Cancer Strikes Shaffer Family Twice
My name is Paige Shaffer. I’m a 17 year old junior at Rosemount Senior High School in Rosemount, MN. I am a National Honor Society Student and am very active in school, church and volunteering with Fellowship of Christian Athletes, High School Students against Cancer, Group of Active Teens, Kids Ministry, Nursing Home Volunteer, St. Joseph Mission Group and a Sylvan Learning Center Teachers Aid. I am the oldest of four children. My siblings are Grant-15, Logan-13 and Marah-10.
On July 28, 2011, our lives were turned upside down when we lost our beautiful, loving mom Michelle to a courageous battle of breast cancer. At the time, I was about to start my 8th grade year at St. Josephs School in Rosemount. Since my mom’s passing, I have helped my dad with my siblings as much as I can with the everyday things such as homework, dinners, rides and just being there for them.
On March 19, 2015 my life once again changed in an instant. I was diagnosed with ALL Leukemia T-cell. I had been struggling with headaches and fatigue and I just couldn’t shake it. My dad decided (I think with a bit of help from my mom above) we needed to get this figured out. We headed into the ER at Fairview Ridges Hospital. It was there that we learned of my diagnosis. The Doctors and nurses there, were truly amazing and helped me understand and process all of this. I was then transferred by ambulance to the U of M Masonic Children’s Hospital. When we arrived, we were greeted by a team of doctors and nurses who laid out my treatment plan. My treatments started immediately and go in 28-day cycles. After each cycle, we meet with my doctors to go over my numbers and make any necessary adjustments to my treatment plan. This will go on for 2 ½-3 years. During this almost 3 year period my health will have its ups and downs and my ability to help out with everyday things will be challenging at best. My families focus will now turn to me as I fight this battle. My life as a normal, healthy and active teenager will no longer be the same. My goal throughout this journey is to continue to excel in school, maintain relationships with my friends and be active in the causes that mean so much to me. Trying to maintain a sense of normalcy where cancer is not the focal point of my day.
Most importantly, I am asking for everyone’s prayers. Please pray that I am completely healed, that my siblings do not have to carry the burden of fear after having lost my mom, pray that my dad can find peace that I will be fine. Pray that this journey may be an inspiration to others, that they may see my love and trust in the Lord during this difficult time. However, if you and your family are able, we are asking for help to fund my medical expenses. Having been through this once before, we are all too familiar with how devastating this journey can be, as well as the financial and emotional toll it can put on a family. We are now faced with this unimaginable burden once again.
I rely on the support from all of you, but most importantly I have faith in the Lord that he will guide me through this journey. I am blessed to be surrounded by family, friends, neighbors and wonderful caregivers. I truly appreciate all of the support and encouragement that is provided to me and my family during this difficult time.
Much Love and God’s Blessings to you all, Paige Shaffer
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/paigeshaffer
http://www.kare11.com/story/news/local/2015/04/13/teen-girl-fights-cancer-four-years-after-mom-loses...
