Winter 2005 - Kids Cancer Care

Perspectives
The emptiness
that comes from
not being able to
participate in
many activities
as a kid has
allowed me to
look at life from
a whole new
perspective.
I am 16 and a cancer survivor for six years. I was 10 when I was
diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma in my left arm. I was the first girl in
Canada to undergo a dramatic surgery where my bone was replaced
with a metal rod. I can’t hold my arm up or to the side or any major
movement. The emptiness that comes from not being able to participate
in many activities as a kid has allowed me to look at life from a
whole new perspective. I try to help kids with cancer or cancer organizations
in any way I can.
Last year, my friends and I raised money for cancer research and the
Make a Wish Foundation. We put tents on our school roof and didn’t
come down until we raised a great deal of money! It gave me the opportunity to share my story
with the whole school and the community through the media coverage. That experience gave me
the confidence to express my feelings and share my experience with many people.
Friends and grade 11 classes at St. Mary’s High School in Taber are my focus at the moment. I am
developing a love for art and music, plays, movies and other forms of entertainment.
My future goals are pretty simple. I want to travel with friends, go backpacking through Europe,
and visit Italy and many other places. I plan to major in nursing then specialize in oncology at a
post-secondary institution. I want to give back what was given to me by following my
dream to become a nurse.
KCCFA has impacted me in more ways than one. The camp experience and meeting other kids
that have been through the same long challenge that I went through was an amazing gift. It gave
me a sense of belonging and hope. KCCFA put a smile on my face and gave me many happy
moments to share with friends.
My experience with cancer is with me every day. I only have to look at my arm. I look back at the
photos and remember my experience. It helps me explain to other people what I went through,
and what other people go through. Words can only do so much, but a picture can say it without
any words at all.
Katherine Douglas
Friends Wanted
...sport’s tournaments, fun runs, bake sales, canoe-a-thon, spell-athons,
bike-a-thons, golf tournaments, raffles, jelly bean contests,
handmade arts and crafts...
The Bearberry motorcycle
ride is just one example of
a unique community
fundraiser.
Community events help fund our research and family-focused programs. If you
want to help – why not organize a community event? Bake sales, tennis
tournaments, even hosting a gala – simple or elaborate, it’s up to you!
For more ideas and information on how to get involved contact Kristie Pshyk at
216-9210 ext 225 or pshyk@kidscancercare.ab.ca.
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www.kidscancercare.ab.ca