A teen found "a sense of control" as she fought cancer. Then, it came back: "I knew it was cancer again."

Key Points:

• Alayna Riozzi-Bodine, a high school senior and athlete from New Jersey, was diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin's lymphoma in September 2021, which disrupted her senior year and led to intensive treatment including chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant.
• To preserve her identity and future fertility, she became the first pediatric patient at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center to use a cold cap during chemotherapy, which helped prevent hair loss initially.
• After a recurrence of her cancer less than a year later, Riozzi-Bodine underwent more aggressive treatment, including immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and a stem cell transplant, ultimately completing treatment in July 2024.
• Now cancer-free for two years, she graduated from college with a nursing degree and is pursuing pediatric oncology nursing, inspired by her own experience as a patient.
• Riozzi-Bodine also manages the Alayna Jayne Foundation, which supports teen cancer patients, advocates for cold cap use, and provides scholarships to young cancer survivors.