Teen Dismissed ‘Hormone-Related Symptoms’ as ‘Stress.’ If She Had Brushed Them Off for 2 More Months, She ‘Might Be Dead’ (Exclusive)

Key Points:

• Ginny Hooper, diagnosed with adrenocortical carcinoma at 17 after symptoms of Cushing's syndrome led to the discovery of a large abdominal tumor, has undergone multiple surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, and is currently in a clinical trial while attending NYU.
• Despite her aggressive cancer diagnosis and treatment side effects, including peripheral neuropathy and lung fluid buildup, Hooper has remained resilient, documenting her journey online to connect with others and raise awareness about the realities of living with cancer.
• Hooper deferred NYU for a year initially but returned to pursue a self-designed major focused on improving hospital environments through art and design, aiming to create more welcoming spaces for patients and staff.
• She has faced multiple cancer recurrences, including tumors near her lungs and heart, requiring ongoing treatment at prestigious institutions like Memorial Sloan Kettering and the NIH Clinical Center.
• Hooper emphasizes that while cancer is a significant part of her life, she seeks to be recognized for her broader identity and ambitions beyond her illness, balancing her academic goals with the challenges of her clinical trial side effects.