Bellingham, Massachusetts
Quinnipiac University
Brain tumor

I was diagnosed with a brain tumor during my senior year of high school. I had to have 2 surgeries, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, tutoring, and 6 weeks of radiation. I spent a lot of time in the hospital and rehabilitation hospital and had outpatient therapies and tutoring, after my first surgery. My second surgery was a month later, and I was able to attend prom (5 days after the second surgery) and graduation (3 days after that). I was thrilled about being able to graduate from high school and go to college on time. Soon after getting to college, I found out that I would need to have radiation over winter break. I am very proud to say that I have been doing well in school, despite having to work harder than most other students. Having cancer has given me more of an appreciation for life and taught me not to take things for granted.

Ironically, I had already decided to major in Occupational Therapy when I was diagnosed. My experience made me more confident that I had chosen the right major. I really appreciated all of the people who helped me recover, and I am looking forward to being able to help others. I have always enjoyed helping others and participating in events to raise money for cancer research, but now I am even more involved. I feel like I know an obscene amount of people that have had to battle cancer. My outpatient Speech Therapist was diagnosed with a brain tumor, around when I was getting discharged. We live very close, so we spend a lot of time together, which has been really helpful. I am glad to have had people to support me while going through this, and I am glad to be able to help others that are going through it. I know that my experience with cancer will help me to be a good Occupational Therapist.