A Brave young woman Never Gives Up!
There are brave young women surrounding you with great stories. I am grateful to have heard from one amazing 17 year old. She has experienced obstacles that would have stopped others from embracing hope. With the fierce love of her mother and determination to never give up, she found the strength to life her life to the fullest!
“I am 17 years old young woman, who was born with Non Hodgkin’s lymphoma. As a little girl, I was in and out of the hospital many times. My illness progress to the point that my doctors told my mom that I would die before I was three. All through my childhood I was expected to die. My mom was told many times not to expect me to live. The first time it was expected before 3 years old. After I crossed that age, Mom was told not to expect to see 5 years old. This pattern repeated 3 more times; before I turned 8, 10, and 12 years old. Fortunately, my mom never listened and continued to have hope.
Finally, my cancer went into remission when I was 13. I was fortunate to live 3 years virtually cancer free. At 16 years old, just as freedom opens up to teenagers, I learned the cancer was back. I still have it obviously and I focus on living a normal life, at least as normal as possible.
During my cancer treatment there was radiation, however I have not had that since I was 12 years old. My treatment consisted of steroids. While many people expect to see a bald person with cancer, I have just the opposite. My steroids have made my hair strong and long. I wear it past my waist, so you would not even think I have cancer. I like to keep that part of my life private in order to live life normally! That is why I did not share a picture or my name while sharing my story. The story is what is important, not necessarily a name and face.
The fierce love and belief from my mother has carried me through this experience. She taught me to NEVER give up! I have come to believe that self esteem is when you believe in yourself rather than what others think about or expect of you. According to my doctors I have lived 13 years longer than expected. I focus to believe in me rather than believe what others think of me. The message I would tell a young girl that was just diagnosed with cancer is that no matter what anyone tells you don’t give up, keep fighting! If you think you can make it through, you will!
In my life I find joy in creativity! Music and art have always been my favorite. Singing, drawing, and being with animals (especially my dogs) are what I love to do. My dream is to become an illustrator and write a book. I want to encourage people to remember when they choose what to do in life, do what they are passionate about it. The world already has enough grey!”
