Last week, I mentioned that I’d had the great pleasure of speaking at the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night Walk Raleigh kick off event. When I mentioned that, a couple of you asked about my journey with cancer, so I figure we’d get a little personal on the blog today and I’d share my LLS bio. Obviously, my fight with cancer was fairly long, but this bio gives a great summary of my diagnosis, treatment and experience.
parents received a call from my Kindergarten teacher saying, “You need to take
your daughter to the doctor and get blood tests done immediately.”
For weeks, the symptoms had begun to show – flu like
symptoms, unexplained bruises, all the typical stuff – but doctors had yet to
put the dots together. Instead they would look me over and say, “it’s just one
of those things that kids get.” They prescribed antibiotics and assured us that
whatever it was would be gone in no time. It was my Kindergarten teacher, whose
sister had recently been diagnosed with Leukemia, that recognized the signs and
figured it out.
Sure enough, the day my teacher called was the day I was diagnosed
with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. I was treated for two years and two months and
underwent five rounds of chemotherapy. It was a long fight, but the support
that I received from my family, friends and doctors was truly amazing.
In May of 1999 I was told that I was in complete remission
and I have been cancer free ever since! This year marks my 16th anniversary of
my full remission diagnosis! I celebrate my life by helping others with their
fight. I strive to empower those that are experiencing cancer first-hand by
promoting organizations like the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The cancer
awareness, education and research that are funded through Light the Night Walk
is vital to the continued goal of having a cancer free world. I am so honored
to be here today and to be one of the 2015 Honored Heroes! Please join me in
this fight so we can continue to save lives!
Wow what a crazy story — good thing your teacher called! So happy you have been free for 16 years!
http://www.amemoryofus.com
I know! Things like that are truly sent by sent by god. Like what is the coincidence that her sister had just been diagnosed?! Thanks, Darcy!
Such an inspiring story! Thank you so much for sharing!
xo Ally
http://www.gumbootglam.com
Of course, thank you for reading!
Kate,
Thank you so much for sharing such a personal journey with us. I'm so happy and thankful to have met you and that we've become such quick friends! I love that you do so much to still be involved and to spread so much awareness and positivity to those needing it. Can't wait to see you Friday!
x Sarah
http://www.bohochiccafe.com
Aw thank you! I'm so happy to have met you too, our blog dates are literally what I look forward to every week! haha. Thanks, chica!
I'm a fairly new reader so glad you posted this so I can learn more about you. You're a STRONG and STYLISH lady!
Thank you so much, Brittany! And thank you for reading! You guys mean everything to me!
Yay for being cancer free for 16 years!! Definitely an inspiring story, friend 🙂
xo,
Angela
Whoop, whoop!! Thanks, Angela!!
Very inspiring story, thank you for sharing it and congratulations on being cancer free!
http://mimiandchichi.com/
Thank you for reading! I am always happy to share it!
You are so brave and inspiring! Thank you so much for sharing your story and for paying it forward! You are such a wonderful inspiration!
http://www.tailoredandtrue.wordpress.com
Gosh, you guys are going to make me tear up! Thank you so much for reading and for all of the kind words!
You are such an inspiration! I'm so humbled to know you and to see how much you have overcome is amazing. You are a rockstar! xo
Thank you Meghan! I am so lucky to know you too! Hope to see you soon, love!
You're so brave for going through all that and then being able to openly share your story with everyone. Congratulations on being cancer free for 16 years! I hope you get to celebrate many, many more anniversaries of being cancer free!
Mili
Thank you so much, Mili!
Thanks for sharing your story, how incredible!!
http://www.simplyhued.com
Of course! Thanks for reading!
Thanks for sharing your story, how incredible!!
http://www.simplyhued.com
Wow what a great story! I love that even after 16 years you are still so grateful for life and still apart of the community and show support. That is truly amazing, I am glad you shared your story. Congrats love!
XO JNESS
http://jenessasheffield.com/
Aw, thank you Jenessa! Thank you so much for those kind words and thanks for reading!
Thank you for sharing! You go girl!!
adoredbyalex.com
haha thanks, Alex!
What a beautiful and courageous story. Thanks for sharing
xo | The Fashion Forecast
Thank you for reading, Erica!
Great post. Thanks for sharing your story
xx
Mademoiselle Coconath
http://mllecoconath.com
Latest post:
http://www.mllecoconath.com/blog/2015/5/16/the-bookworm
Of course!!
Wow, what a powerful story. Thanks for bringing more awareness to this, your teacher was smart to see the signs.
http://www.mintnotion.com
She really was. I am so lucky that she figured it out. Thanks for reading, Eden!
Wow, that's a really incredible story. I'm sure your teacher at the time will always have a special place in your mind.
It's also incredible to see you out there, giving back <3
Congratulations on 16 years cancer free!
Jackie
Something About That
Aw, thank you Jackie!
Sara, you touched my heart and made me tear up. Thank you for sharing your story. I too, have an blood disorder that is related to blood cancer so this is very close to my heart. Thank YOU for sharing light and being such an inspiration!!! Sending you all my love, and many prayers.
XOXO, Vanessa
http://www.WhatWouldVWear.net
Vanessa, I am so sorry to hear that, but thank you for sharing. I will keep you in my prayers. Much love, chica.