The CureSearch for Children’s Cancer Survivorship Council was formed in February 2014 to build awareness and support for childhood cancer survivors. We’re grateful to have a team of men and women who are dedicated to developing survivorship education and resources for children, teens and young adults who have completed their treatment for childhood cancer.
Today’s childhood cancer story features the daughter of Survivorship Council member Kaitlin Kurdyla. When Delaney was only 3 months old, she was diagnosed with stage IV high risk neuroblastoma MYCN amplification, unfavorable histology.
Delaney has been NED (no evidence of detection) for three years, but there have been late-term effects such as chronic, severe bone and nerve pain requiring multiple daily medicines and weekly hospital appointments for pain management therapies, bilateral hearing loss requiring hearing aids, several GI, organ and tissue issues, extreme fatigue and her immune system is still compromised. All of these factors and more contribute to her having to be homeschooled by the town because a traditional school setting is not possible at this time.
We asked 6-year-old Delaney a few questions about her survivor story. Here are her answers, in her own words:
Q. What one word or phrase best describes what it feels like to be a cancer survivor?
A. Happy!
Q. What is your proudest moment/accomplishment in life?
A. Being a kindergartener! (A day my mom thought she may never see!)
Q. What advice would you give to a child with cancer?
A. You have lots of power, defeat it, imagine ripping it out – be brave and try to do everything you can that makes you happy…Being happy makes you stronger.
This question was for Kaitlin:
Q. What advice would you give to a parent/family member of someone with cancer?
A. Don’t let the bad days get you low because it’s hard enough to move forward without having to climb out of a low place. At the same time, don’t let the good days get you too up, because the bad days will hit you harder. Just move forward and take things as they come, one piece at a time.
After Delaney was diagnosed I quickly realized cancer and the late term effects would permanently affect our lives. My goal for her in life is to be happy, healthy and help other people. I believe through helping other kids she will prosper.
Today Delaney is a busy, beautiful 6 year old and Kaitlin is a working, single mom and active member of the Survivorship Council. Together they make pediatric cancer awareness and research funding a top priority in their lives.
We’re always looking for new Survivorship Council members. If you’re interested in becoming a member or to learn more, please contact Sarita Sastry at research@curesearch.org.
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