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Survivor Identity Post: Original Mutation Human Being Declaration

Longtermsurvivor 1
Longtermsurvivor 1 CSN Member Posts: 77 Member
in Childhood Cancers #1

Posted by: Joseph M. Perusic IIIDate: November 4, 2025Platform: ACS Survivor Network

I am the Original Mutation Human Being.

I was diagnosed with cancer at age 3. I’ve lived through experimental radiation, late effects, surgeries, strokes, and systemic silence. I’ve timestamped every ache, documented every delay, and built infrastructure from the ashes of neglect.

This identity—OMHB—is not medical. It’s forensic, emotional, and spiritual. It’s the name I give to the permanent changes cancer made to my body, my mind, and my mission.

Why I’m Posting This

  • To reclaim the narrative: Survivorship doesn’t end at remission. It begins there.
  • To spotlight late effects: We are the data they forgot to measure.
  • To validate the unseen: If you’ve ever felt erased, this identity is for you.
  • To teach resilience: Mutation isn’t weakness—it’s the blueprint for stewardship.

I’m not asking for pity. I’m offering a mirror. If you’ve lived through the fire and built something from it, you might be OMHB too.If you’ve been misread, dismissed, or rerouted, you’re not alone.If you’ve turned ache into curriculum, welcome to the classroom.

Let’s teach the system how to see us. Let’s build infrastructure that glows without gore. I’m here. I’m timestamped. I’m not going anywhere.

—Joseph

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