A Warrior In A Tiny Frame
- Calista Bourinaris
- Dec 10, 2017
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 31, 2021
"She wears her scars like a warrior, for they're a reminder she's alive..."-Unknown
My health is severely important to me. Health is above everything, without it, I wouldn't be where I am today. I was plagued with stage one Differentiated Thyroid Cancer at 15 years old. Being a teenager is hard enough, but dealing with teenage problems and a life altering disease was beyond stressful.
My life flipped upside down and has not been the same since.
I've had to go on home instruction and missed countless days of school from being too weak to even move my arm or leg. I ended my sophomore year early and underwent my first surgery which was a full Thyroidectomy and removal of 13 lymph nodes as they were touched by cancer too. During my junior year of high school, I was dying to go back to my old routine and experience high school like a normal 16 year old should but, cancer did not let me. I was put on home instruction AGAIN. I couldn't stand being home this much. I finished the school year back in school on a modified schedule and went into my senior year stronger.
During senior year, I started feeling my same symptoms as if I was not yet cured. I refused to withdraw from school and let cancer win that year, I deserved to be present in my senior year and have fun. In March of that year, I had a second surgery, this time to take out any remaining tissue and 3 more lymph nodes. The tissue and 2 lymph nodes were touched by cancer as well. FINALLY, I felt cured and back to normal. I got to go to prom, graduate on time and live my life to the fullest.
Although, cancer isn't done with me just yet. I had to withdraw from my last semester due to this debilitating disease and now see specialists in Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Hospital who regularly check me. You see, along with cancer, I also have multiple metabolic issues,POTS and chronic fatigue. My immune system is so low that I have caught illnesses from Swine Flu to the common cold.
Lately, I've been trying to help young children that have been diagnosed with this terrible disease and use my story to inspire them that even during the dark times, there will always be light. I am a Hero Ambassador for Alex's Lemonade Stand and work with them fundraising to find a cure. I have been designing a secret fundraising activity that is currently in the works.
So to you cancer, thank you for teaching me strength and hope and the importance of keeping faith. Although, no one deserves to be affected by you and I WILL NOT let you hold me back ever again, I am stronger than ever now and you DO NOT scare me anymore.
To anyone who reads my story I hope this helps everyone affected by this disease or affected by anything that holds you back from doing things you love. Whatever you're going through, just know that it is not the end, it is truly just the beginning. You will succeed and you will do it beautifully.
With love,
Calista
Health and Happiness awaits...
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