When I was born, it was determined I had cardiomyopathy and was going to need a new heart. The doctor said, ‘He’s dying. We’re losing him.’ My mom had a choice: They could send me somewhere else for treatment, let me die peacefully or I could be on a machine and wait on the transplant list. Shortly after being on the list, they said they had a heart for me. But my immune system was suppressed because of all the medication I took. My heart was better, but in January this year, I was diagnosed with lymphoma. I had cancer in my lungs, neck and intestine. After surgery on my small intestine and a lot of tests and treatment, in July, I learned I was cancer free. It wasn’t until then that I learned I could go to college. I knew this was where I wanted to come. I had visited campus a year before and said, ‘Santa Fe, let’s do it.’ Right now, I’m a quote-unquote ‘normal college student.’ My heart is good. I’m feeling good. It all feels freeing and joyful and peaceful.
– Reese Domond, A.A. Business Administration