Stick To School

Feature Story

Successful After Sickness

My life was altered unexpectedly the summer before my sophomore year of high school. I was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma, a childhood bone cancer. My summer had been filled with dance, cheerleading, and softball. I attributed a pain in my side to these activities. As discomfort increased, an x-ray discovered the tumor. Treatment involving chemotherapy and surgeries began immediately. Unable to attend school regularly, my goal was to completely eradicate the cancer, keeping life as normal as possible. My family and medical staff were on my team, encouraging me to continue participating in my activities. My weight dropped dangerously, I lost my hair and fought numerous infections. By April no sign of cancer remained. I completed sophomore year on time thanks to my dedicated teachers and resumed cheerleading and dance.

This change in my life had given me new priorities. I now looked forward to beginning junior year. However, life stepped in again with a different plan. I was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) and needed a bone marrow transplant; a donor search was started. Bi-weekly blood transfusions maintained my hemoglobin. I was able to attend the entire first semester of school. A donor was located and transplant was scheduled. Pre-transplant testing revealed that the MDS had turned into leukemia; needing to achieve remission before transplant, more chemotherapy led to a massive intestinal infection and a five-week hospitalization. Given a 40% chance of survival I not only beat the infection but achieved remission. I began my transplant in April spending five weeks in isolation with my mom. Thanks again to my dedicated teachers, I completed my junior year during the summer, started senior year on time, and returned to my activities.

Unfortunately, life altered the course I had planned once more. Graft vs. Host disease developed, causing my skin to thicken and discolor, extreme dryness of my eyes, and stiffening of my joints. I was unable to continue with dance. Treatment left me with joints that have limited mobility. I now focused on what I was able to accomplish. Beating cancer successfully, graduating high school on time with honors, and fulfilling my dream of attending Indiana University are three of my proudest accomplishments. Now I am a graduate student working on my master's degree in child development. Upon completion, I hope to work in a children's hospital within a Child Life department where I can support patients and their families facing similar medical situations.