STEM vs. Disease—Cancer Teaches Essential Biology Concepts and

Inspires Students to Consider Rhode Island Careers in Cancer Care

Through the story of Sydney, a survivor of pediatric leukemia, you will learn about the biology and treatment of cancer, and you’ll discover that there are many more careers involved in cancer care than you ever imagined. Sydney was diagnosed at the age of 11. You’ll hear about her initial experiences and steps when confronted with a cancer diagnosis, learn about the progression of the disease and her treatment options, and see how she’s living her life cancer-free and using her experiences to advocate for other patients and survivors. You’ll meet Rhode Island career role models who work in fields related to cancer care, and you’ll realize that there is a wide array of careers that use diverse skill sets to help cancer patients—more than doctors and nurses are needed! Along the way, you’ll delve into the basic molecular and cellular mechanisms that lead to the development of cancer, getting a fundamental understanding of the medical reality of Sydney’s journey and the work of Rhode Island cancer care specialists.