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My name is Sam Keon, and I’ve always lived an active life. From skiing and snowboarding to wakeboarding and skateboarding, my world was shaped by nature and outdoor activities. For five years, I worked in commercial furniture installation, ironically setting up furniture in many of the hospitals where I would later seek treatment.
In November 2024, after a trip to Nashville, I felt an unusual stiffness in my shoulders and neck. I initially dismissed it as jet lag or the physical demands of my job. By the following winter, the pain had intensified, leading me to seek chiropractic care. The relief from sessions at the chiropractor was temporary, and by October 2025, the morning stiffness became painful.
The turning point came just before Christmas when my pinky and ring fingers went numb after moving a heavy motorcycle. A family friend, a nurse practitioner, urged me to seek guidance from a doctor if the numbness didn’t return to normal in four days. Despite physical therapy, the pain worsened, and a January MRI revealed a significant mass between my C2 and C5 vertebrae — a suspected ependymoma.
The Importance of Specialized Surgical Expertise
Navigating this diagnosis as a 23-year-old brought a unique set of challenges. The prospect of spinal cord surgery was terrifying, with the risk of permanent paralysis if not performed perfectly, weighing heavily on me and my family. This reality underscored the critical importance of finding a neurosurgeon with extensive experience in spine tumor surgery, specifically ependymoma.
My family and I conducted research, exploring top-tier institutions like Johns Hopkins, Northwestern Medicine, and the Mayo Clinic. Through a connection and support from NBTS, I was referred to Dr. Michelle Clarke at the Mayo Clinic. From our first consultation, her expertise and commitment were evident. Her team recognized the urgency of my condition and scheduled my surgery within eight days. The multi-disciplinary team put me at ease. I could tell they were experienced in primary spine tumor cases, and they treated me with respect. I am so grateful for finding this clinic when I did.
A Successful Outcome and Rapid Recovery
The 6.5-hour surgery, performed by Dr. Clarke and her resident, Dr. Giorgio Michalopoulos, achieved a gross total resection. I woke up later that evening, groggy from sedation but remarkably free of the chronic pain that had unknowingly been my baseline for some time. I had some numbness in my hands and couldn’t feel my legs. Those symptoms improved as time went on. I remember the relief I had when I could feel my socks crumpling around my ankles; the sensations were beginning to return. Within 36 hours, I was walking again, and by Sunday — just four days post-op — I was discharged.
My recovery has been incredibly swift, which I understand is rare. I am currently pain-free and have regained significant strength and dexterity through occupational therapy. My most recent tests showed a dramatic improvement in grip strength, returning to near-normal levels in just a few weeks.
My tumor tissue was sent for biomarker testing, which took some time. The doctors wanted to make sure they had all the necessary information to make the most accurate diagnosis as possible. After getting the results, it confirmed that the tumor had grade 2 and grade 3 features, but did not have the MYCN amplification. I am working with my local team and my team at Mayo to devise a plan for additional treatment, which includes radiation. It was important to me to have conversations about fertility preservation before moving forward with any treatment. I am glad to have two medical teams working together to help me achieve my goals for care. I need the support from both groups.
A Message for the Young Adult Community
One of the hardest parts of this journey was the lack of relatable information for young adults. Most resources are geared toward children or older adults, leaving a gap for those of us in our early 20s trying to navigate such a life-altering event. Even though every outcome differs, there are considerations for someone just starting their adult life, and at the time, it felt like I was the only one.
To others facing a similar diagnosis, I want to say: there is hope. The worst-case scenario isn’t the only option. Cancer doesn’t mean your story is over. With a highly skilled surgical team and a resilient mindset, you can get through this and return to the life you love, even if in a slightly different way. I am now looking forward to a new career in project management within the furniture industry, a path that allows me to stay connected to my professional roots while respecting my body’s recovery.
Through this experience, I’ve learned to appreciate the quiet moments and the simple joy of living without pain. My story is a testament to the importance of expert medical care and the strength we can find within ourselves when faced with the unexpected. Even if you go through something difficult, you can get through it with hard work, a good team, and courage.
