Defying the odds with strength and hope
In March 2020, at just 40 years old, Carissa was diagnosed with Stage IV Signet Cell Carcinoma of the stomach — a rare and aggressive form of cancer with less than a four percent chance of surviving five years.
Just weeks earlier, she had been traveling abroad for work, feeling healthy and showing no real symptoms. Everything changed when doctors discovered a 17 cm tumor on her ovary, which ultimately led to the diagnosis of gastrointestinal cancer.
Carissa faced her diagnosis with courage and determination. That spring, she underwent several surgeries, including a partial gastrectomy, followed by nine months of chemotherapy.
In October 2021, her cancer returned — this time as a small spot in the scar tissue from her previous stomach surgery. Refusing to give up, Carissa underwent a total gastrectomy in December 2021 and completed six months of immunotherapy (Keytruda).
Today, Carissa proudly celebrates being cancer-free since December 2021. Her journey is a powerful reminder of resilience, hope, and the strength of the human spirit.
