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Kelly

" Risk: You cannot discover new oceans, unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore."

A little about me...

Hi! My name is Kelly. I am 24 years old. I am a law student at University of Wisconsin-Madison. Some of my hobbies and interests... are photography, reading, spending time with my family, and swimming.

Information about my illness...

In 1988, when I was 11 years old, I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. I was treated at University of Wisconsin-Madison Hospitals . I had radiation, chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant.

My words to others...

My suggestions to other survivors are... to remember that each person's experience with cancer is different. The ways in which people choose to cope with the experience of being sick and through survivorship may also vary significantly. Take time to take care of yourself, physically and emotionally in the ways that are right for you.

The most important lesson I learned from my experience is... to not take life for granted. To not take the love that exists between the people I care about for granted. To appreciate the color of the sky, the feel of wind in my hair, and the feeling of health and strength in my body.

A positive outcome from my experience is... that I have had the opportunity to meet so many incredible people, through the hospital and camp, who continue to teach me about life and living. Although I would never choose cancer, I cannot imagine my life without the lessons I have learned and the people I have met through this experience.

" My only sibling, Adam, was a perfect match for the bonemarrow transplant. Adam was only 8 years old at the time. For the transplant they had to go in his back hip bone over 200 times with a needle to extract enough bonemarrow (1/2 liter). The morning of the transplant, as they were preparing Adam for the procedure, my mom asked him if he was scared. Adam replied, Mom, this is the best day of my life! Adam knew he was the only one who could save my life and he felt proud that he could help me. Adam is my hero and my friend."



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