Christina's Story
Hello,
my name is Christina Renna I am 16 years old and about a year and a
half ago my life changed completely. I found out that I have cancer.
It’s called Rabdomyisonsarcoma. It’s easier to just say
Rhabdo, which is a soft tissue cancer. I had to undergo a year of
treatment just to find out that the cancer had returned. In January I
had surgery, by March the cancer was back. I just completed more
radiation treatment and just got back from the hospitable this passed
Wednesday. This has been a tough time for me but cancer has taught me
a lot about myself. I found out how strong I truly am. When you hear
the word cancer for the first time your life takes on a new meaning.
All the things that you thought were so important turn out not to be.
The things that you take for granted every day like eating, running,
school, friends and even your hair now become even more
special.
Relay for life give us hope for a brighter tomorrow
by bringing us all together. All that I thought about these last few
months as I went thought my treatments was about today and being here
with all of you. The relay for life gives us the chance to strike
back at this unseen enemy that hides within us. Together we get the
chance to help put an end to cancer. Fighting this fight may one day
save the live of someone you love or even your own life.
I
would like to thank the relay for life committee for asking me to
speak today. I thank everyone who has helped us especially the Knight
of Columbus and the Lindenhurst community. I found it unbelievable
how many people from around the world are praying for me. I hope and
pray for all of us that we find a cure soon.
A friend in
graphic arts class made me this shirt. I told them what I wanted it
to say. It says “I’m not sick… I just have
cancer.” This how I face cancer. I try to make the best of it
one way or another, weather its acting like a queen or just listening
to my favorite songs like “Bad Day” it helps me get by.
What you do here today matters more than I hope you will ever
know.
Thank you all.
~ Relay For Life Speech~
~May
2006~