Why I’m Speaking Out Against Cuts to NIH Medical Research Funding
What It’s Like Living with Lymphoma — and Why Medical Research Gives Me Hope
I never thought I’d be writing this. Like most people, I went about my life assuming that things like cancer happened to other people. Not me. Not now. But life has a way of shifting in the most unexpected ways.
A few months ago, I was diagnosed with lymphoma — a type of blood cancer that affects the lymphatic system. Everything changed almost overnight. Doctor’s appointments, tests, scans, and sleepless nights became part of my routine. I was thrown into a world I knew very little about, and I had to learn fast.
Learning to Live With Lymphoma
Lymphoma isn’t just one disease — there are many types, and each person’s experience is different. For me, it’s meant navigating fatigue, pain, and uncertainty while still trying to live a “normal” life. Some days, I feel strong. Other days, not so much. But one thing I’ve learned is how much strength we carry inside us — especially when we don’t feel it.
From the start, my care team has been incredible. They’re smart, compassionate, and hopeful. But what really surprised me is how much of my treatment — and even my diagnosis — exists because of medical research.
Why Cancer Research Is Personal
When I think about cancer research, I don’t think about labs or numbers. I think about the fact that the treatment I’m receiving today only exists because someone, somewhere, was able to study lymphoma years ago. Because someone funded that work. Because patients participated in clinical trials. Because people cared.
I recently read that programs like the NIH (National Institutes of Health) fund much of this research. And while I’m not someone who usually speaks up about these things, I realized: this isn’t political. It’s personal.
Cuts to cancer research affect real people. People like me. People who want more time, better treatments, and a chance to see the next chapter of their lives.
What I Want You to Know About Lymphoma
Living with lymphoma has taught me that cancer doesn’t always look like what you see in movies. I don’t always “look sick.” I still smile. I still work when I can. I still love my family fiercely and dream about the future.
But it’s also a daily challenge — physically, emotionally, and mentally. And knowing that research is still happening — that scientists are pushing forward — gives me something to hold on to.
I’m writing this not to ask for sympathy, but to share what it’s really like. If you or someone you love is facing lymphoma or any cancer diagnosis, know this: you are not alone. There are communities, resources, and people who understand. And there is hope.
How You Can Support People Like Me
If you’re wondering how you can help someone with lymphoma — or help others facing cancer — here are a few things that matter:
- Support organizations like the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) who fund lifesaving research.
- Share resources and encourage early check-ups or second opinions.
- Be present. A simple message, meal, or kind gesture goes a long way. You can fill out the form here.
And if you’re able to lend your voice to causes that protect medical research funding — please do. It really does make a difference, even if it’s just sending a quick note to a representative. I promise, it matters more than you know.
