By: Cristy Ecton
By the time Hannah celebrated her 18th birthday this June, she had already adjusted to the pandemic and so much more. Hannah was diagnosed with leukemia as the second semester of her senior year in High School began. At graduation, she had a lot to celebrate as she was officially in remission. Besides a few of her family, everyone who wanted to watch her cross the stage at her small East Texas town’s football stadium had to watch on Facebook Live.
Through cancer treatment and side effects, Hannah says, “I don’t want to be helicoptered.” However, she did appreciate her school giving her the red-carpet treatment as she was driven to the stage by a four-wheeler in case the weather got too hot.
She remembers how anxious she was to cross the stage. The cap fell of her head, “But my wig stayed on,” she says. Besides wearing a wig because of losing her hair from chemotherapy, Hannah conceded to wearing flats with her cap and gown. Weakness in the feet, referred to as drop foot, is a lesser known chemotherapy side effect that kept Hannah from choosing her favorite high-heel shoes.
Patients receiving cancer treatment during a global pandemic adds a significant added layer of social isolation, stress, and other challenges. Due to treatment demands, Hannah celebrated her birthday in the hospital. As a part of the Children’s Health adolescent/young adult (AYA) patient group, Hannah is simultaneously managing cancer treatment while becoming an adult within a healthcare system.
Because of Amazon gift card donations by Children’s Cancer Fund, the Oncology Child Life team were able to select a planner and special pens as a way to both celebrate Hanna’s birthday and honor her transition to adulthood in a way that promoted future-oriented and hopeful thinking about her life as she progresses through cancer treatment and far beyond. Hannah has at least two more years of cancer treatment, but she is not waiting on cancer as she plans to start esthetician school in the spring.
Psychologist Dr. Jenna Oppenheim says, “It is common for young adults to think about how cancer may impact their short- and long-term goals, and Hannah wished to be intentional with goal-setting and thinking about her future.” Hannah is very thankful for these donations. She says, “Makes me feel like there is someone who cares.”
These donations are critical to continue providing patients gifts that are empowering and individualized to their unique interests, goals, and aspirations – particularly during these challenging times where other types of support or presence cannot be safely provided.