Christina’s journey through cancer has been eye-opening for everyone, especially her mother. It started out much like the others, unusual aches and pains that took a little while to diagnose. A quick trip to the doctor for x-rays and scans. Then a biopsy followed by the cancer confirmation.
Like most parents, her mom thought, “This is MY kid. My kid has cancer.” However, she said Christina seemed to have different attitude from the very beginning.
“She doesn’t want a lot of attention. Christina’s attitude from the beginning has been ‘this is what I have to do. Let’s just do it and get it done’,” her mom said. After a summer filled with cancer treatments, followed by a surgery to remove most of the tumor, and then more chemo, Christina’s attitude hasn’t changed.
“The early side effects of nausea and hair loss were huge for a teen. But, she was like, ok, we’ll deal with it,” mom explained. Christina has responded so well to the treatments that her doctors have been able to adjust the treatment schedule to allow for her normal teen life. Chemo was pushed back a few days for a dance, then again for winter finals, and her driver’s permit.
After all of this, Christina still doesn’t want any attention drawn to her situation. No public photos, no postings, no cancer celebrations. She just wants to live a normal life. Her mom feels it is important to let other parents know that it’s ok for their kids to feel this way.
“It’s something I learned from Christina. People at church, and even her siblings, will say things like, gosh, she looks good, she doesn’t even look sick,” mom shared. “I’ve come to realize that people do look good when they have cancer. She’s living with it, she’s not dying from it. That’s something she taught me.”
Along the way, however, mom also realized the family was going to need some help with travel expenses. Fortunately, before things got too stressful, a social worker at the hospital recommended she apply for assistance from Compass to Care.
“Having it recommended by the hospital made it easier for me to trust your organization. I usually do my own research, but this time I didn’t have to do very much. Dealing with Michelle and Christine has taken the stress and worry away. Knowing I could just pick up the phone and call a person, has been such a relief,” mom said.
Mom knows Compass to Care is much more than just two people. She and dad are very grateful for everyone that donates to and volunteers on behalf of families that have kids with cancer.
“You don’t even understand how much you are helping. Thank you does not even come close to showing our appreciation. Please keep doing what you are doing. Like Christina, you are inspiring others just by doing your own thing,” she shared.
Side note: Per Christina’s wishes, we are not using her real name in this story, and have not named her mom and dad.