As I lay here awake because the steroids are making my joint pain too uncomfortable to sleep, the chemo causing my fingers and toes to go absolutely numb, and preparing to begin a rant on how much this is starting to suck until it hit me…this might suck, but it’s not even the worst of my treatment. On top of not even beginning to compare to what I am potentially going to experience over the next few years of my life, I have a fighting chance. Why did I all of a sudden decide to go from bitch to optimistic person at 3:30 am on a Wednesday morning? The answer to that is Lauren Hill.
In Bloomington I rely on daily emails from the TheSkimm to keep me somewhat informed on current events so I never bother with checking local Cincinnati news. However, Lauren Hill is no longer just local news. She started raising public attention when her college, Mount Saint Joseph moved up their first basketball game against Hiram College this past November for the sole purpose of giving Lauren a chance to play in her first (she is adamant about not calling it her last) college basketball game. The tickets to this game sold out in thirty minutes. Fast forward five months and you can see Lauren’s recent appearances on The View, The Today Show, and watch a video made by ESPN that is currently nominated for an Emmy. What makes Lauren so exceptional? Lauren Hill is a regular nineteen year old girl faced with the challenge of battling a terminal pediatric brain cancer. Moreover, she has used her shitty situation to raise more than one million dollars for medical research. For her type of cancer the expected survival rate after diagnosis is nine to twelve months. Lauren has been diagnosed for a year and a half. She is outliving expectations and giving a voice to her cause while simultaneously dealing with knowing that no matter what she is going to die (I highly suggest you do more research on this awe-inspiring individual).
So why am I bringing this up? Because just by spending two hours in the “teen room” gluing on paper cutouts of butterflies to canvas as a way to stay entertained gave my enough of a chance to see how lucky I actually am when there are so many worse types of cancer. I have an eighty percent survival rate and that’s a hell of a lot better than Lauren’s zero percent.
Cancer is Stupid 
You are simply amazing! We are so proud of you and this positive attitude! We believe you are destined for great things Miss KT! Love, Pierre and Susan
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Katie,
Again your attitude is amazing, and it’s good to find inspiration in other people. It seems to me you share a lot of characteristics with Lauren Hill. Stay strong. Enjoy your grandparents’ visit. And believe me, it won’t be long before you look back on this time and see how it shapes the person you are already becoming. Overcoming this struggle will lead you to great things in life! I am sure of it!
Love,
Stephanie Kastner
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I saw a clip about her on CBS morning news months back. While sitting on my sofa I cried my eyes out. The tears came because of her courage, attitude,. and overwhelming support. The story has now hit way too close to my heart and has a deeper meaning.KT, I’ve been thinking about you when something seems tough. You motivate me and make anything possible because I know you have the courage and attitude she does. From what I hear, there will be days that lie ahead that just plain suck. I know you’ll have that fighting thought of Lauren,spirit o and courage, kindness, and a kick ass attitude to keep you tough. I love you my sweet and tough girl! PL&FC
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Katie
Hang in there kiddo. You motivate me with your postings. Stay strong, stay courageous. I love your attitude but understand what lies ahead and yet I know how strong and determined you can be. I pray today will be one of those KICK BUTT days for you sweetheart. Keeping powerful healing thought coming your way. Love you bunches.
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YOU are also inspiring … and your words remind me that “it’s all about perspective” — ain’t it!! Amazing courage inspires others and thank you for sharing your inspiration, your words and your courage. And, I’m the distant mom that mixed you and your sister up — sorry about that — i knew something was off on my end — actually its always been kind of that way. 😉
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Katie,
I know that we didn’t talk much in high school, but I love to read your blog and I am so, so inspired by your optimism and kickass attitude. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Warmly,
Erica Leavitt (Pierce)
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Your strength is awesome. Love reading your blog. Take care-
Liza (I’m a friend of your aunt Shannon;))
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YOU Go Girl AND 80% TO THE Avg PERSON Is Alot But TO A Girl Like you…A GRAB THE Horns Of THE Bull AND Ride IT…. Is A 100% SO IM Going WITH THAT. You my friend will raise more awareness with all your positive energy for many many years to come I have lots of faith in you. So grab those horns sister and ride ride ride….it may be bumpy and you may be sore but you will win this challenge I’m sure. Xox May The.. Bryce.. Caelan and Mrs Hueber force be with you.
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