Today was my last clinic appointment where I had to receive chemo. So I did what anyone in my position did….I celebrated! My mom bought a cake that said “Ian’s last chemo” and I put on the cap and gown from graduation.
Ian’s last visit to the clinic
“It’s the only place where I can be myself 100% of the time.”
I spent my first week of July at Camp Mak-A-Dream in Montana all thanks to Embrace Kids Foundation. This has been the third year going to the camp. Every year I go, I find myself more in love with the camp and the people. I love that truly blessed week.
Line Dancing at Camp Mak-A-Dream
During camp, there is a celebration of life where we talk about the people we have lost. I cried until my tear ducts ran dry. Continue reading
“I had to thank high school for getting me through cancer and I had to thank cancer for getting me through high school.”
Ian with Mom, Sue and Dr. Glod
My name is Ian Scheuerman, and I have recently taken a couple of huge steps in my life, including graduating from high school, beginning my first year of college, and completing my final treatment for leukemia. Continue reading
“Cancer was something brought into my life that I cannot take back. Even though it was a struggle, I love where it brought me and how much of a better person it has made me become.”
Emily - Dancing with the RU Dance Team
My name is Emily Amador, and I am a pediatric cancer survivor. I have just begun my sophomore year at Rutgers, and am a member of the RU Dance Team. The day of March 16th 2010 changed my entire life and the way I see the world. I was always a positive person, pushing myself to be my very best at everything I did, but my diagnosis made me work that much harder to achieve my goals. Nothing would get in my way, even after my cancer diagnosis. I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma during my senior year of high school. I was so worried that I wouldn’t be able to finish the end of my senior year, attend college, and continue my life as a dancer. Continue reading
Running the Leadville 50
I should probably start with the basics. Hi guys, my name is Alex, I am an extremely proud 2010 Rutgers Dance Marathon and Chi Psi fraternity alumni, and recently I did something to raise money for Embrace Kids Foundation that most people would regard as a little crazy. I currently live in Breckenridge, Colorado and on July 17th, I ran in the Leadville Silver Rush 50 Mile Trail Race. Leadville is a town not too far from Breckenridge. The race took me everywhere…from beautiful alpine meadows, to deep down forest paths, and way up to 12,000 feet on four separate occasions. Continue reading
“After 16 rounds of Chemo over 13 months and the amputation of her left leg, Kaela was free and clear of cancer.”
After 16 rounds of chemo over 13 months and the amputation of her left leg, Kaela was free and clear of cancer. Of course this meant she would need physical therapy to regain strength that was lost due to her confinement in bed. After a year of working with physical therapist and close friend, Kaela regained enough strength to earn her independence again.
Kaela and family on the Disney Cruise
Kaela is a brave little girl and a beacon of hope to everyone who crosses her path. Continue reading
“Kaela and I get ready every morning together and she always tells me the similarities between us, while the rest of the world only sees the differences.”
Even brave Kaela was very nervous on May 30th, 2007 when she was driven to CHOP (The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia) for the amputation of her left leg above the knee. As her older sister, I only wanted the absolute best for her. We learned just how many things would have to be modified or compromised due to the amputation and it was pretty shocking. Simple things like walking through the mall or taking an escalator would now be very risky.
Kaela learning to use her new leg
In August of 2007, Kaela received her first prosthetic leg. Kaela wasn’t too thrilled about having to wear a fake limb, but warmed up to it after a year of us nagging her to wear it. Day after day, Kaela worked on her strut and balance. Continue reading
“5 year old Kaela’s innocence and belief that everything will turn out right is the one thing that kept her from feeling what the rest of us all felt.”
Kaela’s story was written by her 15 year old sister, Destiny, pictured with Kaela…
Kaela with sister Destiny (age 15)
My little sister; Katherine (or “Kaela”) was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in 2007 at the young age of 5. Four years later, our little Kaela holds her head up high and smiles brighter than ever. Here is the story behind her bright shiny face and bubbly laughter. Continue reading
Embrace Kids is launching a blog because there are many extraordinary children, families and stories that we want to share with you. We also want the blog to be a source of positive and valuable information for everyone. Continue reading