" We are each of us born with one wing, and we can only fly embracing each other "

A little about me...

Hi! My name is Andrea. I am 24 years old. I am a web developer. Some of my hobbies and interests... soccer, reading, hiking, mountain climbing, writing, web design.

Information about my illness...

In 1979, when I was 4 years old, I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. I was treated at Floating Hospital. I had radiation and chemotherapy.

My words to others...

My suggestions to other survivors are... To live extremely- love to the edge of heartbreak, sing at the top of your lungs, give back to the angels that gave to you, thank God not with words, but how you chose to live, share survival with those who do not know it is possible, know that cancer is not a punishment but a gift, eat food with great love and gusto, never do things because you are scared, because you already made it through the largest fear you will ever be handed, do things with passion- never underestimate a positive attitude, be honest after remission because you have been handed the gift of living truth , make sure you do what you love with love, hug when you are inspired to do so- it is a gift unto itself, be grateful for what you have not bitter for what has been taken away, cry, sing, be bigger than cancer, give yourself a pat on the back for being a testament to survival ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ To those who have family or friends who have been diagnosed with cancer: No matter the age of the child or person- always tell them everything and be completely honest- If you are scared, talk about it, scream about it, cry about it- but most important is to share it. If decisions need to be made, always include the person the decision will effect the most-they have to feel like the have some power over their body and life. Find all possible ways to laugh- it is the best therapy one can use. NEVER give up hope! Always find things at the start of your day to be grateful for. Don't stress about the money- if you don't have your health- what would you spend money on? Be truthful with family and friends- tell them what you need from them- it helps you maintain your sanity and help them feel like they are helping in some small way. Find a support group- there are hundreds everywhere and help you filter through very scarey, difficult feelings. Be fully armed with knowledge- your doctors may have a PHD- but they may leave things out of conversations simply because they assume that you would not understand- ALWAYS know about ALL your options, alopathic (prescribed medicines) and homeopathic (natural remedies). Always look at the bright side. Meditate or be sure to take alone time for yourself and encourage all family members including the child who is sick to take the same. Find simple pleasures. Tell your loved ones every day that you love them. Thank God for everything. Live without regret.

The most important lesson I learned from my experience is... Miracles are everywhere if you chose to look for them!!! -- and on a humorous note after spending hours trying to translate statistics on white counts, red counts, cancer cell percentages, hair left on my head counts, odds I would recover, AND completely shocking every doctor by surpasing every odd there was : ----------------------------------- In response to stats, we must all have heard that there are three types of facts: Lies, Damned Lies, and Statistics. (Mark Twain).

A positive outcome from my experience is... ---My spirit is whole, my heart is on my sleeve, and I live successfully in my skin-.

" Cancer, I intend to not only beat you, but to use you to better the lives of everyone I can: by loving them, encouraging them, giving them information, making them laugh, praying for them, and by any other means I can. Cancer, you are not the end. You are merely my opportunity to serve others -- and perhaps my only chance to attain at least some small measure of heroism. by Hodgkin's Disease survivor Mark Hartwig, . "