chriskuzemka

  Finding Peace at Meadowood: A Hidden Gem Beyond Baltimore After finishing up my treatment days, I found myself needing somewhere quiet—somewhere that gave me space to breathe, move, and feel whole again. That’s when I stumbled into Meadowood Regional Park, and it quickly became more than just a walking spot. It became part of my healing. Tucked just outside the hustle of Baltimore, Meadowood is like stepping into a different rhythm. The air feels lighter there. The sounds shift from sirens and traffic to rustling leaves, chirping birds, and the soft chatter of families enjoying the day. The first thing I noticed was the neatness—the way the grass always looks freshly trimmed, the paved paths are kept smooth and clean, and even the picnic areas seem to be treated with care. You can tell this park matters to the community. But what truly struck me was the energy. Every time I’ve gone, I’ve been greeted by joyful faces, people walking with purpose, kids giggling as they race each...

Senior  N ight is one of those milestones that feels like the culmination of so much hard work, camaraderie, and growth. It’s a night to celebrate not just the end of a season, but the bonds you’ve built with your teammates along the way. For me, that celebration took an unforgettable turn when my teammates—Milos, Veljko, Garrett, Sam, Pete, Idriss, and our families—decided to cap off the night with dinner at Choptank, a gem of a restaurant nestled in the heart of Fells Point. Fells Point is one of Baltimore’s most charming neighborhoods, and Choptank perfectly captures its vibe. Located right on the waterfront, the restaurant has a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels both upscale and laid-back. As we walked in, the buzz of conversation and the clinking of glasses filled the air, mingling with the faint sound of live music drifting in from a nearby bar. The space was rustic yet modern, with exposed brick walls, nautical accents, and large windows that offered a glimpse of the harb...

  A Day of Renewal at Sherwood Gardens: Finding Joy in Baltimore’s Spring Bloom There’s something magical about the first truly warm, sunny day in Baltimore. After a long winter, the city seems to collectively exhale, shedding layers and stepping outside to soak in the sunlight. For me, this day came during a particularly challenging time—midway through my chemotherapy treatment. But on this day, I felt well enough to venture out, and I knew exactly where I wanted to go: Sherwood Gardens, the hidden gem nestled just off Loyola University’s campus. Sherwood Gardens is a place that feels like it was designed to remind you of life’s simple, beautiful pleasures. As I walked through the gates, I was greeted by a kaleidoscope of colors—rows upon rows of tulips in every shade imaginable. Vibrant reds, soft pinks, sunny yellows, and deep purples stretched out like a painter’s palette. The tulips were interspersed with delicate hyacinths, their sweet fragrance wafting through the air, and c...

  Inside Treatment Hall Walking into the treatment hall at my center is like stepping into a maze of boxy hallways, each lined with rooms numbered 1 through 19. Most of the time, these rooms are occupied, but the nurses know me well enough by now to try and set me up in one of the corner spots. They do this for a reason—they know I come prepared. I always bring my speaker, ready to play music, joke around, and make the best of the time with the friends and family who come to visit. I try to keep my room high on positive energy. Sitting in a chair for hours on end isn’t exactly thrilling, so making the space feel a little more alive helps time move faster. I know the nurses appreciate it, too. Now that I’ve been through two full rounds, I’ve built a great relationship with most of them. They’ve labeled me the jokester of the floor, and I think they enjoy the change of pace. Most of the other patients are older, more reserved, and understandably not as talkative. So when I come in ...

My pre-round 2 check-in at the Johns Hopkins facility in Green Spring Station was a big day for me. My parents and I made the drive up from home, where I’ve been recovering, and found ourselves back in a familiar spot. We were in the same pavilion as my treatment center, just a little further down the hall with some new faces and rooms. One thing I really appreciate about this facility is how organized they are. As soon as I check in, everything moves smoothly, and I rarely have to wait long. This time was no different. The lab techs quickly got to work, drawing five tubes of blood to check my tumor markers, white blood cell counts, and other key health indicators to make sure I was in good shape to start another round. After the bloodwork, we met with my medical team to go over the results. The biggest takeaway? My white blood cell count was extremely low. That means I have to be extra cautious about who I’m around to avoid picking up any infections or colds. But aside from that, th...

 A Night to Remember: Loyola's Bull & Oyster Event As I walked into Reitz Arena on the Loyola University campus, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and nostalgia. The annual Bull & Oyster event, a beloved tradition among Loyola seniors and alumni, was in full swing. I was surrounded by friends I had made during my time at Loyola, and we were all ready to let loose and have a night to remember. As we made our way into the arena, the energy was palpable. The live music was pumping, and the crowd was already dancing and singing along to the catchy tunes. The atmosphere was electric, and I could feel the stress and anxiety of the upcoming semester melting away. But what really made the night special was the sense of community and camaraderie that filled the room. As a senior, I knew that this was my last real interaction with my friends before I started my chemotherapy treatment. It was a bittersweet moment, knowing that our time together was coming to an end, b...