The Washington Post

wHY THIS PATIENT WANTED TO DANCE IN DEATH’S FACE

Deltra James remembers spending the summer of 2019 being shuffled room to room through a New England hospital after being told she had a 12 percent chance of living five more years. But on a gloomy Friday in 2024, she danced the night away with loved ones during her cancerversary celebration, which featured a 70s-themed disco party, groovy floral outfits, and classic hits like Elton John’s “I’m Still Standing.”

“I knew I wanted to celebrate this day, and making it this far,” recalled Deltra, as she reflected on the past five years of coexisting with her disease. “I just wanted to dance in death’s face.”

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