Barbara Ketchum
“Cancer has changed the way I look at life. I experience love on a deeper level and see more beauty in the world around me.” – Barbara Ketchum
Barbara Ketchum was diagnosed with stage 4 mantle cell lymphoma, a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, in 2020. “Being diagnosed with a rare, aggressive cancer during the beginning of a pandemic was interesting, to say the least,” she recalls. “My first thought was: what will I have to do to fight and be able to survive? At that moment, I needed to hear that there was hope.”
After her initial diagnosis, Barbara underwent six rounds of aggressive chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant, followed by two years of immunotherapy. “During treatment I tried to remain positive. I got out of bed and got dressed every day – even on the worst days,” Barbara says. “My grandson was a senior in high school, and I managed to attend every one of his football games. I also sat beyond the outfield fence and watched my other grandson play baseball. It was important to me that I didn’t feel isolated from my family.”
Throughout her treatment and recovery, Barbara received amazing support from so many in her life: “Friends from church prepared meals for my husband and me. My mailbox had a greeting card or two in it nearly every day. Anonymous gifts were left on my doorstep. The love I received from family and friends made a huge difference in my outlook and recovery.”
Today, Barbara is in remission and has resumed an active lifestyle filled with things she loves. “My type of cancer is not curable, but the latest research has led to the development of new treatments like immunotherapy, which has improved my quality of life and allowed me to spend more time with my family.” She tells her story so she can help encourage others facing cancer and shares the advice, “Take a deep breath. Learn as much as possible about your cancer, especially if it is rare. Research your options and seek a second opinion if needed. Learn to accept help and never give up.”
Our Mission
Stand Up To Cancer raises awareness and funds research to detect and treat cancers with the aspiration to cure all patients. Find out how you can get involved.
