SASHA EDWARDS, A STORY OF SURVIVAL AND GIVING BACK IN HER OWN WORDS
"When people think of cancer they think of everything that's bad about it, which is well, most of it. They think of the endless chemotherapy treatments, hair loss, and throwing up every second of the day. But what most people don't think about, unless you have had cancer is that it changes your life for the better. I am one of those people that had my life completely changed. On November 25, 2008, when I was just thirteen years old I was diagnosed with High Risk Pre-B Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. I was going to be one of those sickly kids with no hair that I have always seen on commercials. I never thought that having cancer would be a good thing. I never thought I would be giving a speech about how cancer altered my life for the better. I learned that cancer gives you a new view on life and it shows that you are so much stronger than you ever thought you could be. It gave me the opportunity to help so many people and put others first instead of myself. To make me realize that there are so many more people out there that have it way worse than me. I got to experience this life lesson first hand. When I would be staying in the hospital either for chemo or for a fever I would see all these sick little boys and girls, and sometimes a little baby not even a year old going through things that most adults don't even experience in their lifetime. I couldn't imagine going through something like that so young. But I noticed something about them and me. They all lit up when they got a gift from some random stranger that just wanted to help. I too lit up and got in a little better mood when I saw a gift waiting for me. My gifts ranged from countless build-a-bears to homemade fleece knot blankets. Out of all the gifts, those were my favorites because it was nice having something to cuddle within the cold hospital. I'm sure the kids thought the same thing. Two years later I found myself sitting in the hot tub thinking of ways to give back to the hospital that saved my life. Then it hit me. I should raise money, make homemade knot blankets, then donate them to the oncology floor of St. Louis Children's Hospital. The next day I started Sasha's Softies. With the help of my friends and family I was able to raise over $2,000 which made 96 blankets, 15 pillows, and also got 100 eggs of silly putty. What makes my blankets special is that they are long enough for teenagers because when people think of a children hospital they think of children, but really there are plenty of teenagers there. I can't tell you in words how happy I was knowing that my blankets were hopefully putting smiles on these kids faces. But, one time just wasn't enough for me, so the next year, which was last year, I started up Sasha's Softies again and was able to make 135 blankets. I couldn't believe that we were able to get the funds and make all of those blankets. I do plan on doing this every year hopefully, and expanding to different children's hospitals. . . . In 2009 my family and I decided to host a "Hats on Day" at all the schools in our school district to raise money for Friends of Kids With Cancer. This organization has done so much for me like giving me a ton of gift cards, putting on free events at the Magic House, and my very favorite, being able to be a model in their annual fashion show. Hats on Day is a day where you are able to wear a hat in school to support kids fighting cancer if you buy a sticker. This event was able to raise around $1,200 for Friends. I was so glad I had that opportunity to give back to them since they have done so much for me. . . . People ask me that if I had the chance to go back and somehow not get cancer would I do it? I tell them I would never take back getting cancer. Through my journey I was able to help so many people and hopefully inspire others to go do something good and make a difference. Looking at me now you could probably never guess that I had cancer and went through two and a half years of treatment. I was skin and bones and had no hair, but now I filled out and have a full head of hair, which makes me very happy. I have been in remission for about three years and finished my treatments in March of last year. I made it one year off treatment without relapsing so my prognosis is very good."
For her good deads, Sasha Edwards of Charlestown, IL received a local Jefferson Award. Congratulations Sasha and thanks for helping others.
|
