Ibram X. Kendi: Only 14 percent of people receiving my diagnosis are likely to be alive five years later. Today, I can officially say I am a cancer survivor.

Ibram X. Kendi, the Founding Director of the Boston University Center for Antiracist Research, shared on X/Twitter:

“In 2018, I was diagnosed with stage IV colorectal cancer. Only 14 percent of people receiving my diagnosis are likely to be alive five years later. Today, I can officially say I am a cancer survivor.

After 6 months of chemo, I had an all-day surgery today 5 years ago. I’ve had to get scanned regularly ever since, hoping the cancer did not return. But despite all the hate and envy directed my way, the arms of love have been much stronger. The cancer didn’t return.

I remember when I finally got home after my surgery a week or so later. Our two-year-old daughter kept crying as she looked at my bandages. I asked her if she wanted bandages too. She immediately stopped crying and put bandages on her stomach in solidarity. And smiled.”

Source: Ibram X. Kendi/Twitter