Meet Zipporah Washington, a 34-year-old nursing graduate who has turned the odds in her favor against non-Hodgkin lymphoma - a rare and aggressive form of cancer that required a customized treatment plan. The once-threatening diagnosis became a distant memory for Washington after she underwent chemotherapy and medical monitoring at Temple University Hospital.
In an interview with Philly Voice, Washington shared how thinking of herself as a "survivor" helped her cope with the news of her illness. Initially, doctors had suspected a cyst in her chest before discovering the invasive tumor in her heart - a condition that is relatively rare but can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Washington's journey to recovery was nothing short of remarkable. After graduating with honors from her nursing program at Lincoln Tech, she began chemotherapy and treatment under the care of a multi-disciplinary team led by oncologist Dr. Michael Bromberg and cardiologist Dr. Eman Hamad. The unique combination of treatments and close monitoring ensured that Washington's heart function remained stable throughout her seven cycles of chemotherapy.
In June, Washington celebrated completing her cancer treatment with her family, including her two young sons, and marked another milestone as she graduated from nursing school. Her recovery is a testament to the exceptional care provided by Temple University Hospital's team, who described her journey as "miraculous."
Washington's story serves as an inspiration not only for those fighting cancer but also for aspiring healthcare professionals like herself. When asked how she overcame her fears and turned her diagnosis into a victory, Washington shared words of wisdom: "Look at yourself in the mirror, and think of yourself as a survivor. That's what I did."
Washington's determination to continue making a positive impact is evident, whether it's through becoming a pediatric oncology nurse or simply spreading awareness about the importance of mental resilience during challenging times. Her courage and resilience are an inspiration to many, reminding us that with the right mindset and support system, anything is possible.
In an interview with Philly Voice, Washington shared how thinking of herself as a "survivor" helped her cope with the news of her illness. Initially, doctors had suspected a cyst in her chest before discovering the invasive tumor in her heart - a condition that is relatively rare but can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Washington's journey to recovery was nothing short of remarkable. After graduating with honors from her nursing program at Lincoln Tech, she began chemotherapy and treatment under the care of a multi-disciplinary team led by oncologist Dr. Michael Bromberg and cardiologist Dr. Eman Hamad. The unique combination of treatments and close monitoring ensured that Washington's heart function remained stable throughout her seven cycles of chemotherapy.
In June, Washington celebrated completing her cancer treatment with her family, including her two young sons, and marked another milestone as she graduated from nursing school. Her recovery is a testament to the exceptional care provided by Temple University Hospital's team, who described her journey as "miraculous."
Washington's story serves as an inspiration not only for those fighting cancer but also for aspiring healthcare professionals like herself. When asked how she overcame her fears and turned her diagnosis into a victory, Washington shared words of wisdom: "Look at yourself in the mirror, and think of yourself as a survivor. That's what I did."
Washington's determination to continue making a positive impact is evident, whether it's through becoming a pediatric oncology nurse or simply spreading awareness about the importance of mental resilience during challenging times. Her courage and resilience are an inspiration to many, reminding us that with the right mindset and support system, anything is possible.