‘The More I Talk, the Stronger I Feel,’ MPN Survivor Says

The more Mayra Andujar Delgado talks about her myelofibrosis diagnosis, the stronger she says she feels.

After being diagnosed with myelofibrosis, a type of myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN), Delgado began learning about and speaking up about her disease through radio interviews and other opportunities, eventually coming to call herself, “Mayra with a purpose.”

The advocate was recognized at CURE®’s 10th Annual MPN Heroes® program in December, which honored eight people who went above and beyond to improve the lives of patients who have MPNs —group of cancers that start in the bone marrow. MPNs are rare, affecting approximately 2.17 per 100,000 individuals, according to the National Institutes of Health.

READ MORE: CURE® Salutes 8 Individuals’ Efforts During 10th Annual MPN Heroes® Program

While offering advice and support to others, Delgado also utilized the resources of those around her through the Cancer Support Community at the Orlando Health Cancer Institute, where she can continue to learn about MPNs and seek help when she needs it.

“So everything that I’m learning there, I’m spreading the word, so other patients can be a part of it and feel what I’m feeling,” Delgado said in an interview with CURE®.

Transcription

I'm part of the Cancer Support Community (at) the Orlando Health Cancer Institute. And what I'm doing, I found their comfort, understanding and knowledge. So everything that I'm learning there, I'm spreading the word, so other patients can be a part of it and feel what I'm feeling.

I'm no longer feeling alone, confused (or) afraid. I know where to go, and where to go and ask questions. We have the doctor, the director of the Center, Dr. Robinson, I know to go to her when I when I need advice. I have mental counseling …

Like I said to … a radio station, (in) that interview I was talking about (my life) before (those supports) and after — how when I started the journey, I was confused, afraid, lost, and how I feel today. I'm in control. That's the word. I know where to go and I feel good about it. And the more I talk about it … the stronger I feel, inside and out.

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