I was diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma in January of 1988. I was treated at Children’s Hospital of Alabama and UAB. I had multiple surgeries (about 16) over a period of a few years, had radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. I was 14 years old and a freshman in high school in Panama City, FL. It was a tough time to be “different,” to lose my hair, miss tons of school, and be so far away from my friends. There is nothing you want more at that age than just to fit in and be like everyone else.
One of the highlights and positive things that happened during my treatment was being granted a magic moment. I chose to go to Disney World. It was absolutely the trip of a lifetime and provided so many wonderful opportunities. My family and I still talk about it and have so many fun memories of our trip. Being granted my magic moment gave me a chance to enjoy being a kid and forget about my worries.
I am now a nurse at Children’s of Alabama and have worked there for 26 years. I got back involved with Magic Moments through Family Camp in approximately 2002. I look forward to camp every Memorial Day Weekend. All my friends and family know that weekend is reserved every year for camp. It brings me such joy to give back to Magic Moment families. They are a special group of people that deserve to honored and loved on. Family Camp renews my soul every year. I get so much more out of the weekend than I could ever give. It is something that I look forward to each and every year.
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