" Each day is a gift from God."

A little about me...

Hi! My name is Shelby. I am 5 years old. I am your regular, sassy 5 year old girl. Some of my hobbies and interests... I like painting with watercolor and doing artwork with stickers. I am a huge Disney fan and my favorite Princess is Sleeping Beauty. I like listening to Britney Spears and going to my ballet and tap lessons. I look forward to going to Kindergarten this September 2000.

Information about my illness...

In 1999, when I was 4 years old, I was diagnosed with Burkitts Lymphoma. I was treated at UC San Francisco Medical Center. I had chemotherapy.

My words to others...

My suggestions to other survivors are... when your tummy hurts, push that red button by your bed and ask the nurse to give you Benadryl. When I was in treatment, I always liked to help Mommy, especially when she cleaned my Broviac Catheter everyday. I was in charge of clamping and unclamping the ports and I really felt important.

The most important lesson I learned from my experience is... Cancer is not an end. It is an opportunity to live your life better and stronger.

A positive outcome from my experience is... As Shelby's parents, we know that the world is a better and brighter place because one more child will grow up to live a long and productive life.

" I like going to the beach and Mommy and Daddy bought me a swimsuit that showed my belly button. I kept pulling up the shorts to hide my tummy because I didn't want anybody to see the cut from my surgeries. But Mommy and Daddy told me that my scar is not something to be embarassed about, but something to be proud of. They say it's my badge of courage."