Gianna Cericola

On this episode, we speak with Gianna Cericola, a survivor of Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor (DSRCT for short). After two long years, she rang the bell signifying the end of active treatment just two weeks before we recorded this episode. We feel so lucky to be able to sit down with her at this pivotal moment of transition. Gianna opens up about what being done with treatment actually means, and why the end of treatment isn’t the end of a cancer diagnosis.

She shares about how she’s relied on self-advocacy, not only to receive a diagnosis but to navigate treatment and conversations with her medical team.

As an adolescent young adult, Gianna talks about continuing to live her life through her diagnosis - including getting engaged during treatment and thinking about surrogacy to one day build her family - and why it can be difficult to plan for the future.

This episode is full of raw and honest insight into Gianna’s experience, and we are so grateful for the time she took to share with us.

We also wanted to note and give insight to a conversation we have about Gianna’s subtype being classified as ultra-rare. Sarcoma is a rare cancer to begin with, but within the numerous subtypes of sarcoma, there are some, like DSRCT, that are considered “ultra-rare” - defined as subtypes with an annual incidence of 1 or fewer cases per million people. Thank you Gianna for giving voice to the experience of being diagnosed with an ultra-rare subtype.

Subtype Page: https://curesarcoma.org/sarcoma-subtypes/desmoplastic-small-round-cell-tumor/

Discussion Guide: https://curesarcoma.org/sfa-launches-sarcoma-diagnosis-and-treatment-discussion-guide/

Sarcoma Stories FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/512452631597704

Connect with Gianna:

Gianna’s DSRCT Group: https://ig.me/j/Abb-dS58-Ff-DnKH/

Instagram: @gianna.cericola

https://www.instagram.com/gianna.cericola/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gianna.cericola