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Sidney Chahonyo: Survivorship is not just about surviving, it’s about thriving, finding purpose, and giving back

Sidney Chahonyo/together.stjude.org

Mar 21, 2025, 16:44

Sidney Chahonyo: Survivorship is not just about surviving, it’s about thriving, finding purpose, and giving back

Sidney Chahonyo, Director of Fundraising at Hope for Cancer Kids (HCK), shared a post on LinkedIn:

“Survivorship: What It Means to Me

At 19, just after finishing high school and as I waited for my visa to study abroad, my life took an unexpected turn. I was diagnosed with Cancer of the Post Nasal Space. Suddenly, my world shifted, and I found myself navigating the brutal reality of childhood cancer. Life as I knew it was put on hold.

I endured radiotherapy and chemotherapy, losing nearly 15 kgs in a week, temporarily losing my taste buds, saliva, and even the simple ability to swallow a glass of water without pain. The physical, emotional, and mental challenges were overwhelming. Watching my peers move forward with their lives while I felt stuck was one of the hardest parts.

In November 2004, I was officially declared cancer-free. But what does that really mean? Survivorship, for me, began the moment I was diagnosed. The toll cancer takes on you and those around you – mentally, physically, and emotionally – is indescribable. And even after treatment, it leaves a lasting mark. Regular check-ups started every three months and are now done yearly.

My taste buds and saliva glands never fully recovered. I was told my hearing would deteriorate over time due to the radiation, and I eventually lost my job because of significant hearing loss. The anxiety of waiting for test results during yearly check-ups, or even when I experience a headache, nosebleed, or severe flu symptoms, is a constant reminder of what I’ve been through.

But survivorship is also about resilience and hope.

Amidst it all, I found my wife, became a father to two beautiful girls, and discovered my calling in supporting Hope for Cancer Kids. Every day, I’m committed to ensuring that every child diagnosed with cancer has the same chance I had to beat it. Survivorship, to me, means making a difference – being the change despite what you’ve endured.

It’s about putting a smile on someone’s face and bringing hope to those walking a path I once walked.