Britney’s Story
My name is Britney Hamilton and I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, in December of 2009. I made the decision that this diagnosis was not going to be a set back for me, academically, physically, or emotionally. My education was very important though I now had other priorities such as fighting this beast called cancer; my goal was to not allow my education be put on a metaphorical backburner in my life.
I was already in hospital homebound for other circumstances, therefore getting behind in my studies was never a possibility.
Victoria’s Story
Cancer has changed my life in many ways. Before going through cancer I was like many others who thought it could never happen to them. I didn’t have much knowledge about it either. When I was diagnosed it felt like my whole world was crashing down. Going through cancer has taught me to live each day to the fullest and to never take anything for granted. It makes you forget about all the pointless things going on in life. It made me learn to be more positive and to keep a smile on my face thought the hardest times.
My family’s supported me the whole way, and I really appreciate them and realize that my family is the most important. Being in remission makes me want to help others now going through the same thing that I went through.
Dylan’s Story
“You have cancer.” These are the words my family and I heard when I was a junior in Gulf Breeze High School. I was devastated and wondered what the future, if any would be. Did I have the strength and courage to win my upcoming battle with this dreadful disease? The direction of my life and my future goals had changed forever. I would never have been able to imagine the journey I was about to embark upon.
Adam Rose’s Story
My name is Adam Rose. I am 17 years old. When I was four I was diagnosed with leukemia (ALL). Four months after I was diagnosed, I suffered a neurotoxic reaction to one of the chemotherapy drugs. After being paralyzed I had to stop cancer treatment and I grew very weak. My parents were scared that either the cancer would come back because I was not receiving any treatment or that I may pass away in my sleep because I was so weak. By a miracle I soon began getting some strength back to my upper body and the doctors soon began chemotherapy again. Unfortunately I was left paralyzed from the waist down and confined to a wheelchair.
Arie Fitzhugh’s Story
Hello I am Arie Fitzhugh I am an 18 year old high school senior in Chandler Arizona at Seton Catholic Preparatory High School. I began my senior year in August last year in 2010 just like I have every year getting back into the swing of school life.
In September a tumor in my left arm that I thought was just a torn muscle, started hurting extremely bad so I went to the ER and they also thought it was just a torn muscle. A week later on Friday I had an MRI and they discovered that it was a tumor in my arm.
Olivia’s Story
Reading Nicki’s story really got to me since I was diagnosed with cancer around the same age that Nicki was and I completely understand how hard it is to go through all of this, especially being a teenager.
It all started around April 2011, last few months of my senior year in high school. My cousin and his wife came from Colorado for a five day visit. Wanting to show them around, and myself having little time since I worked about twenty hours a week and went full time to school, I took them to the beach on afternoon.
Joey’s Story
Before being diagnosed with cancer, I was just beginning to live. I was going to Spokane Falls Community College and I was going to be playing on the soccer team. I was going to work towards a business degree. I was excited where my life was heading. I started to feel really sick and getting terrible headaches. All I wanted to do was sleep. My mom finally talked me into going to the doctor and they thought that I just had a bad sinus infection. So I started taking some medication and I just remember thinking “Okay good. I will get over this quick and it will all be good.” But a week later I still didn’t feel any better and I started throwing up so my mom talked me into going to the emergency room.
Kristyna Partain’s Story
Whenever I start talking about “my story” I always think…where do I begin!? I have been documenting my journey in a journal, just so I can look back and remember this roller coaster ride.
My name is Kristyna, I am 20 years old. I was diagnosed November 16th 2009 with ductal carcinoma in my right breast (I was 19 then, just had my 20th birthday on December 11th) Here is my story so far…
Jennifer Baker’s Story
My name is Jennifer Baker, and I am twenty years old. I was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor called an Oligodendroglioma in October 2010. I was a junior at Brigham Young University when I learned of my diagnosis.
When I received my diagnosis, I was in the middle of a semester of school. I had to withdraw from all my classes and move home (across the country). It was hard on me to drop out of my classes after how much work I had put in. I was not only disappointed but I was also angry and upset. I had to leave classes I enjoyed, a job I loved, and friends who I adored. I didn’t know how to deal with my diagnosis or how I was feeling.
Jamie Chapin’s Story
Living with cancer is like living in a war zone only you can’t see the enemy. Every day I wake up not knowing what the day holds for me. I could have an easy day hanging out at base or I could get ambushed out on the field. On the good days I have plenty of energy, no headaches or pain, and I have the ability to walk. The bad days are usually the opposite with unknown problems always popping up. I have had cancer a little over four months now, but it feels like years. I have had several issues that are just side effects. So far I have had a pulmonary embolism, spike in blood sugar over 600, now diabetic. Spinal fluid infection, joint swelling, elevated liver and so on.