripps MD Anderson cancer patient, folds his arms and smiles proudly after surviving his bout with cancer.

Right at Home

When Marco Cisneros learned about his rare form of lymphoma, he found expert cancer treatment close to home.

Winning the Fight

Eli Hans, a Scripps MD Anderson cancer patient, smiles proudly outside a Scripps cancer treatment center.

Winning the Fight

Eli Hans found a special connection with the right doctor on his way to overcoming an aggressive type of lymphoma.

Back on His Feet

Erich Boldt, a Scripps MD Anderson cancer patient, stands upright and strong following successful cancer treatment.

Back on His Feet

When a routine checkup from a spinal fusion showed a rare cartilage cancer, Erich Boldt received innovative treatment.

Seeking Excellent Care

Melanie Petersen, a Scripps MD Anderson cancer patient, enjoys a piece of chocolate cake after surviving cancer.

Seeking Excellent Care

Melanie Petersen of New York City wanted a leader in breast cancer treatment and crossed the country for her care at Scripps.

Moving Past the Familiar

Angela Flores, a Scripps MD Anderson cancer patient, happily walks along the beach with her family after beating cancer.

Moving Past the Familiar

Angela Flores won her fight against lung cancer the help of Scripps‘ collaborative approach to cancer care.

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