Life was normal before my diagnosis. I was like any other three-year-old who enjoyed spending my day playing with my mom and going to dance class with all the other little girls. That happy life came to a halt when I became pale and weak. After four long months of doctor visits, and several x-rays with no results, I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on January 21st, 2012.

It was a dark time for me and my family. I had been snatched from my daily life and put in a hospital without really understanding why. I felt scared, having to undergo all of these operations and always feeling awful. My hair had to be shaved. There’s only so much I remember from my time in the hospital, so I couldn’t tell you too much about the things I experienced. But what I do remember is all the people who came together to support me. I had family coming to visit constantly, showering me with love and giving me the motivation I needed to make it through each day. In my spare time, I made friends with some of the nurses and hospital staff.

I spent weeks in the hospital, before being sent home. I had constant checkups, blood transfusions, spinal tap surgeries, and extended hospital stays for chemotherapy. Finally, after a long battle with cancer, I was considered cured in July 2013. It felt like I wasn’t weighed down anymore, and I could finally spread my wings and be free. 

Without even knowing it, I had inspired my family to help put a stop to cancer. My grandma is now working towards getting her oncology certification so that she can work with children who are now fighting cancer just like I was. My aunt and uncle, Karen and Bill Paules, are the founders of Angel Tree Farm, a non-profit organization built on the hope that anyone could come pick up a Christmas tree for the holidays while donating to a cause that would help change the lives of people all over the Lehigh Valley. They donate to PCFLV every year, and I couldn’t be more proud of them. 

PCFLV was with me and my family every step of the way. I attended Camp Smile during my time in treatment, as well as many other events such as the annual Ready, Set, Gold Run and Walk. They helped my mom with necessities like gas and food, and they became like a second family to us. People like Kristine, Michelle, Tracy, and everyone else on the PCFLV team will forever have a special place in my heart for all they have done for us on this wild journey.

Written by Charlie

Please consider helping children with cancer and others in our community by scheduling a blood donation at Miller-Keystone Blood Center: https://donor.giveapint.org/donor/schedules/zip