I'm Going Back to School!!!

In December 2015, I was diagnosed embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, which is a type of cancer. Subsequently, I had to drop everything I was doing in life, which included attending Abilene Christian University, hanging out with friends, volunteering at church, and so much more in order to receive treatment. When my two best friends initially took me to Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene, I assumed I would be in and out. At the very most, maybe a prescription of some sort in hand. That is not at all what happened. I was in the hospital for at least a week, underwent several tests, and was seen by numerous doctors. After viewing all of the results, the only thing the doctors coud agree to was seeing an enormous mass in my abdominal region. Unfortunately, Hendrick did not have the resources to help me any further, so I was sent to Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. That hospital was able to diagnose me with the cancer, but they too did not have the resources to help me any further. I am grateful for the head doctor of my medical team at Methodist who stopped my surgery a half hour before it was schedule because she believed it was too dangerous. I found out earlier this year had I proceeded with the surgery I would have certainly died. My family and I had a very honest conversation with the head doctor and she recommended us to go to M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, so that is exactly what we did. It should have taken at least a couple of months for us to even get a phone call with a doctor at M. D. Anderson, but because of the help from so many people I wish I could thank, I was receivied my first treatment the second week of January 2016. 

                                                     Mommy and Me

Now, I have completed all of my treatments and it is time to go back to school! The road up until this point was a doozy. My heart wanted nothing more than to return to school. The hardest part of the last year and a half was not having cancer, it was not being able to truly live the life I loved so dearly. So, I am so happy to say this chapter of my life is coming to a close! At the same time, I experienced some incredible lessons and life jewels -those moments in the midst of chaos that reminds you God still has you- that makes me appreciative of cancer. There is a love that I experienced that I never would have thought in a millions years would come my way, so that is why I am calling this chapter of my life "The Love Story". It is the unconditional and constant love from Christ and all of you guys that gave/gives me the strength to say, "I can't give up just yet". Literally, hundreds of people were/are praying for me to come out on the other side full of peace and joy. People I know and people I have never met prayed for me and/or encouraged me to live everyday knowing I am in Christ's hands.  As I prepare to return to school, I would love if you took part in this amazing love story by donating to my college fund. In order to register for classes, I must first settle charges on my student account. I would be so grateful if you guys could help me achieve this by August 7th. Supporting me in this way would mean the world to me, but continuing to pray for me would mean that much more. School begins August 28th and I cannot wait to start a new chapter and dive into this new adventure awaiting me. Just like this past year in a half with cancer had its bumps, the next year and a half of me finishing school wil have its bumps as well. Between the late night studying, exams, ESSAYS, work, and every other aspects of life, I'm going to need all the prayer I can get :)