From Patient to Nurse: A Survivor’s Full Circle

What if the same place where you nearly lost your life became the place where you found your purpose?

That’s exactly what happened to Dalton Cummins.

At just 19, Dalton was diagnosed with not one, but two forms of cancer. He spent months undergoing chemo, fighting infections, and beating odds that doctors once estimated at just 10 percent. Most people would be eager to leave that chapter behind. But not Dalton. Instead of walking away from the hospital that treated him, he walked back in—this time wearing scrubs.

Now 24, Dalton is a pediatric oncology nurse at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, caring for young patients in the same unit where he once lay fighting for his life. His journey from patient to provider isn’t just a feel-good story—it’s a powerful lesson in resilience, empathy, and the strength we all carry, even in our darkest moments.

Here’s what we can learn from his remarkable path—and why it matters to you, no matter what you’re facing.

Walking in Their Shoes: Dalton’s Return to Riley

At 24, Dalton Cummins has a unique perspective as a nurse at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis—he’s walked in his patients' shoes. Diagnosed with lymphoma at 19, Cummins initially thought he was dealing with COVID-19, but after tests, he was confronted with the reality of cancer. After successful treatment, Cummins faced another blow: a different type of cancer. Despite the setbacks, he triumphed over both illnesses.

Now fully recovered, Cummins has returned to the same hospital where he was once treated, but this time, he's the one providing care. Working in the oncology unit, he draws on his own experiences to connect with his young patients, offering empathy and understanding that come from having been in their position. He understands the fear, frustration, and reluctance to take medicine that many of these children feel because he’s been there too.

“I always try to figure out the underlying reason and connect with them a bit,” Cummins said. “Then I can use that to help other people.” His journey from patient to caregiver not only provides hope for those he treats but also shows the power of resilience and compassion in the face of adversity.

A Survivor Turned Caregiver

Dalton Cummins' experience with cancer began in May 2020, during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when he was a freshman in college. What he initially thought was a bad cough turned out to be something much more serious. After weeks of persistent symptoms, he visited the doctor, thinking it was COVID-19, only to be diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

"I went upstairs and started crying," Cummins admits. "I was definitely scared."

His battle with cancer was intense. After undergoing several months of chemotherapy, he developed severe complications, including a high fever and signs of septic shock. Rushed to Riley’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Cummins was given only a 10% chance of survival. His family was told to come in for what might be their final moments with him.

“They really didn’t think I was going to make it,” Cummins recalls. “My family was called in, and they spent those last moments together with me.”

Against all odds, Cummins recovered enough to leave the ICU and continue his treatment in the oncology unit. But just three months later, his cancer returned—this time in the form of Hodgkin lymphoma. "When my doctor told me, she was hugging me and crying. I was like, this is not good. I walked out of the hospital, and I just lost it,” Cummins says.

The second round of treatment included more chemotherapy, a stem cell transplant in May 2021, radiation, and a year of maintenance chemo. It was a tough road, but Cummins powered through. His journey wasn't just about surviving—it also inspired him to pursue a career in nursing.

By May, when it was time to decide his future, Cummins knew exactly what he wanted to do. “I felt a connection to every single person,” he says. Now, as a nurse in the very same oncology unit where he received care, he brings an invaluable sense of empathy and understanding to his work.

Having experienced nearly every type of cancer treatment firsthand, Cummins is able to answer his patients’ questions and offer comfort in a way that others cannot. Whether he’s taking vital signs, hanging chemotherapy bags, or supporting families through tough moments, his personal experience allows him to connect on a deeper level with those in his care.

“Being able to brighten them up, even when it’s a hard time, is something I love doing,” he says.

In addition to his nursing career, Cummins completed his associate's degree in nursing—a goal driven by his own experiences. "I thought, this is something I can connect with," he explains, solidifying his decision to dedicate his life to helping others who are facing what he once faced.

Takeaways from Dalton Cummins’ Story

Dalton Cummins didn’t just survive cancer—he turned one of life’s most painful chapters into a powerful example of strength, healing, and purpose. His journey isn’t just inspiring—it’s something we can all learn from, no matter what we’re going through.

Resilience Is More Than Just Hanging On

Dalton faced two different cancers and came dangerously close to losing his life. But even when the odds were against him, he didn’t stop fighting. Resilience, in his case, wasn’t about pretending everything was okay—it was about holding on to hope when things looked bleak, and continuing to show up, one step at a time.

Empathy Has Power—Especially in Healthcare

Now working as a pediatric oncology nurse, Dalton brings something to the job you can’t teach: real understanding. He’s been on the other side of the bed. He knows the fear, the discomfort, the emotional weight of it all. That lived experience allows him to connect with his patients in a deeper way—and reminds us how important it is to meet people with patience, compassion, and honesty.

Hard Times Can Lead to Meaningful Change

Cancer didn’t break Dalton—it gave him a sense of direction. His decision to become a nurse wasn’t just a career move; it was a way to give back and help kids going through what he once did. His story is proof that difficult seasons can shape us into people who make a real difference.

Support Makes All the Difference

Dalton’s strength was incredible, but he wasn’t alone. His family, doctors, and care team were a huge part of his recovery. That sense of community—the people who show up when things fall apart—is what helps many of us keep going. His experience is a reminder that leaning on others isn’t a weakness; it’s part of how we heal.

See the Whole Person, Not Just the Diagnosis

Having been both the patient and now the caregiver, Dalton brings a rare perspective. He knows what it’s like to feel scared, overwhelmed, and human in the middle of a medical crisis. And now, as a nurse, he treats his patients like people first, not just cases or charts. That kind of care makes a difference, and it’s a reminder for all of us to lead with empathy in any role we’re in.

Dalton’s story is about more than beating cancer—it’s about rising from hardship with a clearer sense of who you are and how you want to show up in the world. His journey reminds us that no matter what we’re facing, there’s always a way forward—and sometimes, that path becomes a way to lift others up too.

Why Dalton’s Story Matters to All of Us

You may not be battling cancer or working in a hospital, but the heart of Dalton Cummins’ story speaks to something universal: the power to face adversity and come out stronger and more connected to others on the other side.

Life throws hard things at all of us. Whether it’s a health scare, a career setback, burnout, or just the quiet stress of trying to keep it all together, we all have moments that test our strength and question our direction. Dalton’s journey is a reminder that even when things feel out of your control, how you respond still matters. His story shows that setbacks don’t have to stop you. They can shape you.

At its core, our mission is to help everyday people live healthier, more resilient lives—physically, mentally, and emotionally. And resilience isn’t just for major life crises. It’s built in small ways every day: showing up when you’re tired, asking for help when you need it, choosing to take care of your body and mind even when it feels hard. Empathy, purpose, and the right support can help you bounce back—and even grow—from the struggles that once felt impossible.

Dalton didn’t just survive. He turned pain into purpose and found a way to use his experience to support others. That’s something we all can take to heart. Whether you’re navigating a tough diagnosis, a personal challenge, or simply looking to find more meaning in your day-to-day, know this: your story isn’t over. There’s strength in struggle, and with the right mindset and support, you can write the next chapter with more clarity, compassion, and purpose than you imagined.

Actionable Takeaways for Everyday Life

Dalton Cummins’ journey is powerful not just because of what he endured, but because of how he responded. Here are a few practical ways his story can inspire positive change in your own life, even if you’re not facing a health crisis:

1. Don’t Ignore Persistent Symptoms. Dalton thought he had a lingering cough from COVID-19. It turned out to be something much more serious. If something feels off in your body, trust your instincts and get it checked out. Early detection saves lives.

2. Lean Into Your Support System. Whether it’s friends, family, or professionals, don’t try to push through tough times alone. Letting people in—especially during illness or emotional stress—can make recovery faster and more manageable.

3. Use Your Struggles to Fuel Growth. You don’t have to become a nurse or change careers to give your experience meaning. Whether it’s volunteering, mentoring, or simply being more compassionate, look for ways to turn pain into purpose.

4. Practice Empathy in Your Daily Life. You never know what someone else is going through. Whether at work, home, or out in public, practicing patience and understanding can make a big difference in someone’s day—and in yours.

5. Keep Moving Forward, Even When It’s Hard. Resilience isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about showing up anyway—making small steps forward, even when you’re scared or tired. That’s how real progress happens.

6. Reflect on What Matters Most. Dalton’s story is a reminder to slow down and reevaluate what truly matters—health, connection, and purpose. Make time for the things that align with your values and bring fulfillment, not just busyness.

A Final Thought: Turning Struggle Into Strength

Dalton Cummins didn’t choose cancer. He didn’t ask to face death twice before the age of 21. But what he did choose was how he responded. He chose to heal, to grow, and ultimately, to give back.

You don’t need a life-threatening diagnosis to take control of your story. Whatever you’re going through—whether it’s stress, uncertainty, burnout, or just feeling stuck—you have more power than you think. And like Dalton, you can take your hardest moments and turn them into fuel for something greater.

So here’s your challenge: instead of waiting for life to settle down or get easier, start now. Take one small step toward your health, your purpose, or your healing. Ask for help. Rest without guilt. Speak up for yourself. Support someone else who needs it. Let your setbacks shape you, not stop you.

Your story isn’t finished. And like Dalton’s, it might just become the reason someone else finds hope.