Ben Blaisdell was a popular 16-year-old when he started experiencing uncharacteristic chills, which led to an anemia diagnosis and, soon after, the surprising news that he had acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The two-year treatment was tough on him and his entire family, but Blaisdell says that he wouldn’t change his cancer diagnosis even if he could.
Blaisdell recounts his treatment experience and the effect it had on him – including a love for cooking and a greater appreciation for family – in our latest episode of Voices: Then and Now. He is joined by his mother, Penny, a member of Dana-Farber’s Adult Patient and Family Advisory Council, as they talk about what treatment was like, how it affected Ben’s college transition, and advice they have for other families.
In the second season of our Voices podcast series, Then and Now, we invite Dana-Farber patients to share their experiences being diagnosed with and treated for cancer, and discuss with a caregiver how the experience shaped them, how they are doing now, and what advice they have for other patients. Visit Dana-Farber’s podcast page for more information on other cancer podcast series.