After Childhood Cancer, My Big Life | Sammi Janower | TEDxYouth@BeaconStreet

As a 3-year-old child, Sammi was diagnosed with a brain tumor, requiring brain surgery, two years of chemotherapy, and many months in the hospital. Now, at age 16, Sammi has gone from being the inspiration for bike riders in the Pan Mass Challenge (a ride for Dana Farber) to riding in the race herself. This petite, 4’10” high school junior demonstrates some pretty outsized strength. My name is Sammi Janower. I am 16 years old and currently a rising Junior at the Noble and Greenough School. When I was 3, I was diagnosed with a pediatric brain tumor. I spent much of my childhood feeling nauseous and tired as the result of my treatments, some of which have had undesirable long term side effects. For my TEDx talk, I would want to focus on the idea that everything happens for a reason. Although I went through a terrible experience, I am now able to help others in the same situation and try to use the story of my cancer journey to inspire others. I have spent years helping to raise money for research into less toxic and more effective treatments for brain tumors. In addition, I have trained for two years to ride the Pan Mass Challenge on a tandem with my dad. As a result of our efforts over the past decade, this formerly orphan disease is much closer to a cure, helping many children and their families find hope for a better future.

I believe that I am making a positive impact in the world by advocating for an orphaned disease and for the support of cancer research. Speaking at the Pan Mass Challenge Heavy Hitter’s dinner in May, I helped raise awareness for such a great organization and raise more money for the cause. Similarly, by working with our family’s foundation, A Kids Brain Tumor Cure, I have helped to raise money in order to find non-toxic cures for pediatric brain tumors, some of which are being by patients today.

I want to share my story now because I believe that the sooner we raise awareness, the sooner we can find a cure. Additionally, in this point in my life, I am a 16 year old girl, just starting Junior year of high school, a place where my parents never thought I would get to. For me, to be able to stand here and tell my story, is amazing. I am far enough away from the experience to reflect upon its impact on my life but still young enough and close enough to the experience to be able to feel the long-lasting effects that cancer has had on my life and my future. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

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  Cancer