Relapse and Resolve: Two-Time Survivor Kitrena Young’s Story of Grit and Growth

This episode of Marrow Masters brings us an incredible conversation with Kitrena Young, a two-time cancer survivor whose story spans decades and highlights the unique challenges faced by adolescents and young adults (AYAs). We begin by learning about Kitrena’s initial diagnosis of B-cell ALL with a Philadelphia chromosome at the age of eight, followed by a shocking relapse 23 years later. Her candor about how she recognized the early signs the second time around—bruising and fatigue—underscores the importance of self-awareness and advocacy.

We discuss how navigating the adult healthcare system differed drastically from her pediatric experience. Kitrena takes us through her rapid efforts to get an urgent appointment and the emotional toll of being thrust back into the cancer world. With support from her brother and eventually finding care at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC)  through a compassionate voice on the phone, she exemplifies what it means to be proactive in your care journey.

Fertility preservation is another focal point. Kitrena recounts her decision to freeze 15 eggs before starting treatment and how her perspective on parenthood has evolved. She walks us through the emotional and physical realities of exploring surrogacy and genetic testing post-transplant—particularly the complex issue of donor DNA requiring a skin biopsy for viable results.

Kitrena doesn’t shy away from discussing post-treatment life: weight gain linked to early menopause, a challenging international trip filled with setbacks and triumphs, and the frustrations of altered tastes and capabilities. Despite it all, she maintains a remarkable sense of humor and determination to continue traveling and living fully.

Family and caregiver dynamics are woven throughout her story. She speaks lovingly about her partner’s unwavering support and the strength of her younger brother, who stepped up when needed most. Her message to caregivers includes practical advice—especially around vigilance with medical billing, noting errors she encountered from appointments she never attended.

Finally, Kitrena emphasizes the growing importance of therapy for both patients and caregivers. She encourages the AYA community to use available resources to work through trauma, grief, and uncertainty—pointing to virtual options that didn’t exist in her earlier experience.

Kitrena's journey is one of persistence, clarity, and empowerment. She brings vital, firsthand wisdom to the AYA cancer space, reminding us that while every survivor's path is different, no one should walk it alone.

Thanks to our Season 17 Sponsors:

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS): https://lls.org/

and Incyte: https://incyte.com/

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National Bone Marrow Transplant Link - (800) LINK-BMT, or [phone].

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