From Patient to Author: Four-Time Cancer Survivor Pens Inspirational Children’s Book

Name: Nick S.
Type of Cancer: Myxopapillary Ependymoma
Diagnosed: Age 12
By: Nick S.
— Categories: Adult Brain Pediatric Spine

The Beginning of a Life-Changing Journey

At age 12, Nick Segar's life took an unexpected turn when he began experiencing severe back pain and nightly episodes of immobility. Thanks to his father's medical background, the family knew something wasn't right. An MRI revealed a 12-centimeter grade I myxopapillary ependymoma inside his spinal column - marking the beginning of a two-decade journey that would eventually inspire him to help others.

A Battle of Resilience

"That initial diagnosis was just the first chapter of my story," says Segar, who has since undergone four major back surgeries and received two lifetime doses of radiation. Despite thinking his health challenges were over after ten years of clear scans, Segar faced a devastating recurrence at age 26, when doctors discovered multiple tumors in his lumbar, thoracic, and C1 vertebrae near the base of his brain.
Life has evolved into what sometimes feels like an endless cycle of MRI scans, tests, and waiting rooms. Each new "treatment" represents another moonshot, carrying with it the wavering hope of improvement. His determination was perhaps most evident when, following his fourth surgery and subsequent radiation treatment, he focused on a powerful personal goal: being healthy enough to marry his fiancée, Nicole, in June 2019.

Living in the Present

Today, Segar manages neuropathy in his feet, nerve damage to his legs, drop foot on his right foot, and radiation retinopathy in his eyes. Regular rehabilitation and eye treatments are part of his routine. Each day presents a choice for him - a conscious decision to focus on what brings joy rather than dwelling on the ever-present memories of a traumatic past.
Segar now finds his greatest solace and purpose in his family, particularly in being a father to his two young children. "My dreams have transitioned to the care and support of my kids," he shares. "I've discovered that being a good father has nothing to do with mobility or physical limitations."

Turning Experience into Hope

This journey and his role as a parent inspired Segar to write "Stronger Every Day: A Child's Guide to Conquering Cancer" over the past year. The illustrated children's book, featuring a determined young character on its cover against a gentle purple background, aims to provide comfort and understanding to children facing similar challenges.
"I wrote this book because I truly believe if it helps one person going through a similar life journey, it all will have been worth it," Segar explains. His goal is to distribute the book to children's hospitals, cancer centers, and anywhere it might reach those who need its message most.

Finding Strength in Community

Segar finds particular meaning in the support networks provided by organizations like the CERN Foundation and the National Brain Tumor Society. "I find comfort in hearing shared experiences," he reflects. "It's a great reminder you are never alone." This sentiment of community and shared experience is a central theme in his book and his message to others facing similar challenges.

A Mission of Support

"Stronger Every Day" represents not just Segar's personal triumph over multiple cancer recurrences, but his commitment to supporting others on their journey. Through his writing, he hopes to show young cancer patients that they too can find strength in their daily battles and that they're never alone in their fight.

The book is available on Amazon, and Segar continues to work towards getting it into the hands of young cancer patients and their families who might benefit from its message of hope and resilience.