" I believe that everything happens for a reason and good things can be found in bad experiences. And if we focus on the positives, it makes it easier to get through the rough stuff."

A little about me...

Hi! My name is Kelly. I am 33 years old. I am a retail merchandiser and I'm also working on starting my own business,. Some of my hobbies and interests... are reading, arts & crafts, cooking, shopping for bargains, and spending time with my husband and cats.

Information about my illness...

In 1981, when I was 14 years old, I was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma. I was treated at the University of Miami Medical Center in Miami, FL. I had radiation, chemotherapy and surgery.

My words to others...

My suggestions to other survivors are... Never Give Up! I think that sums it up best. When people ask me how I made it, I tell them because not making it was NEVER an option. You have to keep fighting.

The most important lesson I learned from my experience is... never believe the phrase routine tonsillectomy . Were they ever wrong about that one! :-).

A positive outcome from my experience is... I was able to see how much my family and friends really loved me. I believe a big part of my recovery was because of all the sacrifices of the people around me. And I learned I was a much stronger person than I thought I could be.

" One of my rules of life: No matter what you're going through, somehow, you have to keep your sense of humor. It will bring you through the darkest days. "