2-Time Cancer Survivor, 24, Becomes Nurse at Same Hospital Where He Was Once a Patient

Dalton Cummins knows all too well the hardships his young oncology patients face—because he’s been in their shoes. Now 24 years old, Dalton is not just any nurse at Riley Hospital for Children; he’s a two-time cancer survivor who spent months in those same hospital beds battling for his life. Diagnosed with two different forms of cancer before even turning 21, Dalton endured harrowing treatments and near-death experiences. Today, he has come full circle, returning to the hospital where he beat the odds, this time as a nurse, bringing with him the empathy and understanding that only someone who’s lived through it can provide.

What makes Dalton’s journey even more remarkable is his unwavering decision to give back to the place that saved him. While many might choose to move on from such traumatic experiences, Dalton embraced his past and turned it into a strength. He chose to walk the same halls, now in scrubs rather than a hospital gown, offering not just medical care but emotional support to his patients—children who may be as frightened as he once was. Dalton’s story is one of resilience, compassion, and a powerful sense of purpose.

24 year old cancer survivor, Dalton Cummins becomes nurse at hospital where he was once a patient. pic.twitter.com/ldlK7uwpfN

— Restoring Your Faith in Humanity (@HumanityChad) October 9, 2024

Dalton’s Cancer Diagnosis and First Battle

At just 19 years old, Dalton Cummins’ life took a sudden and unexpected turn. Like many others in 2020, he assumed his persistent cough and fatigue were symptoms of COVID-19. But after weeks of discomfort, he was shocked to learn that it wasn’t the pandemic virus he was battling. Instead, he was diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, an aggressive form of cancer. The diagnosis came as a gut punch, throwing his life into chaos. The typical concerns of a college freshman—school, friends, and future plans—were suddenly overshadowed by the daunting reality of cancer treatments.

Dalton recalls the moment the news hit him. “I went upstairs and started crying,” he says, reflecting on the fear and uncertainty that followed. It wasn’t just the physical toll that frightened him, but the emotional weight of facing such a life-threatening illness at such a young age. Yet, despite the overwhelming fear, Dalton began his journey through chemotherapy, determined to fight back. Little did he know, this was just the beginning of a much longer battle.

The treatments were grueling. As Dalton navigated months of chemotherapy, the physical and emotional exhaustion weighed heavily on him. However, he was not alone—his family, friends, and the medical team at Riley Hospital stood by his side every step of the way. Although the odds were tough, Dalton’s determination to survive carried him through the darkest moments, with a resilience that would later become his defining trait. This first bout with cancer would teach him invaluable lessons about strength, fear, and hope, all of which he would one day use to help his patients.

The Fight for Survival: Close to Death

Just four months into his chemotherapy treatment, Dalton’s fight took a terrifying turn. What began as a high fever and chills quickly escalated into a life-threatening emergency. He was rushed to the emergency room, where doctors discovered he was experiencing septic shock—a condition that occurs when the body’s response to infection causes widespread inflammation, leading to organ failure. Dalton’s condition was critical, and he was admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Riley Hospital for Children. The prognosis was grim. With a mere 10 percent chance of survival, doctors prepared his family for the worst.

The situation was so dire that Dalton’s family was called in to say what could have been their final goodbyes. “They really didn’t think I was going to make it,” he recalls. The once-hopeful fight against cancer now seemed like a desperate battle for his life. Yet, against all odds, Dalton fought back. Slowly, his condition improved, defying the bleak expectations. The medical team, though prepared for the worst, witnessed his miraculous recovery. After 25 days in the ICU, Dalton was strong enough to return to the oncology unit to finish his chemotherapy treatments.

This brush with death had a profound impact on Dalton, solidifying his determination to live and giving him a deeper appreciation for the fragility of life. His close call wasn’t just a medical battle—it was a defining moment that shaped his perspective on his own strength and resilience. It was also the moment that further fueled his drive to one day help others going through similar life-threatening challenges.

Second Diagnosis: Hodgkin Lymphoma

Just when Dalton thought his battle with cancer was finally behind him, life dealt him another cruel blow. A mere three months after completing his treatment for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, Dalton received devastating news—he had been diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, a second and entirely different form of cancer. It was a crushing moment, as the emotional and physical toll of his first fight was still fresh. His doctor, who had stood by him during his previous treatments, embraced him with tears in her eyes as she delivered the news. “I was like, this is not good,” Dalton recalls, feeling the weight of yet another uphill battle.

For Dalton, the second diagnosis felt like a nightmare he couldn’t escape. As he walked out of the hospital, the emotional dam broke. He had fought so hard to beat his first diagnosis, and now, barely recovered, he was once again facing the grim reality of cancer. But Dalton didn’t allow despair to swallow him whole. Despite the overwhelming sense of déjà vu, he gathered his strength and prepared to endure yet another round of grueling treatments.

This time, Dalton underwent three more months of chemotherapy, followed by a stem cell transplant in May 2021. The procedure, aimed at replacing his damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells, marked a critical step in his recovery. However, the journey didn’t end there—Dalton continued his fight with radiation therapy and a year of maintenance chemotherapy, ensuring the cancer would not return. The process was exhausting, both physically and emotionally, but Dalton was determined to survive, once again defying the odds and coming out stronger on the other side.

Returning to Riley Hospital as a Nurse

When it came time for Dalton Cummins to choose where he wanted to begin his nursing career, the decision was an easy one—he returned to Riley Hospital for Children, the very place where his life had been saved twice. For Dalton, it wasn’t just about the familiarity of the environment; it was about the deep connection he felt with the people and the place. “I felt a connection to every single person,” he said, recalling the bond he had developed with the staff who had once cared for him during his most difficult moments.

Now, as a nurse on the same oncology floor where he had once been a patient, Dalton is able to bring a unique perspective to his work. His experiences allow him to relate to his young patients in ways most healthcare professionals cannot. Instead of just administering treatments and monitoring vital signs, Dalton provides something even more valuable—a sense of understanding and reassurance. The children he cares for know that he has been through it too, that he once walked in their shoes, and that he came out stronger on the other side.

Dalton’s return to Riley Hospital has also provided comfort to the parents of his young patients. Many parents are overwhelmed with fear and uncertainty, but Dalton’s presence offers them hope. Knowing that their child’s nurse has survived not one, but two cancer diagnoses, gives them a sense of optimism. Dalton openly shares his story with families, answering questions and offering guidance based on his own experiences. His presence in the hospital is not just a testament to medical science, but a reminder that hope and resilience can shine through even in the darkest times.

Impact on Patients: A Nurse Who’s Been There

For the children under Dalton Cummins’ care, having a nurse who truly understands their fears and struggles makes all the difference. Dalton doesn’t just treat their medical needs; he connects with them on a deeper level. He knows how hard it can be to muster the courage to take medications that make you feel worse before you feel better. He understands the frustration of being confined to a hospital bed, watching life pass by from the other side of a window. This shared experience allows Dalton to offer more than just clinical care—he brings empathy, patience, and a special kind of encouragement that only someone who has walked the same path can provide.

Dalton often finds that his personal story helps break through the barriers that some patients and their families face. When a child is reluctant to take medicine or afraid of a procedure, Dalton uses his experience to calm their fears. “I always try to figure out the underlying reason and connect with them a bit,” he explains. It’s not just about telling them to be brave, but showing them that bravery comes in many forms. By sharing his own experiences, Dalton gives his young patients a tangible example of someone who not only survived but thrived after facing the same challenges.

Parents, too, find solace in Dalton’s presence. The moment they learn that their child’s nurse is a two-time cancer survivor, the overwhelming sense of dread is often replaced by a flicker of hope. Dalton’s firsthand knowledge of various cancer treatments allows him to answer questions with a level of personal insight that most medical professionals can’t provide. For families navigating the terrifying uncertainty of a cancer diagnosis, Dalton represents not just a caretaker but a living example of survival against the odds.