A young cancer survivor got the cosmic chance to join Inspiration4 – the first all-civilian SpaceX mission.
- Hayley Arceneaux, 29, a cancer survivor, was chosen for the first all-civilian outer space mission.
- Billionaire Jared Isaacman, who sponsors the space flight, picked Arceneaux after hearing her touching story.
- Inspiration4 is expected to launch later this year.
Hayley Arceneaux, 29, has been chosen to become a part of the first civilian group of people to go on an outer space mission. As UNILAD reports, Inspiration4 is expected to take place later this year. It is sponsored by the 37-year-old billionaire Jared Isaacman, CEO of Shift4 Payments.
2nd crew member of Inspiration 4 revealed! 🚀
-Hayley Arceneaux will fly aboard a Falcon 9 to space later this year
-Beat bone cancer at 10
-Will be the youngest American in space
-Will be first person with a prosthetic body part to go to space
-Physician assistant at St. Judes pic.twitter.com/zw2VgvKFpn— Everything SpaceX (@spacex360) February 22, 2021
When she was only 10-years-old, Hayley was diagnosed with osteosarcoma – a bone cancer that usually affects the legs and arms. At such a young age, she had to go through painful chemotherapy and surgery that replaced part of her femur with an internal prosthesis.
Recalling her arduous cancer experience, the space enthusiast told People:
“I was really sick from the chemo and my doctor said I vomited more than any other patient she had seen. It made me feel weak from my blood counts being low. Then I got some fevers that required more admission to the hospital. And, of course, I lost my hair.”
Thankfully, Hayley overcame the deadly disease, which inspired her to pursue a career in healthcare.
In only several months, young Hayley relearned how to walk and was finally able to go home. She was treated at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, where she now works as a physician’s assistant.
We are thrilled to announce that St. Jude cancer survivor Hayley is joining @inspiration4x. Hayley came to St. Jude after being diagnosed with cancer at age 10. Today, she delivers hope to St. Jude patients as a physician assistant. Read her story here. https://t.co/iaRqsGFHmB
— St. Jude (@StJude) February 22, 2021
Today, the hospital is her “whole world.” The young survivor said:
“I remember just crying because it was such a mixture of relief, and then also I didn’t want to leave because I had become so comfortable at St. Jude, and I really felt like they were my family and I looked forward to going to St. Jude every day. And I still don’t want to leave. St. Jude is my whole world.”
When Isaacman heard Hayley’s moving story, he knew she was the perfect fit for the Inspiration4 mission.
The billionaire contacted the physician’s assistant on January 5th to tell her the wonderful news. Since Hayley’s childhood dream was to become an astronaut, she couldn’t say “No” to such an amazing opportunity. She shares:
“It was such a shock and so overwhelming, but in an exciting way.”
Meet commercial astronaut Hayley Arceneaux. She is an amazing person & I know she will be an inspiration to people all over the 🌍. Not just those w/ dreams of going to 🚀, but to all people who need hope when encountering life challenges . Hayley, welcome to @inspiration4x pic.twitter.com/t02LFuU7mm
— Jared Isaacman (@rookisaacman) February 22, 2021
When Isaacman had the chance to spend time with Hayley, he confirmed she was the right choice for his all-civilian crew. The businessman said:
“She’s interested in the world around her, devoted to caring for others and hopeful for a better future for all of us. She already inspires me, and I’m certain she’ll inspire many others as they get to know her in the course of our mission.”
How can you join the SpaceX civilian mission?
The 29-year-old lucky candidate, together with Isaacman and another business owner, will be joined by another person who is yet to be picked. This person could be you!
Anyone who donates to St. Jude during the month of February has the chance to be chosen as the fourth passenger for the outer space mission.
This mission is far out.🚀 Donate now and enter for your opportunity to go to space aboard @inspiration4x, the world's first all civilian mission to space. #Inspiration4StJude https://t.co/cVvcw5d0Ti pic.twitter.com/0poi368qBT
— St. Jude (@StJude) February 18, 2021
Prior to the flight, the civilian crew will “receive commercial astronaut training,” as per SpaceX. For the training, they will be using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle and the Dragon spacecraft.
Hayley, who is now the Chief Medical Officer for the space flight, said:
“I don’t know my exact schedule as far as training, like how much I’m going to have to be away this year, but St. Jude and my co-workers have been so supportive and it’s been worked out. But I’m still working my job, and also getting to have this experience. What an incredible opportunity this is for St. Jude.”
Our mission reaches beyond a milestone in human spaceflight and exploration. Join us in advancing the lifesaving work of @StJude by donating at https://t.co/ECwhGyITJ2 and you could secure a seat aboard Inspiration4’s journey into space. #Inspiration4StJude pic.twitter.com/bJzfmTeAgD
— Inspiration4 (@inspiration4x) February 11, 2021
Would you like to become part of this historical all-civilian SpaceX mission? Let us know in the comment section!
