Hayatta Kalmak Yeterli Değil, Katkı Vermek İstiyorum! | Buse Baloğlu | TEDxLÖSEV Eğitim Kurumları

Quick Overview

Buse Baloğlu shares her inspiring story of overcoming leukemia diagnosis at age 17, emphasizing that success is not just about surviving but about contributing positively to others, highlighting the crucial support received from LÖSEV and her family throughout her treatment and recovery.

Key Points: The speaker, Buse Baloğlu, was diagnosed with leukemia in 2018 at age 17 while preparing for university exams. She initially thought her symptoms (swelling in the neck) were minor, receiving only antibiotics before being referred to a specialist who gave her a 90% chance of having lymphoma. Following a biopsy confirming 100% acute lymphoblastic leukemia, she underwent chemotherapy and received distance education through LÖSEV (Foundation for Children with Leukemia). Baloğlu credits the support from her family and the connections made through LÖSEV's community (including other young survivors) for helping her through the difficult treatment period. She emphasizes that her family lost their jobs during this time, yet they supported her, clinging to the hope of her recovery. Now healthy, Baloğlu is a Food Engineer working in R&D, actively involved with LÖSEV by inspiring others and reminding them that they are strong enough to fight cancer. She concludes by stating that the smiles of the children she helps now give her immense pride and reinforce the value of their journey.

Context: This TEDxLÖSEV event features Buse Baloğlu sharing her personal journey as a leukemia survivor. The talk centers on her diagnosis in 2018 at age 17, the subsequent challenging treatment period involving chemotherapy and distance learning, and the vital role played by the LÖSEV foundation and her supportive family in maintaining hope and driving her recovery.

Detailed Analysis

Buse Baloğlu begins by expressing her excitement and thanking the audience for attending the TEDxLÖSEV event. She introduces herself as a cancer warrior, recounting that her journey started in 2018 when she was 17 and preparing for university entrance exams. Initially, she dismissed her symptoms, which involved a swelling in her neck, assuming it would pass after a short course of antibiotics. However, a specialist visit led to a biopsy, which revealed a 90% probability of lymphoma, later confirmed as 100% acute lymphoblastic leukemia. During this intense period of chemotherapy, she continued her education remotely through LÖSEV (Foundation for Children with Leukemia). Baloğlu notes that her parents lost their jobs simultaneously, putting immense financial strain on the family, but their unwavering support and hope kept her going. She vividly recalls moments of fear and sadness but stresses the power of community support, mentioning the group of young survivors she connected with through LÖSEV, who shared smiles and jokes even during hard times. She also credits her family, especially her mother, for their constant encouragement, such as telling her she could be like Snow White during a fashion show. After completing treatment and receiving the good news of remission, Baloğlu realized that survival alone is not enough; she needed to contribute. She is now a Food Engineer working in R&D and actively volunteers with LÖSEV, visiting children, participating in awareness activities (like dressing up in costumes), and supporting their field studies. She emphasizes that the smiles of the children she helps now—who are also fighting cancer—give her immense pride, serving as a constant reminder that the struggle was worth it and that hope and strength can be found in community and in helping others. She concludes by encouraging the audience to be a source of light and hope for others facing similar challenges.