My Essay
I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma on April 29th of 1991, and started chemotherapy on May 3, the day before my fourth birthday. Even though I was only four years old when I underwent chemotherapy, I do remember being sick. I remember the day I discovered a lump in my neck, I remember getting my catheter out, I even remember the incredible pain in my lower back I acquired after having a tumor removed from my chest.
My cancer experience caused me to want to get involved in the Relay for Life. I did not want what happened to me to happen to anybody else. I’ve participated in three Relay’s, and for the most recent, I was a captain. In my first try at captaining, I was the leader of a team of seven high school kids who raised almost $800 for the cause. I have already made the commitment of becoming a captain again for this years’ Relay. In my future, I plan on attending, and captaining teams in many more Relay‘s to come. Relay for Life has taught me that even though I am young, I can still make a difference.
Although I was diagnosed with cancer at a young age, it has greatly impacted my life. I still have a seven inch scar along my side from the removal of a tumor that people have asked me about. I also have a very visible scar on my chest from my catheter that I have been teased about, and another on my neck made from the biopsy. I have learned to be comfortable in my own skin from this, because if I didn’t have these scars I may not be here right now. These scars are my battle scars; a battle of which I have won. And I am proud of them.
My cancer experience has taught me many things, especially to not take things for granted. Even though I was affected fourteen years ago, I still carry the memories in my mind, I still remember many of doctors that treated me, and am eternally greatful for them. I will remember my experience forever and take what I have learned from it with me for the rest of my life.
My cancer experience caused me to want to get involved in the Relay for Life. I did not want what happened to me to happen to anybody else. I’ve participated in three Relay’s, and for the most recent, I was a captain. In my first try at captaining, I was the leader of a team of seven high school kids who raised almost $800 for the cause. I have already made the commitment of becoming a captain again for this years’ Relay. In my future, I plan on attending, and captaining teams in many more Relay‘s to come. Relay for Life has taught me that even though I am young, I can still make a difference.
Although I was diagnosed with cancer at a young age, it has greatly impacted my life. I still have a seven inch scar along my side from the removal of a tumor that people have asked me about. I also have a very visible scar on my chest from my catheter that I have been teased about, and another on my neck made from the biopsy. I have learned to be comfortable in my own skin from this, because if I didn’t have these scars I may not be here right now. These scars are my battle scars; a battle of which I have won. And I am proud of them.
My cancer experience has taught me many things, especially to not take things for granted. Even though I was affected fourteen years ago, I still carry the memories in my mind, I still remember many of doctors that treated me, and am eternally greatful for them. I will remember my experience forever and take what I have learned from it with me for the rest of my life.