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"Emily in Paris" Star Ashley Park Shares Cancer Journey
Park was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia at age 15 and spent nearly a year in the hospital, but has since gone into remission.
Mar. 17, 2026 at 9:05am
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Ashley Park, the star of the Netflix series "Emily in Paris", opened up about her childhood cancer journey at the SXSW conference in Austin, Texas. Park was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia at age 15 and spent nearly a year in the hospital receiving treatment, including chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant. Despite the challenges, Park went into remission and has since prioritized her health and wellbeing through practices like Pilates and managing her mental health. She also credits her close friendship with "Emily in Paris" co-star Lily Collins as a source of support.
Why it matters
Park's story sheds light on the experiences of young people battling cancer and the importance of oncologists and the medical community in supporting them through their health journeys. Her openness about her own struggles and recovery can help raise awareness and inspire others facing similar challenges.
The details
At age 15, Park began experiencing concerning symptoms like frequent illness, bruising, and fainting spells. After visiting the doctor, she was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer. Park initially resisted going to the emergency room, wanting instead to rehearse for a school performance. However, she ultimately spent nearly a year in the hospital receiving intensive treatment, including chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant. During this time, Park formed a close bond with her oncologist, who made efforts to lift her spirits, like wearing a different tie every day.
- At age 15, Park was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia.
- Park spent the better part of a year in the hospital receiving treatment.
- Park went into remission after her treatment, with quarterly checkups turning into biannual and then annual visits.
- A few years ago, Park had a scary experience with septic shock.
The players
Ashley Park
The star of the Netflix series "Emily in Paris" who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia at age 15 and has since gone into remission.
Lily Collins
Park's close friend and co-star on "Emily in Paris", with whom she has formed a strong sisterhood beyond just their work on the show.
What they’re saying
“They're like, 'you have to go to the emergency room right away.' And I was like, 'I need to go to rehearsal first,'”
— Ashley Park, Actress (USA TODAY)
“Some of the only human interactions I had those eight months were, or consistently were, with my oncologist.”
— Ashley Park, Actress (USA TODAY)
“We realized that on the fourth day, we were like, the fact that this sisterhood is so beyond just the show, that's probably the greatest gift from that.”
— Ashley Park, Actress (USA TODAY)
What’s next
Park continues to prioritize her health and wellbeing, and she remains close with her "Emily in Paris" co-star Lily Collins, who has been a source of support throughout her cancer journey.
The takeaway
Ashley Park's openness about her childhood cancer battle and the support she received from her oncologist and close friends like Lily Collins serves as an inspiring example of resilience and the power of community in the face of a health crisis.
