Submitted by Greenville Central School District
Tatum Lampman’s teenage years started like every coming-of-age story — an honors student, a varsity athlete, and a regular kid who enjoyed spending time with friends. But at 15 years old, she wasn’t prepared for the plot twist she was about to face.
In January of 2023, Tatum was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, an incredibly rare and aggressive form of bone cancer.
“I never expected to be worrying about death as a teenager,” Tatum said.
Reflecting on her journey, Tatum noted, “I had to learn to adapt to my new life during treatment. I learned to function with a bad shoulder [where her tumor was removed], how to go to school happy and healthy after having a difficult week in the hospital, and how to continue to appear as a normal teenager while I was exhausted and sick.”
As a self-starter, and someone who enjoys helping others, Tatum is embarking on a path of advocacy.
“I want to use the negative experience for positive things,” she said.
Her determination, resilience, strength and gracious attitude earned her recognition from Sarcoma Strong, an organization whose goal is to raise awareness, advocate for patients, and fundraise for critical research. Last month, Tatum was invited to their annual gala to tell her story in front of hundreds of people. At 16 years old, she was the youngest person, and only patient, to share her story that night. After the event, Tatum was honored with a conversation and a letter of commendation from U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko for her strength and courage.
Her advocacy efforts extend far beyond cancer awareness — she’s also a champion for mental health. When asked what advice she would give to her 15-year-old self, she reflected on her state of mind then and now.
“Mental health and mental wellness are the most important part of treatment. I had a lot of things that I planned on doing, and missing out on core memories hurt me more than the chemo did,” Tatum said. “If I took mental health more seriously, I’d have been much better off.”
Tatum works with mental health advocacy groups in school and throughout the community to shed more light on the topic.
Today, Tatum is five months post-chemo and proudly cancer-free, she says with a grateful smile. “I’m still very anxious, I’ve only been off of chemo for a few months and my type of cancer comes back quickly. But now I have the chance to better my health, regardless of what happened in the past. I won’t let all the other factors destroy me. [Cancer] is always going to be something in the back of my mind, but I can’t let it consume me.”
After hearing her story and watching her inspire those around her, it’s clear there’s only one word to describe Tatum: extraordinary. The strength and resilience she exhibited throughout her treatments are a testament to her character. She wouldn’t be where she is today without the support of her family, friends, and her community. Tatum would especially like to thank her boyfriend, Jacob, for being a pillar of strength throughout her cancer journey.
Coming back from an experience that, at times, felt like a final chapter, Tatum is committed to picking up where she left off — focusing on her studies, leading her varsity cheerleading squad, spending time with friends, and preparing for her future.
Leaving those familiar with her story and those walking in her shoes with more inspirational chapters to come.
