--- title: "Jessica DeCristofaro on Respiratory Failure, Journaling Through Chemotherapy, and Finding Gratitude After Stage 4 Lymphoma" url: "https://authoritymag.co/articles/jessica-decristofaro-on-respiratory-failure-journaling-through-chemotherapy-and-finding-gratitud" publisher: "Authority Magazine" author: "Savio P. Clemente" authorUrl: "https://authoritymag.co/authors/savio-p-clemente" interviewee: "Jessica DeCristofaro" company: "Chemo Kits" category: "Pop Culture" datePublished: "2024-07-10T14:03:34.853Z" dateModified: "2026-11-12T17:06:19.494Z" tags: "Pop Culture" --- # Jessica DeCristofaro on Respiratory Failure, Journaling Through Chemotherapy, and Finding Gratitude After Stage 4 Lymphoma *The cancer survivor, author, and advocate shares her harrowing journey through misdiagnoses and chemotherapy, explaining how writing and family support helped her reclaim life.* > My favorite life lesson quote is, “It’s a beautiful thing to have lungs that allow you to breathe air and legs that allow you to climb mountains, and it’s a shame that sometimes we don’t realize that’s enough. --- C*ancer is a horrible and terrifying disease. Yet millions of people have beaten the odds and beat cancer. Authority Magazine started a new series called “*[I Survived Cancer and Here Is How I Did It](https://medium.com/authority-magazine/search?q=I%20Survived%20Cancer)*”. In this interview series, we are talking to cancer survivors to share their stories, in order to offer hope and provide strength to people who are being impacted by cancer today. As a part of this interview series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Jessica DeCristofaro.* *Jessica DeCristofaro embodies resilience and empathy, transcending the label of survivor to become a beacon of hope for those battling cancer.* *Having triumphed over Stage 4b Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Jessica understands the trials of chemotherapy first hand so she created Chemo Kits — care packages brimming with essentials and heartfelt touches, offering solace during the darkest treatment days. From practical essentials to little tokens of joy and inspiration, these kits are a warm hug when it’s needed most.* *For Jessica, the journey isn’t just about fighting cancer; it’s about uncovering moments of beauty and hope amidst adversity. Through her writing, speaking engagements, and her book “Talk Cancer to Me: My Guide to Kicking Cancer’s Booty!” she shares a message of resilience and solidarity with fellow patients.* *Driven by her belief in the transformative power of support and positivity, Jessica is on a mission to ease the burdens of cancer and illuminate the path forward with unwavering strength and compassion.* --- **Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! We really appreciate the courage it takes to publicly share your story. Before we start, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your background and your childhood backstory?** I was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts. For college, I ventured to the University of New Hampshire, and spent a semester studying abroad in Italy. After graduating, I swapped the snowy winters for the sunny beaches of South Florida to kickstart my career in Pharmaceutical Sales. I was diagnosed with lymphoma at age 28 and underwent chemotherapy for one year. Today I am happy to share that I am a survivor turned advocate, author, and business woman, whose mission is to help others navigate chemotherapy and similar experiences that I have gone through. When I’m not working, you’ll find me at a pilates class, nose-deep in a good book, or scribbling away on my latest writing project. I’m passionate about traveling and immersing myself in new cultures. My heart belongs to my friends and family, especially my adorable niece and nephews. Life is an adventure that we often take for granted, and I’m loving every moment of it! **Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?** My favorite life lesson quote is, “It’s a beautiful thing to have lungs that allow you to breathe air and legs that allow you to climb mountains, and it’s a shame that sometimes we don’t realize that’s enough.” This quote holds a special place in my heart because I discovered it while going through chemotherapy. I promised myself that if I made it through my cancer treatment, I would never take a single day for granted. Having experienced respiratory failure and losing the ability to breathe on my own, this quote struck a deep chord with me. I also faced the challenge of learning to walk again due to a side effect of one of my chemotherapy treatments. Knowing firsthand what it’s like to struggle for breath and to be unable to walk has given me an appreciation for the simple, yet vital, abilities we often overlook. This quote reminds me to embrace each moment with gratitude and to cherish the incredible resilience of the human spirit. It’s a constant reminder to appreciate the beauty of life, even in its most basic forms. **Let’s now shift to the main part of our discussion about surviving cancer. Do you feel comfortable sharing with us the story surrounding how you found out that you had cancer?** For years, I suffered from a chronic cough, persistent rashes, night sweats, and abdominal pain, all misdiagnosed as allergies, acid reflux, torn muscles, and cysts by numerous physicians. Despite swollen lymph nodes under my arm and on my neck, I was continually told not to worry. After two years of misdiagnoses, I ended up in urgent care, where I was again misdiagnosed with kidney stones. My condition quickly deteriorated, leading to an ER visit several hours later and admission to the ICU. While in the ICU for almost 2 weeks, I was finally diagnosed with Stage 4b Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a moment that forever changed my life. **What was the scariest part of that event? What did you think was the worst thing that could happen to you?** The scariest part of the event was experiencing respiratory failure. I remember every moment vividly, as if it happened yesterday. The memory still gives me chills. I remember drifting in and out of consciousness, desperately telling myself to keep breathing until I couldn’t anymore. My life flashed before my eyes, just like in the movies. The worst fear I faced was the possibility that my treatment wouldn’t work; a concern my physicians had warned me about. I wasn’t ready to die at such a young age. There was so much I wanted to achieve, a vast world I still wanted to explore, and countless dreams I had yet to pursue. **How did you react in the short term?** I reacted with strength. Having recently lost my aunt to leukemia, I witnessed firsthand the courage and tenacity she displayed until the very end, with my mom as her devoted caregiver. This experience made me realize that my battle wasn’t just about me — it was about my loved ones, too. I needed to stay strong for them and fight with everything I had, not just for myself, but for the people who cared about me. **After the dust settled, what coping mechanisms did you use? What did you do to cope physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually?** Writing became my lifeline. I documented every single day, capturing everything I was feeling. I blogged my entire journey and eventually wrote a guidebook called [“Talk Cancer to Me: My Guide to Kicking Cancer’s Booty!”](https://www.amazon.com/Talk-Cancer-Me-Kicking-Cancers/dp/0692755195) I wanted to provide a resource for others, especially young adults, to know what to expect if they faced a similar battle. Physically, I couldn’t do much as I was often too sick. Mentally and emotionally, writing was my therapy — it allowed me to process my experiences and emotions. My mom would often joke about how I was always on my iPad, constantly journaling. Spiritually, writing gave me a sense of purpose and connection. It still serves as my therapy today. **Is there a particular person you are grateful towards who helped you learn to cope and heal? Can you share a story about that?** I am incredibly grateful to my mom, who was my dedicated caregiver throughout my journey. She taught me the importance of strength and perseverance, even in the face of insane adversity. Whenever I felt like giving up, she never allowed me to feel sorry for myself and constantly pushed me to get up and keep fighting. Her unwavering support and belief in me gave me the strength to keep going. I couldn’t have navigated this journey without her, and I owe so much of who I am today to her relentless love and encouragement. **In my own cancer struggle, I sometimes used the idea of embodiment to help me cope. Let’s take a minute to look at cancer from an embodiment perspective. If your cancer had a message for you, what do you think it would want or say?** So many different things. “No one is coming to save you, get up.” It would also tell me that life is so damn short. Don’t forget to live it. **What did you learn about yourself from this very difficult experience? How has cancer shaped your worldview? What has it taught you that you might never have considered before? Can you please explain with a story or example?** Cancer rocked my world and completely changed it. I always knew I was strong, having dealt with many family issues at a young age, but I never realized the depth of my strength until I faced this battle. To endure treatments that felt like being poisoned and burned alive, with all odds against me, and still come out on the other side, showed me the incredible resilience of my spirit. One particular moment stands out: during one of my grueling chemotherapy sessions, I felt like I couldn’t take another minute. Yet, I found myself thinking, “If I can get through this, I can get through anything.” This experience taught me that my mind is the most powerful tool I have. Changing my thoughts can change my life. Cancer also gave me a profound understanding of what truly matters. It made me realize that without health, nothing else holds value. I learned never to sweat the small stuff and to never take a day for granted, because everything can be taken from us in the blink of an eye. This shift in perspective has made me appreciate every moment and prioritize what truly brings joy and fulfillment. **How have you used your experience to bring goodness to the world?** I have channeled my experience into several meaningful projects aimed at supporting and inspiring others. Throughout my journey, I documented every step on my blog, [Lymphoma Barbie](https://lymphomabarbie.com/), which led to the publication of my book, [“Talk Cancer to Me: My Guide to Kicking Cancer’s Booty!”](https://www.amazon.com/Talk-Cancer-Me-Kicking-Cancers/dp/0692755195) I’m currently working on my second book, which explores life after cancer. Most importantly, I founded [Chemo Kits](https://chemo-kits.com/), a company dedicated to creating care packages for cancer patients. Through Chemo Kits, I aim to give back and remind others that they are not alone on this challenging journey. In addition to my writing and entrepreneurial efforts, I serve as an advocate and use my social media platforms to share my ongoing journey, including life after cancer. By sharing my story and experiences, I hope to provide comfort, support, and a sense of community to those facing similar battles. **What are a few of the biggest misconceptions and myths out there about fighting cancer that you would like to dispel?** One of the biggest misconceptions about cancer is that it discriminates — it doesn’t. Cancer can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, gender, or lifestyle. I lived a very healthy lifestyle and still got cancer. Just because someone looks young and healthy doesn’t mean they are invincible. Another myth is that cancer is an automatic death sentence. This simply isn’t true. I don’t believe in statistics. The odds told me I wouldn’t survive, yet here I am, almost eight years later, sharing my story. It’s essential to understand that a cancer diagnosis doesn’t define your destiny. Hope, resilience, and medical advancements play significant roles in overcoming this disease. **Fantastic. Here is the main question of our interview. Based on your experiences and knowledge, what advice would you give to others who have recently been diagnosed with cancer? What are your “5 Things You Need To Beat Cancer? Please share a story or example for each.** 1. A Good Oncologist: Finding the right oncologist is crucial. My first two oncologists tried to send me to hospice, but my third oncologist saved my life. It’s essential to trust science and medicine. I’ve seen too many wonderful people opt for holistic routes and, sadly, they are no longer with us. 2. Hope: Without hope, you have nothing. Hope kept me going even during the darkest times. It’s a beacon of light that guides you through the toughest days. 3. A Good Support Team: Having a solid support system is invaluable. Connecting with other cancer patients, especially those with the same type of cancer, can make a huge difference. They understand your journey and can be a source of motivation and strength. During my treatment, the camaraderie with fellow patients was a lifeline. We lifted each other up and found strength in our shared experiences. 4. A Good Attitude: While maintaining a positive attitude is important, it’s also okay to have bad days. There’s a lot of toxic positivity in the cancer world, but it’s essential to be authentic with your emotions. Cry if you need to, but always remember to get back up and keep fighting. Your resilience is what matters most. 5. Dreams: Dreams provide motivation and purpose. Think about what you want to achieve, the goals you have, and the changes you want to make in your life. Let these dreams drive you forward. For me, writing my book and starting [Chemo Kits](https://chemo-kits.com/) were dreams that gave me purpose and kept me moving forward, even on the hardest days. **You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the greatest amount of people, what would that be?** I would love to create a movement focused on building housing near cancer centers for patients and their families. Sadly, many cancer patients, especially those at my cancer center, end up sleeping in their cars because they can’t afford lodging and don’t live nearby. Providing safe, comfortable housing would alleviate this burden and allow them to focus on their treatment and recovery. It’s a dream of mine to one day make this a reality and offer a sanctuary for those in need during their toughest battles. **We are very blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them. :-)** I would love the opportunity to have a private breakfast or lunch with Mark Cuban, Kevin O’Leary, Lori Greiner, and Daymond John — basically everyone from Shark Tank. I’ve applied numerous times to be on the show because I believe in the potential of Chemo Kits. It’s an amazing product, with an even better story behind it, and I would love to share my journey and vision with them. Their expertise and guidance could help take Chemo Kits to the next level, reaching and supporting even more cancer patients. **How can our readers further follow your work online?** You can find me on my personal instagram [@jessdecris](https://www.instagram.com/jessdecris/) and my company instagram [@chemokits](https://www.instagram.com/chemokits/). My website for Chemo Kits is [www.chemo-kits.com](http://www.chemo-kits.com) and my book “Talk Cancer to Me: My Guide to Kicking Cancer’s Booty!” is available on [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Talk-Cancer-Me-Kicking-Cancers/dp/0692755195)and at [Barnes & Noble](https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/talk-cancer-to-me-jessica-lynne-decristofaro/1124661699). **Thank you so much for sharing these important insights. We wish you continued success and good health!** --- A*bout The Interviewer: Savio P. Clemente, TEDx speaker and Stage 3 cancer survivor, infuses transformative insights into every article. His journey battling cancer fuels a mission to empower survivors and industry leaders towards living a truly healthy, wealthy, and wise lifestyle. As a Board-Certified Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC, ACC),*[Savio](https://www.saviopclemente.com/?source=about_page-------------------------------------)*guides readers to embrace self-discovery and rewrite narratives by loving their inner stranger, as outlined in his acclaimed TEDx talk: “*[7 Minutes to Wellness: How to Love Your Inner Stranger](https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=J-DHtD2n0qo&vq=hd1080&source=about_page-------------------------------------)*.” From his best-selling book to his impactful work as a*[media journalist](https://www.muckrack.com/saviopclemente?source=about_page-------------------------------------)*covering resilience and wellness trends with notable celebrities and TV personalities, Savio’s words touch countless lives. His philosophy, “to know thyself is to heal thyself,” resonates in every piece.* --- Source: https://authoritymag.co/articles/jessica-decristofaro-on-respiratory-failure-journaling-through-chemotherapy-and-finding-gratitud (Authority Magazine, Pop Culture). Interviewee answers are first-person statements of the guest. Index of all pages: https://authoritymag.co/llms.txt