My life changed and took a very unexpected turn one evening on December 9th, 2022. I was supposed to be training for my new job when suddenly, I was dizzy and lightheaded. I was rushed to the ER, alone, at only 18 years old. I feared the unknown as more doctors and nurses ran more and more tests that night and over the next two weeks. Finally, a biopsy just after Christmas confirmed my family’s and my worst fear. I had Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
I started my first chemo treatment a week later. Just like anyone, had my ups and downs throughout my chemo journey. I was rushed to the hospital late at night for extreme back spasms and needed a port due to the large amount of built-up scar tissue from all the IVs.
With plenty of different people coming to visit me, one of the most welcomed visitors was the wonderful Dragonfly Foundation. They put a smile on my defeated face. They supported my parents while they watched their daughter struggle even to produce a little smile. I never thought I would get so excited to see something as simple as gift cards and body lotion.
Throughout my chemo treatments, my 13-year old younger brother helped take care of me. I am so grateful the Dragonfly Foundation made it possible for my brother to be involved with events even if I couldn’t. My entire family and I were able to meet other families that have been affected by pediatric cancer and understand the pain.
I didn’t attend many Dragonfly events until being declared cancer-free six months after my first treatment. Having lost so many friends along my journey, these gatherings were incredibly helpful for me. One of the most meaningful experiences was the Kick Childhood Cancer Night at TQL Stadium. Walking onto the field, I made a new friend and enjoyed watching the game with my dad. For the first time in a long while, I felt “normal.” It was refreshing not to be met with weird looks or stares because of my hair loss.
I had my one-year scan in June, which showed that I am still healthy and cancer-free. I plan on continuing my education at The University of Cincinnati in the spring of 2025. I couldn’t do it without the support of The Dragonfly Foundation. Attending events and connecting with others helped motivate me to keep my hopes and head held high. Dragonfly helped me find the strength not to give up, as much as I wanted to.
This holiday season, I ask that you make a gift to Dragonfly, who helps not only families and children affected by pediatric cancers, but also young adults like myself. They know and understand how much we all need the love, strength, courage, and joy to keep going.
Thank you!
Anna T.
A note from Anna’s Mom, Sandy:
A friend mentioned Dragonfly to us before our first chemo. We did not have to reach out to them, they reached out to us on our first chemo day. The amazing blue bag with items you never thought you might need during this journey just showed up! Dragonfly has been there to help not only Anna, but our entire family including her younger brother, who struggled watching her go through this. I could go on and on, but what you really need to know is The Dragonfly Foundation is amazing, helping patients and their families on a journey that no family should take.
