April 24, 2012 was a day that redefined my life. It was on that day I received the news that I had Cancer. The Cancer that chose me was Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. And at a time when most of my friend and classmates were looking forward to proms and summer at the beach, I was about to face the biggest challenge of my life with the prospect of surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation treatments. But what started as hardship or misfortune has actually become a blessing, one that has changed my life and strengthened my faith more than ever.
During my journey I met some of the most inspirational cancer patients, survivors, family members and medical professional who supported and encouraged me and my family throughout my ordeal. Their strength, dedication and faith in god provided us with the thing we needed the most – hope. And although my illness kept me from realizing some academic goals and athletic aspirations I had set for myself during my high school career, it taught me some valuable life lessons such as humility, dignity and faith .. I believe that as obstacles and challenges surface throughout one’s life, and plans are somehow disrupted or altered, other opportunities present themselves through gods will and opened up possibilities that can be equally satisfying and rewarding.
I consider myself lucky and truly blessed to be a cancer survivor. I have been in remission for over a year now however I realize that there is always a possibility that it may return. Last fall as a matter of fact I located several swollen lymph nodes which gave me a brief scare. Prior to the visit with my Oncologist I told myself that if the Hodgkin’s did return, I will fight it the same way I fought it the first time, with faith and tenacity. Luckily it was a false alarm and I have remained healthy ever since.
While in treatment, I made a promise to myself that when and if I was on the road to recovery, I would dedicate myself to living a healthier lifestyle and giving back to the people, organizations, schools and churches that stepped up to help me and my family when we needed it most. With regard to my first promise, I am convinced that more than ever that diet and exercise are critical components in maintaining good health and a positive outlook on life
in general. I believe that what we consume each day has a direct impact of our short term and long term health. I carefully prepare each meal every day and have become a role model for friends and classmates with regard to healthy eating. Since regaining my strength after my treatments, I have also focused a lot of time and effort on exercise as well. I participate in a “Cross-Fit” regimen daily, running and weight training. And I am most happy that in my senior year, I am finally able to be a contributing member of my high school lacrosse team once again.
During my illness, there were so my people, churches and organizations who reached out to me for support. Many were people I hardly knew or did not know at all. But over the course of my ordeal, I developed a close bond with many of them. Their energy, faith and selflessness was infectious and something to be emulated and admired. In fact, I stayed in touch with a student volunteers at the Lighthouse Cancer Retreat I attended two summers ago
who will be my roommate next year when we go away to college. My goal is to do what I can to repay some of the kindness and effort through service and volunteerism.
I am so excited to have been accepted to attend the University of Arizona next fall. I feel it is the right choice for me as I enter the next chapter of my academic career. And although I am currently uncommitted to a major, I am leaning towards a concentration in Pre-Law. The legal profession is something I have always been interested in, and I would certainly pursue a law degree if I choose that field as my focus. Working for a non-profit organization as a
lawyer would provide me with an excellent opportunity to work in an interesting profession as well as giving back in some small way to worthwhile organizations. The Faith, Hope, and Love Jesus Scholarship would provide me much needed financial support towards achieving my college goals.
I am excited about starting the next chapter of my academic career healthy and with a new outlook life. I hope what I’ve learned and experienced over the last 4 years will help prepare me for what’s ahead of me. I appreciate the Faith, Hope, and Love Jesus Foundations’ consideration of me as a candidate for the award and look forward to a positive response from the selection committee.
-McKenzie Casal