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Hayley Arceneaux      

Cancer Survivor & Crew Member, SpaceX's Inspiration4 (First Entirely Civilian Spacecraft Mission)

Hayley Arceneaux is the youngest American ever to orbit Earth, the first pediatric cancer survivor to become an astronaut, and the first person with a prosthetic body part to visit space. She is one of four crew members selected to pilot SpaceX's Inspiration4. This groundbreaking SpaceX flight was the first spacecraft mission composed entirely of civilians. The mission took the crew on a "low-Earth" orbit along which they circled the globe every 90 minutes. Arceneaux was selected to occupy the seat representing the Hope pillar.

Arceneaux is a childhood cancer survivor who is now a physician assistant for pediatric cancer patients at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the very hospital that saved her life.

Arceneaux's journey is chronicled in Netflix's "Countdown: The Inspiration4 Mission to Space," which is the first documentary series from the streaming company to cover an event in “near real-time.” She also shares the details of her incredible journey in her memoir, "Wild Ride: A Memoir of I.V. Drips and Rocket Ships," and the accompanying middle-grade and picture book editions.

Speech Topics

Embrace Fear and Reach for the Stars: How to Seize Life’s Biggest Opportunities

Hayley Arceneaux was working at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital when she got a phone call that would require a life-changing answer. She had been chosen to be part of a mission to space called Inspiration4, the first all-civilian crew to circle the planet.

The rest is, literally, history.

With her signature blend of optimism and candor, Hayley explores the transformative power of saying "yes," even when it elicits fear and discomfort. Underscored with anecdotes from her historic journey, Hayley shares how stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to remarkable personal and professional growth, propelling you toward even the most daring goals you set for yourself.

This keynote is for audiences seeking to break through self-imposed limitations, embrace uncertainty, and unlock their full potential. Uniquely positioned and often humorous, Hayley will leave you prepared to boldly embrace opportunity when it comes your way.

Key Audience Takeaways:

  • Learn how to redefine fear as a catalyst for growth.
  • Build confidence to say "yes" to life-changing opportunities.
  • Discover tools to embrace uncertainty when it matters most.

The Power of Resilience: How to Cultivate a Mindset that Changes the World

At the age of 10, Hayley's life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. Instead of letting her dreams be shattered, her experience at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital ignited a passionate career to give back to the place that saved her life.

In a profound twist of fate, she found herself serving as an ambassador for St. Jude on Inspiration4, the first all-civilian mission to orbit Earth. Not only did she become the first person with a prosthesis to go to space, but she also made history as the youngest American and the first pediatric cancer survivor to venture beyond Earth's bounds. Through the mission, Hayley helped raise over $240 million for St. Jude, leaving an indelible impact on the lives of countless children and families.

As audiences join Hayley in the capsule simulator, scale the heights of Mount Rainier, and witness the breathtaking views of Earth from space, they will find a newfound appreciation for the possibilities that await those who refuse to let adversity define their path.

Hayley's story reminds us that even in the face of life’s darkest challenges, there is always the opportunity to embrace a perspective that reaches far beyond the boundaries of this world.

Key Audience Takeaways:

  • Harness the transformative power of resilience.
  • Reframe adversity as an opportunity for growth.
  • Reach for extraordinary possibilities with an unwavering spirit.

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