The Girl Who Said “These Are The Days” Helped Her Survive Cancer

April 2, 2025

When Emily first heard the song “These Are the Days” by the band Ten Daze, she never imagined it would become the anthem of her fight against cancer. It was a bright summer day when she stumbled upon it while scrolling through her favorite playlist. The upbeat melody and catchy chorus filled her room, but it was the lyrics that struck a chord deep within her heart. “These are the days, the days that make us who we are,” the singer belted out, and in that moment, Emily felt a spark of hope she desperately needed.

Emily was just sixteen when she was diagnosed with leukemia. Everything in her life changed in an instant. The bright promise of her teenage years was overshadowed by endless hospital visits, chemotherapy sessions, and feelings of loneliness. Some days, the treatments felt unbearable, and she often found herself feeling like a shadow of her former self. But in the quiet moments, when the hospital felt particularly cold and the beeping machines were the only sounds, she would listen to “These Are the Days.” The song reminded her that every moment—good or bad—had value.

As treatment progressed, Emily took the song’s message to heart. She began writing her own lyrics, pouring her fears and hopes into them. “These are the days,” she would whisper to herself, as she faced needles and tests, each time finding strength in the idea that she was crafting her own story. Music began to transform her experience; it wasn’t just a distraction, but a lifeline that pulled her through the darkest days. Emily would close her eyes and envision herself on stage, singing to a crowd, her voice a powerful anthem of survival.

With every round of treatment, Emily became more determined to live her life fully and passionately. Her resilience caught the attention of her nurses, who encouraged her to share her story through music. Inspired by the love and support around her, Emily recorded a few of her original songs in a small studio, one of them titled “These Are the Days.” It was a tribute to her journey, a celebration of the strength she found in the music that had carried her through. By the time she was declared cancer-free, her song had gained a following—a testament to the healing power of music and hope.

After her recovery, Emily’s performance at a local charity concert became a pivotal moment in her life. As she sang “These Are the Days” in front of a cheering crowd, she felt an overwhelming sense of purpose. The applause echoed around her, not just for her bravery, but for every individual battling cancer. She realized that her pain had shaped her into a voice for others, someone who could inspire and uplift. The song, initially a source of comfort, had transformed into a rallying cry for resilience.

Today, Emily continues her journey as a musician, using her platform to raise awareness for cancer research and support for young patients. Each time she performs, she recalls the fear and uncertainty she once felt, but now, she stands tall with a heart full of gratitude. “These Are the Days” is more than a song—it represents her triumph over adversity, a reminder to cherish every moment. Emily knows that while life can be unpredictable, the power of music and the strength of the human spirit can help overcome even the toughest battles.