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Longtermsurvivor 1
Longtermsurvivor 1 CSN Member Posts: 26 Member
in Long-Term Survivors #1

The Endurer

I’ve endured what life has thrown at me.

As one of the longest-living, self-recognized survivors of childhood cancer, I want to reclaim the word “survivor.” I’m not just a survivor—I’m an Endurer.

I’ve lived through 60 years of survivorship—better known as my own personal hell. I’ve survived. I’ve stumbled. I’ve thrived. I’ve fought like hell for survivor rights, and I’ve volunteered most of my life because I believe in giving back even when nothing was given to me.

Let’s count it:

  • 🗓️ 7 decades
  • 📆 720 months
  • ⏳ 21,900 days
  • 🔥 Countless battles—and I’m still standing.

I know I’ve failed at times, but I’ve succeeded in ways the world didn’t even expect me to try. I’ve carried late effects all my life, and still—I worked, pushed, created, endured. I’ve learned not to depend on anyone but God and the faith that carried me through.

I’ve endured when others let me down. I’ve endured when the system wrote me off. I’ve endured even when no one believed I’d make it this far.

And now? I believe I’ve earned a level-up.

I may not be the oldest survivor, but I am one of the longest-standing, and I know my case better than any chart ever could. I’m not afraid to speak. I’m not afraid to act.

And I’m ready for anyone who wants to challenge what I say. Go ahead. You can question my beliefs. But you can’t rewrite my life.

By Joseph Perusic:

Comments

  • kirbijames
    kirbijames CSN Member Posts: 1 *
    #2

    Wow, you are inspiring. I am approaching 20 years so I've been looking for someone like you. My journey is not as long as yours, but I get it. The cancer center is cutting my off….no need to keep doing surveillance screens… but those give me peace of mind. I know so many people that have not survived, I feel guilty sometimes. I'm glad you have endured Joseph!!

  • Longtermsurvivor 1
    Longtermsurvivor 1 CSN Member Posts: 26 Member
    #3
    https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1723674#Comment_1723674

    kirbijames, Thank you for your kind words I appreciate them they're coming at a time that's well needed. I think that's why I fight so hard for survivors of childhood cancer, I often think about all the kids that didn't make it and my father used to tell me, everyday you're alive is sweeter, every time I got to do something I was doing it for somebody who didn't make it, there's been so many times that I didn't want to do something but I did it for one of those kid. The current flights and struggles I go through every day or for those kids and for the future kids so they don't have to endure what I've had to endure once again thank you for your kind words they're greatly appreciated and I wish you the best. May God bless you and keep thriving.

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