chriskuzemka

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...