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Arnie's journey began in September 2016 while on holiday in Hawaii when he noticed a twinge in his back. In just a few short weeks, he was in the emergency room with back pain where he learned he had fractured vertebrae for no known reason. He was diagnosed with multiple myeloma blood cancer. At this point, needing a walker to move because of his fractures, Arnie immediately started aggressive chemotherapy and radiation.

With remission achieved and with an unbridled passion for travel, Arnie along with his wife Liz set out to make up for lost time by traveling as much as possible. Since his transplant, they have visited four continents and sixty-three countries. Arnie enjoyed a lengthy remission until recently and is now preparing for his CAR T-cell therapy treatment. He is facing this next step with his usual incredible positive attitude. Arnie is extremely grateful to God, his amazing doctors and looks forward to traveling the world again soon.

Socorro "Suky" Rodriguez-Barrera has been volunteering with the American Cancer Society for over a decade. She is a passionate advocate for annual check-ups and spreading awareness every day. She doesn't go anywhere without wearing sunblock, especially given her family's strong history of both breast and skin cancer. In the fall of 2023, she asked her doctor to examine a small spot on her forehead that had been growing. It was determined that she had skin cancer. By January 2024, during a follow-up visit, they were able to freeze off the skin cancer in its early stage—a procedure that's effective when caught early, as was in her case. Even before her diagnosis, Suky has always been actively involved in local planning committees for the local Relay for Life. She helped facilitate trainings for volunteers on behalf of the American Cancer Society. She has dedicated much of her life to raising funds and providing resources to help find a cure. Suky and her husband are proud members of the Ramily, with four sons and a granddaughter.

After feeling a hard lump in her chest, Andrea Gelinas sought medical care. What began as a gut feeling turned into a Stage III breast cancer diagnosis. For Andrea, a beloved mother, wife, and friend, this was an unimaginable challenge, but one she would face with unwavering strength and determination. From the moment of her diagnosis in July of 2022, Andrea began multiple surgeries, rounds of chemotherapy, and radiology treatments. Throughout it all, Andrea's spirit remained unbreakable.

Andrea's now considers her care team to be a second family. She attributes much of her success in overcoming cancer to the incredible care and support she received there. Remarkably, even before her own diagnosis, Andrea had been fundraising for cancer research. Her passion for making a difference in the lives of those affected by this devastating disease had already touched countless hearts. To date, she has raised over $125,000. Andrea continues to be an advocate for the cause.

Andrea is cancer free today, she has never stopped fighting the disease through her service to others. For the greater community, she remains dedicated to helping find a cure.

At the age of 12, Catherine was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia after weeks of unexplained symptoms. The diagnosis led to two years of chemotherapy treatment. During this time, Catherine's life completely changed. Confined mostly to her home due to a weakened immune system, she was unable to attend school or spend time with her friends. One constant source of joy was the unwavering support of her family. She fondly remembers passing the time by watching sports with her older brothers. They passionately cheered for the Dodgers and Lakers but always longed for a local football team to call their own. The Rams' return to Los Angeles not only gave them a team to root for, but it reignited those cherished memories. Catherine has been a season ticket member ever since.

Now cancer-free, Catherine embraces life's simple joys, whether she's spending time outdoors, exploring national parks, or simply enjoying time together with her family. Her own journey inspired her to become an advocate for others. She champions cancer awareness by participating in community events like Relay for Life, and she is thrilled to be a Crucial Catch Captain with the Los Angeles Rams.

Mitch is a loving and caring individual who is loyal to his commitments. His circle of love includes his wife, family, and friends. He is a proud grandfather to his fifteen grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Outside of being a Los Angeles Rams season ticket holder for three years and a Los Angeles Angels Season Ticket holder for twenty years, Mitch enjoys hobbies such as pickleball, golf, and loves his vegetable garden. He inspires many by living life to the fullest, which became more profound after his experience of being a cancer survivor. Mitch was diagnosed with liver cancer in 2012, resulting in a liver transplant and later with lung cancer in 2024. His gratitude for life is clear every day with his signature greeting, "have a grrrrreat day!" Inspired by a tour of SoFi Stadium, he became a Rams Season Ticket Member. Mitch thinks the best way to live life is to be a Rams fan!

When Wallie was 8 years old, he thought he had injured his left thigh while playing sports with his brothers. After two months of physical therapy, the pain did not go away, and it was discovered he had osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer for his age. Wallie underwent a life-saving surgery called rotationplasty, which involved removing the tumor and reattaching his lower leg and foot to create a new knee joint. This allows him to run and jump with his prosthetic leg. Wallie has had some recurrences and is currently staying mobile in a wheelchair but is still fighting strong and being resilient. He is working hard to rebuild his muscles so that he can be up and running again to keep up with his little brother, Quinn. Wallie is a true warrior and is thrilled to be a Crucial Catch Captain.

Erika Quiles was living a healthy, active life when she was unexpectedly diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma in both breasts in January 2025. Referred to Cedars-Sinai's multidisciplinary breast cancer team, she quickly found herself surrounded by experts who created a personalized treatment plan just for her. This year, she underwent a double mastectomy, revision surgery, and has just completed radiation therapy.

Through it all, Erika has felt deeply supported - by her care team, who always took the time to listen, by her family: her husband of 28 years, their 25-year-old son, parents, extended family and friends. Having moved to California from New York during the pandemic, Erika now feels it was fate that brought her here, where she could receive such compassionate care.

Even before her own diagnosis, Erika was committed to helping others with cancer. She completed three triathlons with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and rode in multiple Cycle for Survival events, raising more than $200,000 for cancer research - advocacy that continues to inspire her journey today.

Michelle Taylor, a 64-year-old special education teacher, mother, and grandmother was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma on her right breast in August 2024. Always staying on top of her annual mammograms, the news came as a shock. Shortly after beginning chemotherapy treatment, Michelle's husband sadly lost his battle with colorectal cancer—a heartbreaking loss. Following much thought and consideration, Michelle made the decision to undergo a double mastectomy after learning she carried the PALB2 genetic mutation, which increased her risk of recurrence of breast cancer in the future.

After 28 years of teaching students with moderate to severe disabilities, Michelle retired in 2025 to focus on her health. Since then, she has completed chemotherapy, undergone surgery, and is now in radiation treatment. Through it all, Michelle has remained positive. Her determination was not only to survive but thrive.

Paul Hendrex, a lifelong surfer from Los Angeles and devoted Rams fan recently celebrated his one-year milestone of being cancer free. Prior to lung cancer, Paul had already beaten high stage throat cancer with the help a care team that helped save his life. During recovery, Paul had to relearn basic movement, regaining strength in the right side of his upper body from severe damage caused by the throat surgery. His resilience and commitment to rehab restored his surfing ability.

Later, doctors discovered a small tumor in his lung, a very early-stage adenocarcinoma. The required lung surgery was almost certain to end his surfing lifestyle. However, Paul requested the same effective radiation technology to manage the lung cancer tumor without surgery. His doctors designed a treatment plan using advanced radiation therapy, preserving Paul's lung function while eradicating the tumor. Today, Paul is cancer free once again. He continues to enjoy surfing and advocating for other cancer patients to fight for their lives by sharing his story.

Jeff Phillips, 58, from Mission Viejo, CA, has been married to his wife, Valerie, for 32 years and is a devoted father to their daughter, Victoria. Their family is completed by their beloved dog, Peanut. In March 2018, Jeff experienced severe back pain that led him to the emergency room. There, he received the shocking diagnosis of Stage IV Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer—a devastating discovery for a lifelong non-smoker. Under the care of amazing doctors, Jeff underwent biomarker testing to determine the most effective treatment plan.

Jeff began immunotherapy, a treatment that harnesses the body's immune system to fight cancer cells. In July 2020, after an incredible journey of perseverance—equivalent to covering 5,275 miles—he heard the life-changing words, "you are in remission!" The unwavering support from Jeff's family, friends, and medical team was immeasurable throughout his battle. His inspiring journey, fueled by early detection, a positive mindset, and determination, transformed a daunting diagnosis into a powerful story of hope. Jeff now advocates for the importance of cancer screenings, especially for high-risk individuals.

Since stopping treatment in 2021, Jeff has remained cancer-free for nearly four years. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, traveling, cooking, and cheering on his favorite NFL team, the Los Angeles Rams. Inspired by fellow survivor Frank McKenna, Jeff lives by the motto, "Win the Day! Make History!"