Hodan stated that she is on a mission to eliminate the stigma surrounding cancer patients and educate the Somali community about the importance of trusting their doctors while maintaining faith in Allah. Hodan and her husband founded the United Step Cancer Foundation to support and counsel those battling cancer.
Hodan was born in Nairobi, Kenya, and came to Minnesota when she was just three months old. She graduated high school from Higher Ground Academy in Saint Paul and memorized the Quran. Hodan was diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2015 when she was 15 years old.
She fought cancer hard, following her doctor’s advice, and with prayer, she managed to defeat the disease with extensive chemotherapy and medications. Eventually, her scans were clear of cancer cells in 2019. unfortunately, her cancer returned in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hodan’s story is one of resilience, faith, and determination. “With the grace of Allah, I fought hard and beat the cancer,” she said. Her family decided to keep her diagnosis private, fearing the stigma and gossip within their community. As a result, she continued her life as if nothing had changed, pushing through school and diligently working toward her dreams.
As the oldest daughter of 8 siblings, Hodan felt a strong responsibility to succeed. She pursued a degree in Biomedical Engineering while managing various life challenges, ensuring she never missed her yearly checkups. After receiving her last clear scan in December 2019, Hodan felt hopeful about her future.
In March 2020, she married, and soon after, the COVID-19 lockdown began. Access to hospitals became increasingly difficult, complicating her life further.
By late 2020, Hodan was pregnant with her son. While her pregnancy had its challenges, such as low iron, it was overall healthy. What she didn’t realize at the time was that her cancer had silently returned, with symptoms masked by the demands of pregnancy.
In July 2021, Hodan gave birth to a healthy baby boy, but just four weeks later, her health began to deteriorate. She experienced relentless coughing, night sweats, and debilitating exhaustion. Initially, doctors suspected lingering effects of COVID-19, but Hodan sensed something was seriously wrong.
After multiple visits to the ER, a primary care doctor finally took her concerns seriously and ordered a scan. It was then that she met Dr. Torgerson at Allina Health, who confirmed her worst fears: her cancer had returned, this time at Stage 4 and aggressive.
Hodan describes the following months as some of the most challenging times in her life. “I underwent intense chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant at the University of Minnesota,” she said. The doctors warned her that she might never have more children and that menopause was likely imminent. Although this news was devastating, Hodan placed her faith in Allah and focused on survival.
“Alhamdulillah, I survived. Not only that, I healed. Against all odds, I gave birth to a healthy baby girl earlier this year, a miracle I never thought possible,” she said.
Through her journey, Hodan recognized a troubling trend within the Somali community: cancer is often a topic filled with fear and stigma. Many only hear about those who have died from the disease, not the survivors who continue to lead fulfilling lives. This silence prevents many from seeking help, trusting doctors, or openly discussing their struggles. As her story spread, Hodan began receiving countless calls from people seeking advice, comfort, and guidance.
In response to the community’s need, Hodan and her husband founded the United Step Cancer Foundation to create a supportive space that raises awareness about cancer. The foundation seeks to offer hope and break the stigma surrounding the disease.
Hodan wants people to understand that they can keep their faith in God and also trust their doctors. “I want people to know that you can trust in Allah while also trusting doctors. Cancer doesn’t always mean the end; it can mean resilience, hope, and new beginnings,” she stated.
Hodan shares her story to inspire others and remind them that miracles do happen. She credits her presence today to Allah’s mercy, her family’s strength, and the power of medical care. Now, it is her mission to ensure that no one has to walk the journey of cancer alone. You can donate here to support the United Step Cancer Foundation.
