Turning a Rare Cancer into a Call to Action

Floyd Stewart was diagnosed with late-stage nasopharyngeal carcinoma, a rare, fast‑growing head and neck cancer that advanced quietly until it appeared as a bulge in his neck. The diagnosis became a struggle for his entire family as his treatments reshaped family life for Floyd, his wife Monique, and their four children. We spoke to the Stewarts about how they navigated the healthcare system, the strain the experience put on their family, and why today they are rare disease advocates seeking to raise awareness for the rare cancer and help other families dealing with similar problems.