A Cancer Survivor’s Love of Flying Propels a Passion for Volunteering

A strong support system can make a world of difference when someone is battling cancer. Just having the right people and volunteers in someone’s corner cheering them on can elevate their spirits and help them push through their grueling treatments.

In this week’s episode of the “CURE Talks Cancer” podcast, we spoke with Brandon Stevens, a testicular cancer survivor who chronicles his experience and how those around him helped him get through his grueling chemotherapy treatments.

Stevens, who was originally diagnosed not long following his high school graduation, is now a student within the professional pilot program at Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus training for his pilot’s license. 

After positive experiences with therapy dogs during his treatment, Stevens decided to use his training to become a pilot to give back to dogs in need and is volunteering for Pilots N Paws, a nonprofit organization that facilitates transportation for rescue animals and animals in need. Stevens also said he hopes to start a nonprofit of his own for children with cancer.

“I think it's just a natural psychological thing that happens and for me, I just think everyone has done so much for me and I see a lot of the good people who are going out of their way, not getting paid to help you, and they genuinely want to help and I think it's natural in us to want to do that and I can't think of better ways to give back to the community.”