Lightening does strike twice...

Eighteen years ago in October I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, stage 1 with a mass in my chest the size of a pear. I was 21 years old. This September, eighteen years later, my 19 year old niece (soon to be 20 in February) has been diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma, stage 3 with a mass in her chest the size of a pear, infected nodes on both sides of her neck and spotting on her spleen. Really? Oh my gosh. Here begins our family's second nightmare with this battle with cancer. I wasn't shocked. When Kristin showed us the swelling on her neck...I knew. I just knew. I kept it to myself while we all encouraged her to go to the doctor. But I knew. I some how feel responsible. That's weird huh? I know it's not my fault, but I almost feel as if because I had it she now has it. Ridiculous. But the feeling is there just the same. My mind was spinning with so many different emotions. Freaked out cause of all the memories that came flooding back, not just through casual recollection like when I tell others my story, but like being punched in the stomach with all of the feelings, emotions, smells, discomforts, pains of what I went through. Then after the selfish couple of minutes it hits me like a ton of bricks that she is going to live this crappy story too. Might be different, could be easier, but she's still going to have to endure it. I lost it, in the car, by myself. Danny was distraught. My Mom jumped into Nurse mode. My Dad looked like a deer caught in the lights. My sister was running around a like a chicken with her head cut off. Eric was quiet, trying to hold it in. Cassie seemed a little confused. Danny M. seemed confused also. Just like the day I got my phone call, I will never forget the day Kristin got her news. For a few days I felt as if I was hovering over my past like in the movie A Christmas Carol. Watching myself go through the motions that I had already experience first hand. It was strange, eerie and kind of silent. Things are better now though. We've had time for it all to sink in. Time to realize that things have come a long way in 18 years and there is no reason that she should have the complications I did. No reason to not be positive and hold on to the idea that she will go through her treatment, go into remission and go on with a normal HEALTHY life. She is so strong and positive. I am so proud of her. I have learned more about her in the last 2 weeks than I ever thought I could. I am so thankful for my life despite all of the medical obstacles and I know that is one of the biggest lessons she is already realizing. Our family is strong, we have an abundance of faith and I know that we will overcome. More importantly SHE will overcome. God bless you Krissy B!

KRISTIN'S MEDICAL EXPENSE FUND

America First Credit Union

PO Box 9199

Ogden, Utah 84409

Checks payable to Michele Correa or Kristin Correa

Acct# 25984493