Let's talk Leukemia: A Raw Discussion with Gabriella Delaney

It was Feb. 24, 2018, when I was skiing in Aspen, Colorado with my family. I had taken a separate run from my dad and brother and somehow lost them when I got to the base. After waiting for my dad for 15 minutes, I received a text. “I have leukemia” was the text I received from Gabriella Delaney. At that moment I didn’t know what to do except cry. We’ve been best friends since high school and have been through the good, the bad and the ugly together, but why her?

Gabby was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia at age 18 right as she was in her first semester of classes at the Fashion Institute of Technology. Her whole life was flipped upside down and she had to figure out a way to adjust to this new situation. Three years later, she’s out living her best life as a junior at FIT and sharing an apartment with a few friends in Brooklyn. I had the opportunity to speak with Gabby about her experience with leukemia, her attitude through it all and her recovery process. You can listen to our discussion by clicking here.

Of course, I observed her journey through leukemia from the start, but after leaving my discussion with Gabby, I have even more of a new understanding especially because she brought up her experiences surrounded by COVID-19. Prior to this, however, I found that I look up to her with regards to the strength and courage she had through her experience. Through texts, facetimes and visits to the hospital, she never complained. I can honestly say she is the biggest badass I know and I have had a different outlook on life from observing what she went through.

For example, as goofy as this sounds, whenever I’m nervous to get my blood drawn, or get a shot, I think of what Gabby went through and my outlook completely changes to “If Gabby can go through being poked and prodded throughout the night, or having a spinal tap, I can easily have a needle poke my arm for a few seconds.” She endured what nobody should have to go through!

Her attitude on this situation makes me realize that in life we're going to experience amazing and terrible things, and you have to deal with those instances head-on. Especially with how she’s living now in the COVID-19 era, this is something that everyone is dealing with, but if you want it to go away, just listen and tread cautiously. Take time to educate yourself and others!