From Impossible to I’m Possible: Juano’s Story of Defying the Odds

Juano’s story is one of resilience, determination, and the unwavering will to reclaim his life. Twice diagnosed with brain cancer, he faced unimaginable physical and emotional pain, moments of despair, and a reality that many would find insurmountable. Yet, Juano found his way back—not just to life, but to the basketball court and his education, proving to himself and to others that nothing will ever be harder than battling and surviving brain cancer.

A Life-Changing Moment

In 2007, Juano first experienced a strange and persistent feeling—an unrelenting thirst that couldn’t be quenched. It didn’t seem overly concerning at the time, but as the months passed, more symptoms surfaced: unbearable headaches, nausea, and eventually, on June 8, 2008, an episode so severe he lost feeling in parts of his body. On that day he was rushed to the ER where a CT scan revealed a massive tumor blocking the flow of cerebrospinal fluid in his brain. Within hours, he was in emergency surgery.

The aftermath of the surgery was overwhelming. Juano, who was 18 at the time and just about to enter his senior year of high school, woke up in the ICU, disoriented, in pain, experiencing memory loss, and with an External Ventricular Drain (EVD) implanted in his head—a situation that was hard to comprehend.

The Long Road to Recovery

As Juano began his recovery, complications arose. A dangerous bacterial infection kept him in the ICU for months. Once he overcame that hurdle, he then faced the grueling toll of an additional surgery, followed by rigorous chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Each step forward came with new obstacles, but Juano refused to give up. Finally, his tumor was gone, and he was able to return home—but the challenges didn’t end there. Life after treatment proved to be an entirely different kind of struggle.

Basketball had always been Juano’s passion and refuge, but months in the ICU, along with chemotherapy and radiation, had taken a toll on his body. He had lost weight, strength, and coordination, and the game that once felt second nature now seemed unfamiliar. Frustrated by his struggles and unable to play at the level he once had, he walked away from the sport he loved.

A Devastating Discovery

Then, just as he was beginning to rebuild his life, Juano received devastating news. At the start of his first week of college, an MRI revealed a second tumor. Juano and his family were shattered. It had been less than a year since he’d been declared cancer-free and he was facing cancer once again. This time, the treatment was even more aggressive, involving stronger chemotherapy, more radiation, painful stem cell collection, and weeks of isolation due to a dangerously weakened immune system. Every moment tested his resolve.

Finding Strength

Through it all, Juano never lost sight of his ultimate goal: survival. This time, though, he was determined not just to survive but to return to basketball. The road back, however, was anything but easy. He struggled physically, lost motivation, and at times, questioned whether it was even possible.

Then he was struck by a powerful realization: basketball would never be more difficult than surviving brain cancer. If he could endure two bouts with cancer, chemotherapy, radiation, and the uncertainty of survival, then there would be nothing on the court he couldn’t handle. That single thought reignited his passion, and he committed himself to the game once more. He trained. He pushed himself. And he ultimately made a full comeback.

A Commitment to Education and Growth

Beyond basketball, Juano dedicated himself to education and personal growth. He earned certifications in culinary arts, motivational public speaking, and youth basketball coaching, equipping himself with new skills to inspire and support others. He also shared his journey in his book, From Impossible to I’m Possible, in the hopes of guiding and uplifting those facing challenges similar to his.

Today, Juano is committed to inspiring teenage brain cancer patients to stay hopeful and keep pushing forward. He knows firsthand how easy it is to feel defeated, to want to give up, and to fear that life will never be the same. But he also knows that if you’ve survived cancer, you’ve already conquered the hardest challenge life can throw at you, and this makes every obstacle that follows seem manageable by comparison.

Support for Impacted Families

If you or a family you know is facing the challenges of a pediatric brain tumor diagnosis, the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation is here to offer support. PBTF offers resources for every phase, from diagnosis to recovery. For emotional, financial, or medical guidance, visit curethekids.org or contact our Patient Family Advocacy team by filling out this form or emailing [email protected]. No family should face the journey alone.