Trusha Bhatt
Bumps and bruises were never a rarity in Trusha's life. As a competitive figure skater it was normal for her to wake up with body aches and knots after a practice session, so when she felt a couple of knots in her neck she didn't think much about it. But as the knots began to grow her parents became worried considering she had no other symptoms. After a round of antibiotics and no change in her condition, Trusha's physician referred her to an oncologist. The oncologist recommended a biopsy and CAT scan, which confirmed that she had stage four Hodgkin's disease. Trusha had just celebrated her 16th birthday and was entering her senior year in high school. Trusha spent her last year in high school receiving chemotherapy, which led to loss of hair and nauseating amounts of stomach pain. The only reason the treatments were bearable were the fact that she had a strong support system and a little brother to play with. Music, books and entertainment kept her going. Thankfully by the following February she was in remission and clear of the cancer. By May she walked across the stage and received her high-school diploma, something she never thought she'd ever be able to do.
She spent the next couple of years starting her undergraduate degree at the University of Kansas getting her life back together after experiencing such a tough battle. Half way through her sophomore year Trusha felt a small swollen gland in her neck. She instantly knew what it was but was too stubborn and scared to say anything to her parents. A few months went by and the gland continued to grow at a fast rate. Finally she broke down and told her parents. One thing led to another and she was once again diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease, except this time it was only stage one. Her oncologist told her that she had a 60% chance of being cured. Even though it hadn't spread as much as the first time, her oncologist still recommended an autologus stem cell transplant. She was diagnosed in May of 2000 and by August of 2000 she was in remission although she had to spend an additional six months homebound. She recently celebrated her ninth year in remission and is stronger than ever. Her family and friends are her backbone and she wouldn't be here without them or the amazing oncologists and nurses that saved her life. She has been volunteering her time as a speaker for the LLS and an angel for Imerman Angels.
Trusha's message to teenagers who think they can get away with anything - make a grown up decision and get yourself checked out. You'll be grateful for it in the long run because you'll be able to make your dreams come true much faster with a clean bill of health.