Survivor Spotlight: Christi Haskell
June is National Cancer Survivors Month, and we’re sharing stories and insights from survivors in our CARES community. Christi Haskell is a two-time cancer survivor who was introduced to CARES in 2024 when her daughter Mackenzie participated in our Sk8 to Elimin8 Cancer® event in Simsbury, Connecticut. Since then, the Haskell family has raised $6,890 for cancer research, participated in three Celebration Ice Shows, and volunteered as on-site medical.
Thank you, Christi, for sharing your story to inspire hope and raise awareness about the importance of continued investment in cancer research.
Christi with her husband and children at a Camp Kesem 5K
What were your biggest challenges during your treatment?
The entire cancer journey is a series of challenges, some big, some small, yet all are challenging. I would say my biggest challenge I faced during treatment was talking to my two young children (3 and 6 at the time) about my cancer. Even though I was the one fighting for my life, cancer impacted my entire family. Ten years ago, there were not nearly as many books and community resources out there that helped parents and children of parents with cancer. Today, there are cancer organizations, summer camps (Camp Kesem), books, websites, podcasts, and more, all aimed at discussing the topic in ways children can process. Ask your hospital social worker for resources if you need them!
Another of my biggest challenges actually came after treatment was over. I had incredible support from family, friends, and my medical team during my cancer treatment. Post-treatment, however, was still tough for me. During treatment, it was understandable to everyone if I said I didn’t feel good or that I was tired. Once the treatment ended, I found myself still sick, weak, and exhausted. From an oncology standpoint, the cancer was in remission, but while everyone was celebrating, I still felt so stuck and scared because I was constantly sick. I felt even more restricted than when I was undergoing chemotherapy. I was on a vicious cycle of steroids, antibiotics, and intermittent immunoglobulin infusions. It took the better part of a year post-chemotherapy and a lot of doctor’s appointments, scans, and testing to learn that I had developed Common Variable Immune Deficiency as a side effect from the chemotherapy treatment. Now, I undergo IgG infusions every three weeks and am managing a lot better than I was the first few years post-treatment.
Christi Haskell and her family in 2026
Did any treatments or trials in your care come from cancer research?
I underwent chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Even though immunotherapy has been around for more than a century, so much of what we know now has been the result of research from just the past 30 years. The field is growing and expanding. Cancer research and specifically immunotherapy research has made it possible to say I am a survivor, and I am forever thankful for those who donate to research. I have incredible hope for the future of cancer care.
Has surviving cancer changed your outlook on life?
Absolutely. I think it is impossible not to change when faced with cancer. The person I was before cancer is not the same person that I am now. I have been through so much and my family has been through so much. It is amazing to stop and think how far I have come and all the struggles I have been through, but I know it has also shaped me into the person I am. I am stronger, more resilient, quicker to show my love, and more thankful to wake up to ordinary days!
What message would you share with someone diagnosed with cancer?
It is okay to feel ALL the feelings, but know that you are never alone. There are people out there who understand. There are survivors and networks of people who can help. It is okay to ask for help! Have hope because of all those researching, fundraising, educating, and fighting for the future of cancer care. There is a community out there to support you and your family through this. Lastly, believe in yourself. Gather your strength, fight, and don’t let cancer define you! It will be hard, and there will be good and bad days, but keep fighting!