Two years ago, the biggest concern for freshman Michelle Little was graduating high school and coming to Ohio University But her life was turned upside down by a silent and deadly intruder.
When Little, who described herself as healthy and active, came down with a fever, shortness of breath and chest pains, she was rushed to the emergency room. After a few X-rays and blood tests, doctors found that Little had fluid in her chest and dropped the bomb
she said. Her doctor told her she had cancer in her lung cavity and diagnosed her with Ewing's sarcoma.
According to the American Cancer Society Web site (www.cancer.org), this cancerous bone tumor is found in about 250 children and adolescents each year in the United States. This bone tumor occurs mostly in the middle of long bones in the legs or arms, as well as in pelvic bones or in the chest near the ribs.
I was blown off my feet when they told me my cells were cancerous Little said.
She underwent a year of surgeries and treatments at the Akron Children's Hospital and had positive results. Everything seemed to be going well for her as she went back to work and prepared for her freshman year at OU.
Back at OU Fall Quarter, Little, a visual communications major, joined several clubs, including Relay For Life. She wanted to make a difference by sharing her experience with cancer to give others hope for the future.
She shared her story with me because I was intrigued. I had never been close to anyone our age who had dealt with cancer so it really opened my eyes
said friend Kelsey Fazenbaker, an OU freshman psychology major.
As part of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Little and her family celebrated her recovery by going on a cruise during winter break.
Life went back to normal and was going well
Little said.
But a few weeks later during a routine check-up, she found out her cancer had returned. The doctor administered a schedule of several surgeries and chemotherapy treatments, advising her not to return for Winter Quarter.
I was shocked when she told me
Fazenbaker said. It made me look at my own life differently and respect her even more because of everything she has to go through again.
The continued support of her OU friends showed through when Little made a visit to OU in January.
When I came to visit
I had lost most of my hair but to them it was no big deal
Little said.
Since her visit, Little has gone through several surgeries and has been recovering at home as an outpatient.
Although Little will be undergoing a minor surgery today and be unable to attend Relay For Life, she is excited that her friends will walk in her honor. Because of Little's love for cows, the team decided on the name Mick's Moo Moos.
It seems unreal. Despite everything she's going through
she's so energetic and truly an inspiration
said friend Lauren Smith, president of OU's Relay for Life.
Little thinks students should take part in Relay whether or not they have been affected by cancer and hopes her story reaches OU students.
Relay allows students to take time from themselves and help make a difference
she said. It is not just about raising the money
