Never have I been my diagnosis,
Strong and sure I have always been.
My doctors told me I am ferocious.
Never have I been my diagnosis.
Never have I felt hopeless.
Always, yes, always will I win.
Never have I been my diagnosis,
Strong and sure have I always been.
This poem is one of 30 written by St. Jude patient Deidra Abbott as part of her college’s senior seminar. The collection of poetry chronicles Deidra’s experiences as a survivor of mesenchymal chondrosarcoma, an extremely rare cancer of the cartilage. After graduation in December of 2014, Deidra intends to pursue a writing career. Read some of the other poems in the collection.
Abridged from Promise, Autumn 2014
More articles from this issue
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Healing Harmony
At St. Jude, music therapy empowers children, helping them meet developmental goals while providing an outlet for expression.
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The Innovator
“If not St. Jude, then who? There is nobody else who is going to step up and become the leader in research and treatment for pediatric cancer across the globe. This is what we need to do. This is our future.”
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Too Busy for Cancer
An innovative clinical trial for high-risk Hodgkin lymphoma enables energetic 11-year-old Mary Browder to sail through therapy.
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Nothing but the Tooth
The St. Jude Dental Clinic provides specialized care and education for children undergoing treatment for life-threatening diseases.
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Thwarting the Threat
St. Jude scientists uncover secrets of bacteria that can be deadly to children with sickle cell disease.
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Supporting Courageous Children
More brands than ever join St. Jude Thanks and Giving.
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A Tribute to Robin Williams
On August 11, 2014, the world lost an iconic entertainer and an incredibly generous man who was a true friend to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
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10 Things St. Jude Gave Me
The mom of a St. Jude patient reflects on what she received as a result of her child’s treatment journey.
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Research Highlights - Promise Autumn 2014
Research Highlights for Promise Autumn 2014 focuses on lifestyle choices for childhood cancer survivors, a discovery that may lead to new antibiotics for staph infections and more.
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About Promise - Autumn 2014
About Promise magazine - Autumn 2014 - St. Jude Children's Research Hospital