Sheila J. has always called Chicago home. The city’s energy, the mix of cultures, and the resilience of its people are a part of who she is. But in recent years, Sheila has been fighting a battle she never saw coming: leukemia. From searching for the right treatment to facing hurdles in a clinical research study, her journey is one of strength, setbacks, and determination.
A Diagnosis That Changed Everything
Sheila’s story started with something simple, feeling tired all the time. Walks along the lakefront that used to bring her peace left her drained. She brushed it off at first, but then came the bruising, the aching joints.
“I kept telling myself it was just stress, just life,” Sheila says. “But deep down, I knew something was off.”
A doctor’s visit turned into a series of tests, and then the words she never expected: leukemia. According to the American Cancer Society, about 60,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with leukemia each year, but when it happens to you, the numbers don’t matter. It’s personal.
“Hearing the word ‘cancer’ changes everything,” she says. “One day, you’re thinking about what’s for dinner, and the next, you’re wondering if you’ll see another birthday.”
The Struggles of a Clinical Research Study
When her first treatments didn’t go as planned, Sheila’s doctors suggested a clinical study. These studies can offer access to groundbreaking treatments, but for many—especially in the Black community—they come with hesitation.
“I was nervous,” Sheila admits. “Black folks have every reason to be skeptical when it comes to medicine. But my doctor broke it down for me, and I knew I had to at least try.”
She wasn’t alone in her concerns. Black patients make up less than 5% of clinical study participants, despite often having higher mortality rates for diseases like leukemia. The lack of representation makes it harder to know if treatments will work as effectively for Black patients.
Even after deciding to move forward, Sheila faced roadblocks. Eligibility requirements were strict. Getting to and from appointments was tough, especially with unpredictable Chicago weather. And the paperwork? Overwhelming.
“Some days, I just wanted to throw in the towel,” she says. “The side effects were rough, and I didn’t know if it was even helping. But then I’d think about my family, my friends, and the life I still want to live. So I kept going.”
Finding Strength in Chicago
Through it all, Chicago has been Sheila’s rock. The city’s toughness, its energy—it fuels her. A deep-dish pizza slice, the hum of the L train, the skyline at night—little things that remind her she’s still here, still fighting.
“Chicago has never been easy, but neither am I,” she says with a grin. “This city teaches you how to keep going, no matter what.”
She’s also found support in local advocacy groups working to connect Black patients with better healthcare resources. These groups have helped her navigate the complexities of clinical studies and find a sense of community in the process.
The Road Ahead
Sheila’s fight isn’t over. There are still treatments ahead, still tough days. But she’s not backing down. She’s moving forward—for herself, for her family, and for others facing the same battle.
“If sharing my story helps just one person push past their fear and get the care they need, then it’s all worth it,” she says.
Her journey is a reminder that health isn’t just about treatments—it’s about advocacy, access, and never giving up. Sheila is proof that even in the face of the toughest battles, there’s always a reason to keep going.
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