Baylan Ingmire

My Experience with Cancer

I was diagnosed with Ganglioneuroblastoma at the age of 1 year and 8 months old. After excruciating treatment I beat cancer at the age of almost 3 years old. I don’t remember much of course, but I do remember a few experiences after the main treatment during my recovery. Even after the battle with cancer, I still struggled to hold on. With the support of my mother and father, and the doctors at the time, I pushed my way through. The aftermath of chemotherapy caused my hearing to be damaged. It was not completely damaged but as I became older, my hearing became worse. At the moment I am profoundly deaf in my right ear and completely deaf in my left. When the surgeons removed the tumor, which was the size of a grapefruit, they had no choice but to remove my right kidney along because it was tangled up and too risky to be untangled. In result I only have one kidney. I have worn hearing aids my whole life. Although, after my left ear going completely deaf I had stopped wearing a hearing aid on that ear. At the age of 18, I underwent surgery for the cochlear implant on my left ear. The surgery was successful and I am currently in the process to hear so much better. Cancer has shaped who I am today and how I handle difficult aspects in my life. If cancer can’t bring me down, nothing can.

Hobbies

I have a love for playing music. I do not know how to read proper sheet music or musical notes, I taught myself by ear (a bit ironic being deaf). I play a little guitar, bass, and a whole lot of drums. Growing up I couldn’t understand music very well, but if it was loud enough, I could feel the beat of the drums. I taught myself different rhythms through feeling it and hand and feet movement through visual aids that I could find online. Another hobby that I truly enjoy is playing rugby. If you don’t know what sport it is, look it up on YouTube. Yes it is very dangerous considering my situation, but when I experience something that I have a passion for, I sink my teeth in and I will not let go. My doctors have recommended to stay away from the sport, but I just cannot let go that easily. I am not playing at the moment but soon I will train and get back on track to join later.

Books

I enjoy a great book! I prefer horror, suspense, and mystery but I will read anything from inspirational to completely pointless satires. My favorite author is David Moody. He wrote my favorite book trilogy, the first book being titled “Hater.”

Music

Like I mentioned, I eat, sleep, and shower music. When I’m feeling down I turn to music whether I’m playing it or listening to it. Music saves lives.

Movies

I enjoy watching any movie, horror, comedy, suspense, adventure, and mystery. Although I wouldn’t mind watching anything else but except for chick flicks of course.

My Kind of People

Any person is my kind. We’re all human. Why divide ourselves because of skin color and beliefs?

Reason for Being Here

To motivate and inspire.

Words of Wisdom

No matter the odds, never give up.

Know Me

If you’d like to know more or discuss anything, do not hesitate to message me. I am very open minded and I would enjoy meeting others with amazing stories just as mine.