Hi, I’m Anita.
I’m an artist, former teacher, and terminal cancer warrior turning pain into purpose.
Three years ago, I lost my dad to skin cancer—just as I started my dream job teaching at Santa Ana College. Seven months later, I was diagnosed with Stage IV Neuroendocrine Carcinoma, a rare, aggressive and terminal cancer that changed everything.
My body lit up with over 16 tumors—chemo became my new normal. After 74 rounds, I was told nothing was working. Then a spinal tumor paralyzed me. Emergency surgery, 35+ rounds of radiation, months of rehab later and now over 103 rounds of different chemos—I fought my way back to walking, and more importantly, to creating again.
That’s when Apollo the Alien was born—a character I created to bring light to those in the dark. Apollo is for anyone who’s ever felt different, lost, or alone. Apollo can be anyone and anything we need: a fighter or a dreamer. Apollo reminds me that cancer doesn’t define me.
Through this little alien, I share strength, hope, and the reminder that nobody fights alone.
Thank you for being here. Every sticker helps me keep going—physically, emotionally, and creatively.
The fight continues, but so does the art.
Even the smallest contribution can make a big difference.
With love and gratitude,
Anita Tran
IG: @awkward_life_of_cancer