Debbie Childs Coolman

Debbie Childs Coolman is a 43-year-old cancer survivor diagnosed with Hodgkin disease at the age of 14. As a patient at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, she received radiation therapy on her chest and anthracycline therapy. In 2008, while participating in the St. Jude LIFE study, an unprecedented research study that brings long-term childhood cancer survivors back to St. Jude for regular health screenings, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. St. Jude was able to diagnose her early and as a result she received a double mastectomy with reconstruction.

As a cancer survivor, Debbie is high risk for potential heart issues and therefore stays physically active. She has climbed Pikes Peak in spite of having a reduced lung capacity, and plays tennis every day of the week. Debbie has yet to have any further complications from her treatment but continues to take part in the St. Jude LIFE Study to monitor her health.