" Stay focused and remain positive."

A little about me...

Hi! My name is Cathi. I am 33 years old. I am a Customer Manager for a leading Telecommunication company . Some of my hobbies and interests... reading, rollerblading, cooking.

Information about my illness...

In 1992, when I was 24 years old, I was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma. I was treated at University of Chicago - Wyler Childrens Hospital. I had radiation, chemotherapy and surgery.

My words to others...

My suggestions to other survivors are... Take time for yourself.

The most important lesson I learned from my experience is... Staying positive will assist in overcoming any obstacle you may encounter in your life. Humor and laughter are an important part of healing.

A positive outcome from my experience is... Family and friends are a vital part of your life. A person should take one day at a time and find the positive in each of these days regardless of what we may be encountering at that time.

" When I was diagnosed I was 24 years old newly engaged and just purchased my first home. I was an adult with a childhood cancer, therefore, I was treated at a children's hospital. The almost two years I underwent chemo, surgery and radiation with children that were younger gave me the added strenth and courage to attack my illness with vigor. To see these kids undergoing the same thing as I was with more energy and less fear amazed me. Although I became very close to many children in which some have since past away all remain in my heart and my mind on a daily basis. It is strange to look back at how your priorities change with this kind of situation. Prior to my diagnosis I was growing my hairlong to wear it up for my wedding. How ironic that I got married 4 months after my last round of chemo with hair barely a 1/2 inch long!! These kind of memories keep a person humble. When I am having a difficult day now I just remember back to the days when I was sick, it puts it all back in to perspective for me."