I was diagnosed with a rare pediatric cancer called Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor (DSRCT) at the age of 13. Little did I know that lower back pain would lead to my battle with cancer which began in December 2007. By the time I was diagnosed with cancer, it had spread from my abdomen to my liver. Early stage testing indicated that tumors were too numerous to count and my prognosis was poor. For 15 months I received an aggressive chemo called VACIME and received the maximum treatment. In April of this year I traveled to New York and underwent surgery to remove the tumor from my abdomen. I am now receiving a less aggressive chemo.

I have spent a lot of time in the Aflac Cancer Center inpatient unit at Scottish Rite and much more time going for treatment at the Aflac Cancer Center clinic there. My most recent treatment requires that I visit the clinic for 5 days every 3rd week.

I have several favorite doctors. My oncologists Dr. Wasilewski, Dr. Lew, Dr. Rapkin, and Dr. Adisa. I have too many favorite nurses to call by name. They are all excellent and make my visits much easier!!!!

Some of my favorite things about the Aflac Cancer Center are frequent visits by the clowns, Karen (the Child Life Specialist) who makes it easy for me to understand what I may be going through as far as procedures and treatment, (she also plays games and provides crafts to help pass time), my social worker Tracy and the volunteers.

I like to swim, hang out with friends, shopping and driving. I like being involved with Camp Sunshine, because I have made many new friends that have something in common. I attend the weekend teen retreat and teen camp this year.

My diagnosis has taught me how important family is, who my real friends are, and the importance of faith. It has also taught me to keep a positive attitude and to never give up.