Alique Topalian is a 2-time cancer survivor. She was first diagnosed with AML in 1998 at age 4 and relapsed in March of 2021 at age 27. She is now in remission and using her voice to passionately raise awareness about the unique needs of cancer patients. At age 7, she began to advocate for childhood cancers and raise awareness about bone marrow and cord blood donation. Since 2000, she has been the mascot, spokesperson, and fundraiser for the Armenian Bone Marrow Registry. Her experience with childhood cancer inspired her to obtain a Master’s in Public Health and a Ph.D. in Health Promotion and Education completing her degree in 2020. Her research focused on mental and behavioral health examining protective factors and resiliency. Little did she know that in March of 2021 she would relapse with AML, the first person to ever relapse after 22 years. During her time in active treatment, she used every opportunity to network, participate in psychosocial programming, and educate herself on resources available to patients in all stages of treatment. Since her relapse, Alique is speaking at national and local conferences, using social media and other forms of communication to give AYA cancer patients a voice. Alique was selected as a 2022 recipient of the 40 Under 40 in Cancer award. She is sharing her recent experience with The University of Cincinnati as a Research Scientist to research patient experience, AYAs, and survivorship. Her life’s focus and passion have grown as a result of her relapse and she is determined to improve the lives of others.
