When your world gets turned upside down, nothing seems to take your mind off the diagnosis, the treatments, the pain. Hospital visit after hospital visit feels endless and lonely. As a nineteen year old in a pediatric hospital you can imagine most events and activities aren't geared to my age group.

When my social worker, Zoe, introduced me to "The MIP Foundation" I was blown away. MIP, meaning, Most Important Person, is a new foundation assisting teens and young adults fighting cancer at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Their mission is to encourage and offer support to as many young adult oncology patients as possible.

Zoe nominated me for a "MIP Kit" where she interviewed me on my likes and interests outside of the new life I've been thrown into. She continued to tell me to share as many details as possible to make my kit as personalized as it could be.

Less than two weeks later, Zoe brought my kit to me while I was inpatient and really needing a pick-me-up. I held back tears as I was handed a huge tote bag stuffed to the brim! Full of journaling, coloring, and mindfulness books, snacks, face masks, fun little signs and cards to lift your spirits, and so much more!

While I was and still am overwhelmed by my MIP Kit, what touched my heart the most was the letter that came with it, written specifically for me. Founder, Melissa Delaney-Doliner, wrote to me, "You may have cancer, but cancer doesn't have you."

She went on to tell me that I am the Most Important Person in my treatment plan. Now each patient I see while receiving my treatments I consider the Most Important Person in their plan.

Receiving a MIP Kit was an honor and beyond appreciated, but aside from the physical gifts, knowing that there are people I don't even know supporting me to the extent they are is the best gift of all.

"The MIP Foundation" is still very new but I am looking forward to seeing what big things they accomplish in the name of Colin, the original MIP. He would be so proud of the foundation as well as to see us all fighting our hearts out with smiles on our faces.