Life for Iva Radman appeared to be just
like that of any high school senior headed
for college. But what began as a normal
college experience took a sudden turn
that challenged now 20-year-old Radman’s
academic and physical endurance.
During Radman’s freshman year at
VCU, doctors found a mass on her chest
while she was in the hospital for a cold.
For three months, Radman wrestled with
the idea of possibly having cancer.
The idea became reality when Radman
woke up sick, dizzy and vomiting blood.
One week later, Radman was diagnosed
with stage four non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma,
cancer that begins in the lymphatic
system.
“I was completely dumbfounded and
frustrated when I was diagnosed,” Radman
said.
Radman’s first chemotherapy treatment
kept her in the hospital for three days.
Radman said the cancer was supposed
to be in remission by the fourth treatment.
But it wasn’t, and Radman had to endure
a bone-marrow transplant.
This procedure left her helpless for
100 days. But Radman wasn’t alone.
During this period, her mom came from
Virginia Beach to help her.
“My parents are extremely supportive
and have been there for me from the
beginning,” Radman said.
Currently, Radman goes to the
VCU Health System for radiation treatments.
“Treatment only takes five minutes
Monday through Friday. You manage.
If you have to do something, you find
a way to do it,” Radman said.
Shortly after being diagnosed, Radman
joined the Leukemia and Lymphoma
Society. She plans on participating in
the Light the Night walk in September,
which is Lymphoma Awareness
Month.
According to the Leukemia and
Lymphoma Society Web site, Light the
Night is a two-mile evening walk that
celebrates and commemorates lives
touched by cancer.
On Thursday, Sept. 27, Radman will
participate in the march with her group,
“The Iva Diva Cancer Crushers.”
Campaign manager Susan Keitges said
anyone can go online, join a group and
register to participate in the walk.
“Seventy-five cents of every dollar
raised goes to our mission of funding
research grants to find a cure and patient
services, financial aid and support
groups,” Keitges said.
Radman has not given up on her
education. After graduating from VCU
with a bachelor’s degree in broadcast
journalism, Radman plans to do some
anchor work and go to graduate
school.
Radman is writing a book, “Live and
Conquer: Battle with Lymphoma,” which
describes her life with lymphoma.
“I’m also exploring some print options.
We’ll just see,” Radman said.
Radman plans to volunteer with the
Virginia Blood Services to help attract
donors.
“We’ll be asking Iva (Radman) to help
us recruit VCU students as blood donors
by speaking to groups. We plan to run
an article about her in our newsletter
to blood donors,” said Laura Cameron
of the Virginia Blood Services.
Cameron said people who donate
blood will hear Radman’s voice on
the phone thanking them for their
contribution.
“I’m not done here yet. I don’t like
to be a quitter,” Radman said. “People
need to be aware. I just can’t wait until
I can call myself a survivor.”
For more information on how to
support or join Radman in the Light
the Night walk, log on to leukemialymphoma.org.