‘Attitude is Everything’ When Dealing with Cancer

At just 14 years old, cheerleader Nicole Schulz was convinced she had the flu. But when a blood test found that she actually had acute myeloid leukemia, or AML, her world turned upside down. Rigorous treatments that included chemotherapy, blood and platelet transfusions, and two bone marrow transplants left their mark, leading Schulz to believe she could never have children.

But today, 11 years later – she’s now the proud mother of a healthy baby boy after giving birth in November. In this episode of the “CURE Talks Cancer” podcast, we’re talking with Schulz about what it was like to live through AML, how much has changed in her life as a result of dealing with the disease at such a young age, and why she now lives life to the fullest – and hopes others will too.

“I would say, and it sounds kind of cheesy, but never give up and never stop fighting,” Schulz said. “Because (with cancer), your attitude and your mindset is so important.”