The Survivor (Thriver) Series ~ Jorge Rico: #20
SC: Tell us your name and where you are from:
JR: Jorge Rico. Salinas , CA
SC: Tell us about yourself. What do you do for a living or what do you want to do?
JR: I am A student at San Jose State University to seeking my BA in Sociology.
SC: Are you a patient, survivor or caregiver (or combination)?
JR: Survivor
SC: Tell us your story:
JR: I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on April 16, 2013. I went through 9 months of rigorous chemotherapy treatment at UCSF. During my first round of chemo I suffered a mild stroke. I had to relearn how to walk, use my right hand and speak. The good news about the first cycle was that I was in remission and remained in remission the rest of my treatment. Despite the incredible side effects I’ve had to bare as a result of the chemotherapy, I am grateful for all the people I’ve met and that have supported me along my journey.
On December 13, 2016 I found out my Leukemia had return, which took my family and me by surprise once again. The only solution this time around was to undergo a bone marrow transplant but there was one problem, I did not have a donor. My brother and sister were not a match and neither was anyone on the bone marrow database. The alternative was a half match bone marrow transplant, my beautiful mother was more than happy to give me life for the 2nd time. I went through 3 rounds of chemotherapy and 1 session of full body radiation to prepare myself for the transplant. My mother laid in bed for two-8 hour sessions as they extracted her bone marrow cells which I received on March 23, 2017.
SC: What is the biggest lesson you have learned through this experience?
JR: To live everyday to the fullest and to not worry about your own path and not compare to others. Everyone has their path own and will get to their final destination in time.
SC: What would you like to say to someone going through what you have gone through or are going through?
JR: Take on the journey day by day and there will be more good than bad days ahead.
SC: What do you do that brings you most comfort and joy?
JR: Being a soccer coach at Palma School. When I’m out there, I have no worries, all my problems are forgotten and I just focus on helping them improve a little each day.
SC: What motivates you to keep going, smiling, fighting?
JR: My family, my #jorgestrong team and my 2 toddler nephews. I want to be a strong role model for them and be in their lives for a long time.
SC: Any music, movies, books, art that have inspired you during your journey?
JR: Book: The Secret
Music: Kendrick Lamar’s album DAMN and Eminem’s song ‘Till I collapse
SC: Do you have a favorite quote, mantra or saying that has helped you during your journey?
JR: “If you see me in a fight with a bear, pray for the bear. That’s Mamba Mentality. We don’t quit, we don’t cower, we don’t run. We endure and conquer!” -Kobe Bryant.
Everyone at Stupid Cancer would like to extend an enormous thank you to Chloe for sharing his story with us and the community.
Follow him on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/ricojorge/
Together we are ending isolation and building community for those impacted by cancer.
