Suleika's mother who grew up in Switzerland, moved to New York City in the 1980s, and is a painter with a background in running a language school and other jobs before settling into her East Village apartment.

Suleika's father who moved to the U.S. to teach, eventually becoming a professor at Skidmore College, and sharing a relationship with Anne marked by creativity and bohemian values.

Suleika's brother who is a junior in college at the time of her diagnosis, becomes a vital match for her bone marrow transplant, and shares the pressure and responsibility for her health.

Suleika's supportive partner who starts off as her caregiver during her initial leukemia treatments, but becomes overwhelmed by the demands of this role, leading to tensions within their relationship.

An experienced doctor at Mt. Sinai Hospital, one of the founders of modern chemotherapy, who oversees Suleika’s treatment and care during her battle with leukemia.

A dedicated and compassionate nurse who forms a close bond with Suleika during her chemotherapy treatments, offering support and celebration.

One of Suleika’s first friends in the hospital with stage four liver cancer, offering her a glimpse into the future challenges of chemotherapy.

A fellow patient at the hospital with lymphoma from Algeria, who becomes an unexpected source of encouragement and camaraderie for Suleika.

A hospital patient who befriends Suleika during her treatment, known for his quirky protests and shared moments of absurdity and laughter with her.

An artist and one of Suleika's closest friends met through social media, battling cancer with a spirited, adventurous approach to life and creativity despite her prognosis.

A young poet with Ewing sarcoma who provides Suleika with profound insights about living with cancer and maintaining hope despite adversity.

A fellow young cancer patient who shares the same diagnosis as Suleika and brings a sense of humor and comfort during her isolative treatments.

Suleika's schnauzer-poodle mix dog, providing companionship and a sense of normalcy during her recovery and subsequent road trip.

Suleika's caring and musically talented partner who grows close to her during and after her illness, offering her love, acceptance, and support.

A private high school teacher and early letter-writing connection from Suleika's column, with whom she shares insights about living after cancer treatments.

A New York Times reader connected to Suleika through her column, offering valuable lessons on love and connection through his letters.

A visual artist in Detroit who transforms her chronic skin disease into art and provides Suleika with a new perspective on beauty amidst struggle.

A young man facing personal challenges who advises Suleika on being open to both the pain and beauty of life.

A Californian who shares his insights on travel and illness, emphasizing the importance of being present in each part of life's journey.

A two-time cancer survivor and teacher who imparts wisdom on the necessity of openness and love even after significant loss.

A death row inmate in a Texas prison who communicates with Suleika, paralleling her journey with his own reflections on mortality and confinement.

Free-spirited travelers living out of their van, encouraging Suleika to embrace spontaneity and shed her fears during her road trip.

A young liver cancer patient from Florida whose optimism and joy inspire Suleika to look forward to a hopeful future.