Kristopher Miranda
“Cancer has changed every aspect of my life, but more importantly, it’s changed my mindset and priorities. Now my only priority is time with my family. Presence is my greatest present.”
Kristopher Miranda was told that he had stage 3B gastric cancer just after waking up from his first upper GI endoscopy. “Nothing makes you snap out of anesthesia more than a cancer diagnosis,” he says. “I can honestly say, it was the first time in my life that I felt true shock. I didn’t know what to do or what to say. But I saw what I needed to see in that situation—I saw my wife standing right next to me, holding my hand. I saw the shock and emotion on her face. I had to stay strong and act like I was okay… for her.”
Kristopher credits his wife, Ani, for helping him get through his toughest days, though it wasn’t easy for either of them. “Unfortunately, I went through my cancer battle at the peak of COVID. Worst of all, visitors weren’t allowed, so that left my wife and I battling on our own,” he recalls. “I went through a lot of complications in the hospital after my surgery and not having her by my side was tough, but I knew she was there in spirit. Her support meant everything to me. I knew I was never truly alone.” Kristopher also acknowledges his parents, sister, and other family and friends with helping him find strength during treatment.
Today, Kristopher wants to share his story to help others find their strength, too. His advice includes building a support system: “The ones that are always there for you and that you trust the most,” he says. “In times of weakness, search for strength. And if you can’t find any, take a break, rest, and let your support system help find it for you. If family and friends are not around, then that’s why you have cancer support groups and cancer communities available. Reach out to them.”
In March of 2025, Kristopher celebrated his five-year anniversary of being in remission, and he hopes that his circumstances will inspire hope. “I was told I had a 30% chance to live five more years, and here I am, five years later, telling my story. I was told I had zero chance to have kids naturally after treatment, and in March of 2022 my wife and I had a beautiful baby boy, naturally. A true miracle. Always keep hope.”
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