For college sophomore Meghan MacEntee, persistent leg pain marked the beginning of a life-altering journey. After months of misdiagnoses and dismissals by health care providers, she pushed for answers, ultimately discovering she had acute myeloid leukemia — a rare and aggressive blood cancer. 

“I drove to an ER again for the 11th time now, and I said, ‘I need you to do bloodwork. Something is not right,’” Meghan recalled.

Her diagnosis came after weeks of uncertainty, during which her symptoms worsened while medical professionals dismissed her concerns as minor injuries or muscle spasms.

“Young patients are often dismissed, delaying critical diagnoses,” said Dr. Gwen Nichols, chief medical officer at the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

MacEntee spent over 170 days in the hospital undergoing intensive chemotherapy. The emotional toll was immense, but through her battle, she found purpose. Inspired by the comfort she received during treatment, MacEntee launched “Meghan’s Mission,” providing blankets, holiday decorations and toiletries to hospitalized children and their families.

“It was more about bringing comfort to the parents,” she said. “The kids need it too, but I feel like the parents can see someone older going through this and realize someone’s OK.”

Now in remission, MacEntee uses her story to advocate for early detection and patient empowerment. She emphasizes the importance of trusting one’s instincts when seeking medical care.

“You know your body,” she said. “Push for your diagnosis. Push for your answers.”

To learn more about Meghan’s journey, visit the Meghan’s Mission Facebook page.