As a student at Spartanburg’s Dorman High in 2021, doctors diagnosed Moises Chavez with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of cancer that develops in the lymph system. Moises, 16 at the time, had become alarmed by a growth on his neck.
“It didn’t look like a normal double chin, and then I realized that it was actually like a ball in my neck,” he said. “And so that’s when I was like, this is weird. I want to get this checked.”
Following his diagnosis, Moises said he had undergone 6 cycles of chemotherapy when a PET scan determined that unfortunately his cancer had progressed. He needed additional therapy and ultimately a stem cell transplant and radiation. His transplant hospitalization kept him admitted for nearly three weeks. Maintenance therapy following his transplant continued for another year.
Thankfully, he said, his Dorman High teachers were very understanding and worked with him to ensure he kept up with his studies.
Another big help came from Clement’s Kindness.
Moises said he was grateful for the support he received from Clement’s Kindness, particularly their financial assistance in house bills and providing money to cover gas for his frequent trips from Spartanburg to his treatments at Bon Secours Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Center in Greenville.
Following graduation from Dorman, Moises enrolled at Spartanburg Methodist College where he’s majoring in psychology and plans to pursue a career in social work.
“I usually like to play video games or listen to music,” he said. “Or sometimes, when I’m really, really bored, I like to draw.”
Moises is 18 now and he said the prognosis is good. While he is currently in remission, he continues to periodically undergo check-ups to monitor his health.
“Well, we hope it doesn’t come back since that first time it came out of nowhere,” he said. “But, you know, I’ve just got to keep going.”
