Jimmy Fund Interview - Gloria Aronson

Gresh and Fauria

Gloria Aronson, 78, acute lymphocytic leukemia, North Easton

In June 2018, Gloria was playing golf when she realized something was wrong. Her primary care doctor was alarmed when Gloria asked to bump up her physical and arranged for an immediate appointment and blood tests, which revealed she had Acute lymphocytic leukemia.

Referred to Dana-Farber by her son, a physician, Gloria began a grueling chemotherapy regimen, sometimes undergoing treatment for 21 hours a day. Undeterred, she requested a stationary bike for her room and continued to walk - even while attached to IV poles. Her determination paid off, and after becoming cancer-free, Gloria underwent a stem cell transplant in December 2018, with a donor from California. But her journey didn't end there. A few years later during a winter vacation in Florida, doctors discovered her cancer returned. This time, she underwent Dana-Farber’s innovative CAR T therapy and was once again deemed cancer-free.

Throughout her cancer journey, Gloria remained active and engaged, chatting with nurses about fashion—she owned a women's boutique—and embracing healthy habits.Now back to walking, exercising, and teaching aerobics, Gloria strives to complete10,000 steps a day.

· A passionate advocate and mentor, Gloria belongs to a transplant Zoom group and dedicates her time to supporting other patients. Her motto, "be strong and positive," has become a guiding light for many who reach out to her for encouragement.