09/28/2026
Five years ago today, at 17 years old, I was sitting in a doctor’s office hearing the most devastating diagnosis of my life for the first time: “You have cancer.”
Today, five years later, I received the news that I am officially a Registered Nurse. 🤍
These five years have taught me that with the right mindset, determination, and perseverance, you can overcome things you never thought possible. Even when it feels like the world is working against you, or even your own body is, I’ve learned to keep moving forward.
Relapsing during my sophomore year of college felt like everything I had worked so hard for was suddenly being put on hold. But I refused to let cancer decide what my future would look like. I kept going to school, kept working toward my goals, and kept believing that there was a future waiting for me on the other side of it.
After spending so much of my life as the patient, I feel incredibly grateful to now be stepping into the role of the person I once needed. I get to give back to the medical community that took care of me and hopefully be a source of comfort, strength, and hope for my patients the way so many nurses were for me.
Five years ago, I was fighting for my life. Today, I’m living the life I fought so hard for.
Officially, Alayna, BSN, RN 🩺🤍
Thank you to my Mom and Dad. You have been my rocks through it all. And to Ethan and Crik, thank you for making me tough enough to get through anything. I did this with all of you beside me. 🤍
My MSK nurses didn’t just care for me, they inspired me. They took the time to teach me, mentor me, and encourage my dream of becoming a nurse. I hope one day I can be half the nurse they were for me 🎗️
My MSK nurses didn’t just care for me, they inspired me. They took the time to teach me, mentor me, and encourage my dream of becoming a nurse. I hope one day I can be half the nurse they were for me 🎗️
🎗️🤍
17-year-old Alayna would be so proud :)
