You could say that Philip Allen’s life has been one of journeys. There was his journey through cancer treatment at a young age, and a life-altering bicycle journey to raise funds for cancer research. Now, he’s preparing to embark on a journey into the remarkable lives of cancer patients and survivors.
The oldest of three boys, Philip grew up in what he calls, “a loving and musical family.” Life was pretty typical for a young boy with two brothers . . .active, fun, and happy. It was the summer after sixth grade at Glenwood Middle School , however, that the fun and activity stopped abruptly. The doctors said, “Hodgkins Lymphoma,” and the Allen family said, “What now?”
Philip’s parents, Craig and Jayne Allen, sought help from Ohio’s premiere medical resources; Nationwide Children’s Hospital and the James Cancer Center in Columbus. The hospitals provided chemotherapy and radiation, and Philip’s teachers made sure he kept pace with his classmates while studying at home. Like many strong, young men, Philip recovered. . . but never forgot his physical and emotional battle.
A lover of stories
Maybe it was Philip’s duel with a deadly disease that gave him an appreciation for life’s color and drama. His growing fascination with prose and diverse cultures brought him to The Ohio State University where he’ll complete a B.A. in World Literature next June. For some, the senior year at college is the culmination of a journey, but for Philip, it’s been a start down another new path.
The cancer program at The Ohio State University strongly encourages students to become involved in cancer research. The University feels that students bring new ideas, may make valuable discoveries, and even become esteemed researchers. Each year, through the Pelotonia Program, OSU is able to provide fellowships to 25 of the best and brightest undergraduate students who want to help cure cancer. Although not a science major, Philip received a Pelotonia Fellowship for 2010 for what the University termed, “a non-traditional research project by a comparative studies student who will use his fellowship to create a documentary.”
One story at a time
Entitled, “One Story at a Time,” Philip’s documentary will present the lives of cancer survivors who have turned their bouts with cancer into positive experiences. The DVD will feature those who have used their diagnosis and treatment as a source of inspiration to work harder toward maintaining their own health and well-being and achieving a broader perspective. “When someone is diagnosed with cancer, one thing is certain: life is never going to be the same,” says Allen. “And that doesn’t have to always be a bad thing. In many ways, to survive cancer is to be issued a
challenge: a challenge to go out and live life to the fullest.” By giving copies of his completed documentary to newly diagnosed patients, Allen wants to communicate a sense of hope, optimism and encouragement. The DVD’s will be distributed free of charge to hospitals and physicians’ offices. “The vision of this project is that, along with lists of medicines and their long-term side effects, the information given to a patient can be beneficially supplemented by the positive and uplifting stories of other patients who have survived and lived to do amazing things,” adds Philip.
One mile at a time
This past August, Philip was able to partner with the Pelotonia Foundation once again. As a participant in the Foundation’s two-day bike ride to raise funds for cancer research at OSU, he compared this journey to his journey through cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery. “While peddling hard up those steep hills, I thought to myself, ‘If I can beat cancer, I can beat this hill.’”
For more information, or to contribute questions or comments on “One Story at a Time,” contact Philip Allen at philip.craig.allen@gmail.com
