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Emily Lester 
Hi, welcome to Emily's caringbridge! This site has been provided to keep friends and family updated on my progress. As a three time cancer survivor, it seems as though I was forced to grow up a lot faster than most kids. Quite frankly, I am determined that this will be my last battle. I am extremely sick of this disease. It is an omen that has consumed my life for far too long. My original diagnosis occurred on October 17, 2001, three days after my twelfth birthday. Doctor’s gave my family the devastating news. I had acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the most common form of cancer in children. It wasn’t until later that week when I began to understand the gravity of my situation. I was old enough to know what cancer was, however for my own protection, the words never seemed to be spoken aloud. After a few days, all I had made out were bits and pieces of a diagnosis. I stayed on full alert, listening to my parents whispers. I questioned each secret hallway meetings as my parents stepped outside to talk with the doctors. Finally I had made out sentences such as “blood disease” and “leukemia”. Unfortunately, I was too scared to ask questions or clarify the facts. I barely understood what was going on until one day I found the courage to confront my parents. So I have cancer, right? It was the hardest question they’ve ever had to answer. However, they knew that I needed the facts. The bits and pieces about "disease" and "leukemia" were terrifying. My only reference to the term was a Barbara Bush biography that I had read over the summer. The biography had mentioned the death of her child to "leukemia." Recognizing the name of the disease, I feared that soon my family would lose me too.
Those first three years of chemotherapy were quite a battle. However, despite the constant suffering and fatigue, I continued to recover, working toward my high school goals of attending the SPHS International Baccalaureate program. In fighting this illness, I have come to realize that were many gifts in my cancer experience; it just took me awhile to notice. After learning of my relapse in November 2005, my family traveled to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN. There Doctor’s determined that a bone marrow transplant would be my best chance for a cure. Fortunately, my younger sister, hero, and best friend, Catherine, was a perfect match. Transplant was tough! Probably one of the hardest challenges I have ever faced! Following more chemotherapy and total body irradiation, my cancerous marrow was completely wiped out. Infused with my sisters healthy cells, all I could do was wait. Weak and fatigued, I spent months suffering through the awful complications and side-effects. For almost a year, I awaited the slow recovery of my immune system. Meanwhile, my life and dreams sat temporarily on hold. However, despite the pain and suffering, I kept up my spirits and studies, refusing to give up. Through my lonesome year in isolation, I continued to gain strength. In July, 2006, I was finally able to return home. In 2007, I transferred to Seminole High School as a full time student. This year I finally got my license and am now a senior attending high school full time. My coarse load is pretty heavy as I am taking several honors/AP classes. I also continue my education through Florida Virtual School. I have returned to my volunteer work with organizations such as The American Cancer Society and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. This year I have also joined several clubs and extra-curricular activities. Following months of hard work, I recently received news of my acceptance to Duke University. This year it seemed as if my hard work and determination had finally paid off. Up until Thursday January 24th, everything had been going great. The news of my latest relapse has come to our family as a great shock! I still can't believe that this is happening again. Duke is still waiting and I am determined that I wil be there this fall. I am currently back at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
We ask that each and everyone please pray for Emily as she faces this next challenge. We have so many decisions to make; keeping in mind that none will come easy.
“Living in a constant sea of devastation, I have witnessed innocence wounded, and come to terms with the precariousness of life. These angels living on in my heart are my reason for wanting to make a difference.” Emily Lester
 I Will Keep Adding More Pictures... Chemo Crew Craft & Design
Curing cancer one bead at a time...
Journal
Monday, October 13 2008 6:25 AM EDT Tomorrow would have been Emily's 19th birthday. In her honor, Catherine has set up a fundraiser to benefit The American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. Stop by the Tyrone Blvd or Tyrone Mall locations between 2-8pm or the Seminole location 5-8pm. You must bring one of the fliers for Emily's Relay Team, The Chemo Crew, to receive a percentage of the sale. Fliers will be available at the Tyrone Blvd and Seminole locations or you can e-mail me at pplester169@aol.com and I will e-mail you a printable version. The Tyrone Blvd location, located at Tyrone & 66th Str N, will host face painting and a balloon raffle. Thanks to everyone who is coming out to help including Seminole High's "Warhawks against Cancer". Hope to see you there.
On another note, we just learned that a young man who went to school with Emily, who registered to be a bone marrow donor last spring, was found to be a match. He is scheduled to donate in two weeks. Please pray for not only him but for the recipient. For all those who worked so diligently on the drives; know that this is what makes it all worthwhile.
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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2008
****If you eat at Chili's today, they are donating all the proceeds to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Emily and I were there to see the the Chili's patient care center built. It's very impressive and state of the art.
Also, Catherine and I will be volunteering at the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's "Light the Night" this Saturday, in downtown St. Pete. Hope to see you there!
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9/11/08
It's been a long time since I've been here as an author. I know that besides me, Catherine and Steve check this site everyday. There's so much to say but I am 'not there' yet.
*****Mark your calendars for October 14, 2008 - Emily's 19th birthday. Catherine has decided to honor Emily in a most appropriate way. She has set up a fundraiser at the Chic-Fil-A Restaurants in both Tyrone Mall and across the street from the mall on Tyrone Blvd. Catherine and the 'Crew' will be distributing fliers which you can bring to both restaurants. A portion of what you spend to eat, will be donated to the "Chemo Crew's" Relay for Life Team.
They will also do face-painting and a balloon raffle. If you have any items (gift cards/certificates etc), to donate for the raffle, please let us know.
*****In addition, we just learned that Wendy & Al Johnson and their Motion Sports Management Company, have partnered with St. Jude. Runners at their sponsored events, will have the opportunity to become a St. Jude Hero, and raise money for the hospital. Thank You for honoring the memory of our "Em" in such a special way!!!
*****We signed the final papers which establishes the EMILY LESTER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP. The scholarship will recognize one graduating student each year; beginning with Catherine's '09 class. The student will be evaluated and selected based on their community/volunteer services; GPA; financial need; school involvement; and overcoming an obstacle. The scholarship is being administered through:
The Pinellas Education Foundation
12090 Starkey Road
Largo, FL 33773
Tax deductible contributions can be made directly to the Foundation, in memory of Emily.
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