The Port Crew
Hi! You are a part of The Port Crew. ❤️ At The Port Studio, we believe strength is found in community—it’s the courage to keep going, the hope we share, and the resilience we build together.
If you’re facing a hard challenge or standing beside someone who is, you’re not alone. Your story matters, and this space is here to remind you of that.
Port Crew Stories
Cheer on our Port Crew Members! Every journey has meaning, every voice holds strength, and every story has the potential to inspire. Your story matters!
Melissa Fouts
Initially diagnosed in 2004 with Stage 1 triple-negative breast cancer. I had a recurrence in 2016 with double mastectomy + reconstruction and then Stage 4 metastatic in 2019. I get chemotherapy 2/3 weeks indefinitely. This crew will help tremendously as I’m always cold in the hospital. Year 6 of metastatic disease and clinic patient who has been on Eribulin (chemo) the longest—just started cycle 91. Hoping to make it to cycle 100!
Chloe
Hi friends <3
My name is Chloe! I’m fighting my booty off against Lyme disease, POTS, hEDS, MCAS and VM.
After being sick for ten years my illness took a turn for the worse and I became disabled a year and a half ago. I quit my job and moved home and turned to writing as an outlet. I run a chronic illness blog, and write fiction novels in my free time when I’m not doing treatments. Last summer I went to Germany and stayed in a Lyme specialty hospital for a month where I received intensive treatment including hyperthermia and aphaeresis! (My body was heated up to 107° F…talk about a hot girl summer)
Since being home, I’m doing oral meds, and IVs with vitamins, minerals, and medications to support cellular regeneration, decrease migraines, and reduce inflammation and I’m scheduled to get stem cells in May! It’s always nice to connect with other strong women like me, and my DM’s are always open. <3
Keep fighting, and don’t quit your daydream. God has a plan.
Shannon Norton
My name is Shannon Norton, and I’m 24 years old, born and raised in upstate New York. Throughout my life, I’ve always been an active person who loves running, hiking, skiing, yoga and lifting weights. I also enjoy baking, spending time with family and friends, reading and traveling. In August 2024, I discovered a lump in my neck and immediately reached out to my primary care doctor. After advocating for myself, I was able to undergo the necessary scans and tests. Two months later, I received the diagnosis of Hodgkin's Lymphoma. As someone who thrives on staying active and being social, this diagnosis was incredibly difficult, especially with so many unknowns ahead. However, throughout this journey, I’ve managed to find gratitude and positivity every day, reminding myself of the amazing life I’ve lived and the strength I continue to build. My biggest piece of advice is to always advocate for yourself and your health and know that your health is a priority.
Josie
Hi all! My name is Josie. I am 21 years old and I have Ulcerative Colitis. I have been getting infusion treatments every 4 weeks since summer 2019. I have been incredibly lucky to have found a treatment that has worked for me so long.
The last infusion I started wearing my jacket from The Port and it was such a game changer! I can safely say it will be coming with me moving forward. All of the nurses thought it had such great access for them and not to mention stylish.
Christie
In 2023, I heard words that no 31 year old should hear “You have cancer”. It came as a complete shock as I have no family history of any sort of cancer and no symptoms other than iron deficient anemia.
The anemia was picked up in routine bloodwork and two days prior I walked four miles with no issues. Since hearing those words, I have been through a surgery to remove the main tumor, egg retrievals to preserve my fertility, two different immunotherapies and now chemotherapy.
My whole life changed…. I had to give up a lot of my life and my dream career of working with children who are medically fragile including children with cancer as a pediatric occupational therapist.
I don’t feel like a 33 year old since I can’t do what every other 33 year is doing…hanging with friends out at restaurants and bars… getting married… having kids.. traveling.. working, etc.
Weirdly enough I have always been connected to cancer. When I was in 4th grade I started telling people I was going to be a teacher for children with cancer. In 5th grade, I did a fundraiser for St. Judes children’s Hospital and told my parents I wanted to visit the children. I read books about kids with cancer and continued saying I wanted to be a teacher for kids with cancer. When I went to college , I did three additional internships and works with children with cancer. So when I graduated I went into home care where I knew I could make the most difference with children who are medically fragile.
That’s what I was doing for 7.5 years prior to my diagnosis and the start of it. When I started chemotherapy I had to stop working. I keep reminding myself this is just temporary and I will win this battle and heal and go back to doing what I love working with children who are medically fragile. Even though cancer truly sucks, I have learned a lot and it has taught me to enjoy the little things in life.