Survivor Stories

  1. Chande Lutu-Drabble's Survivor Story

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    Tina Drabble (left) and her mother, Chande Lutu (right)

    My name is Chande Lutu-Drabble, and I was and always will be a Caregiver for my daughter who is a Cancer Survivor. I have just returned home after living over a year in San Diego, where my daughter had undergone treatment for melanoma cancer. When I went up to be with my daughter, I didn’t know what to expect, other than doing things that any mother would normally do; caring for my child and just being there as her companion.

    I recall the greatest challenge I had to overcome when I became aware of the condition of my daughter was fear. It was the worst kind of fear—and that is: fear based on ignorance.

  2. Fa'asegi Luisa Te'o Caldwell

    My name is Faasegi Luisa Te’o Caldwell. I am a Cancer Survivor and this is my story.

    On October 28, 2003, I went in to the Breast and Cervical Screening Clinic to check on a lump I found in my right breast during my monthly self breast exam. Tele Hill, RN confirmed that I did have a lump and started the ball rolling by scheduling an appointment with Dr. Tofaeono Victor Williams.

  3. Loretta Talolo's Survivor Story

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    Cancer is often referred to as a ‘disease of old age’ because it primarily develops during the 40’s and 50’s and becomes symptomatic in the 60’s and 70’s.  However, cancer is also known as the ‘disease that does not discriminate’.

  4. Tuitogamaatoe P. Fanene


    Before - I Live Strong
    August 27, 1985

    Tuesday, I had my right breast surgery by Dr. Shector & Dr. Navao at the LBJ Medical Center. Dr. Vaiula Tuato'o check on my case and assisted me to be discharged from the hospital. Dr. Schector address Surgical Ward San Francisco General Hospital.