What I am about to discuss is not typically something I tell anyone. My family and some of my closest friends know about my past, but now I am opening up for the first time. In 2003, I was your typical 8 year old. I loved going to school, couldn’t wait to go to recess with my friends, I had great friends, and wanted to watch cartoons on Saturday mornings. Suddenly, my life was completely changed.
I got very sick out of nowhere. I spent a week at home doing nothing but sleeping and laying around. I didn’t have an appetite and refused to do anything. On Friday evening of that week, I couldn’t feel my right hand. Being so young, I though I was just worn out and needed food. My parents thought it was something much worse. My parents called the doctor and they encouraged us to go to the Emergency Room. We quickly went to the nearest hospital and the doctor was honest with us. “I honestly don’t know what’s wrong with her. I’m sorry I don’t want to provide an incorrect diagnosis." At that moment, I was rushed to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for immediate testing. Looking back, I think this doctor was the real hero that day.
By the time I arrived in Philadelphia, I couldn’t use the whole right side of my body. I could barely walk or use my arm. At first, the medical team thought that I had suffered from a stroke and wanted to continue testing me overnight. I hardly remember anything that happened that day, but as the days went on, I learned more.
Eventually, the doctors told my parents and me that I had a virus. Basically, one side of my brain was temporarily paralyzed and it affected the entire right side of my body. It took weeks of treatment to finally make me healthy again. I missed 3 weeks of school and my world had been turned upside down. At one point in time, doctors were not sure if I was going to survive this. This situation took a huge toll on my family, but we all stuck it out together.
My parents are the strongest people I know. They took turns sleeping in the hospital every night for two weeks and made sure I had everything I needed. When the situation got tough, they stood by me. My grandparents dropped everything they were doing to spend time with me and take care of my younger brother. Even some of my closest friends came to the hospital as soon as they heard about my condition. I received tons of love, gifts and good wishes for a speedy recovery.
After my condition had been stabilized, I attended occupational therapy for a short period of time in order to regain my strength and skills. I had forgotten how to perform many basic tasks. Things that we take for granted every day, I had to learn again. I had to learn how to lift with my right hand and arm. I also needed to learn how to use a fork and a knife again. Even after I was sent home from the hospital, it took me a long time to get my health back to normal.
Don’t take life or anything else that you have for granted. Life is so precious and occasionally, I think we all forget that, myself included. I am grateful every single day for my health and those who care about me. If it weren’t for the great doctors and supporting staff at CHOP, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Sometimes, when I’m having a bad day, I think about how much worse things have been for me before. When I feel like giving up, I remember that I have my good health. So, when you’re having a terrible day at work or get a bad grade on a big exam, think about how much worse your life could be. Don’t forget about the things that you already have and be thankful every day.
