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'Life, Interrupted' By Cancer Diagnosis At 22

May 16, 2012
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Just months after moving to Paris to start her first full-time job, Suleika Jaouad was diagnosed with cancer — acute myeloid leukemia. Like many who face life-threatening illnesses in their twenties, she is coping with a dwindling sense of independence — increasingly relying on her parents for care — while simultaneously dealing with the very adult issues of mortality, infertility and disease.

Jaouad is chronicling her experiences with cancer for the New York Times Well blog in a column called "Life, Interrupted." "Cancer, she writes, "has forced me to pause my life at a time when my peers are just beginning theirs."

She talks with NPR's Neal Conan about the unique challenges that come along with facing a life-threatening illness in your twenties.

Copyright 2012 National Public Radio. To see more, visit http://www.npr.org/.

Arts & Culture

NPR

'Epic' Movie Role For Music Superstar Pitbull

Cuban-American musician Pitbull has collaborated with top artists and sold millions of albums worldwide. The Los Angeles Times has even called him "America's savviest party-starter." Now Pitbull brings that fun to the big screen. He talks with host Michel Martin about his new animated film 'Epic,' and his booming musical career.

Food

NPR

Canned Peaches Are As Nutritious As Fresh. Really?

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Politics

NPR

CBC Chair Marcia Fudge Wants Caucus To Be Heard On The Hill

Ohio Representative Marcia Fudge is still relatively new on the block. But she's established herself as the new head of the Congressional Black Congress. In the role, she's already been very vocal about whether the President is doing enough for people of color. Host Michel Martin talks with Congresswomen Fudge about her ideas for America.

Technology

NPR

3-D Printer Makes Life-Saving Splint For Baby Boy's Airway

A 3-D printer is being credited with helping save an Ohio baby's life, after doctors "printed" a tube to support a weak airway that caused him to stop breathing. The innovative procedure has allowed Kaiba Gionfriddo, of Youngstown, Ohio, to stay off a ventilator for more than a year.

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