Cancer research turns Janeless’ story from fear to hope

Janeless Hernandez-Maysonet’s father died from colon cancer while she was serving as a Marine in Japan at the age of 19. His death was on her mind when she herself was diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia, a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, in November 2024. 

“My dad and I were both diagnosed in our 30s, so my own diagnosis immediately opened the closed wound of fear, anxiety and PTSD from his illness and death. I have two boys—a 2 ½ year old and a 1 ½ year old—so immediately it just hit me,” she said. 

Janeless, of Worcester, will continue chemotherapy for two to three years, and her prognosis is very good. She knows that’s possible because of the research that paved the way and the innovative therapies now available. 

“More cancer research means more innovation and treatment that can address more types of cancer,” she said. “A lot of people struggle with certain treatments, and more research will lead to better treatment options with fewer side effects. For example, I’m receiving a targeted therapy—one pull daily—that has very few side effects and is highly effective. With research dollars, scientists can work to turn hope for a miracle into a cure.”  

That sense of hope is something her oncologist, physician-scientist Shyam Patel, MD, PhD, associate professor of medicine in the Division of Hematology/Oncology at UMass Chan Medical School, has given her. 

“Dr. Patel explains my current condition with studies and data, so I understand what I will be going through,” she said. “But it’s not just about the science—he listens, takes the time to understand my concerns, and immediately points me in the right direction to get the help I need, even if it’s outside his specialty. He works closely with other providers, making sure everyone is on the same page. You can tell cancer research isn’t just part of his job—it’s at the root of his calling. He truly cares about the whole person, not just the disease, and that thoroughness makes all the difference.”

Dr. Patel’s commitment to patients like Janeless is also reflected in his research, where he focuses on developing more precise and effective treatments for leukemia.

“Janeless' story has served as an inspiration for me to continue research on specific subtypes of leukemia, and I hope to make a positive contribution to the field to help more patients," said Dr. Patel.

Janeless is currently on medical leave from her job as a recovery support navigator at the Moms Do Care Project, a program in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UMass Memorial Medical Center - Memorial Campus. The program provides support for pregnant, postpartum and parenting people with a history of substance use disorder. Janeless says she is eager to return to work and put into practice leadership lessons she has learned from Dr. Patel’s impeccable bedside manner. 

“He is a true leader,” she said. “I’m going to be able to go back to my line of work using those principles of effective communication, compassion and knowledge. It’s hard to explain his impact on my life. He is my superhero.”