" When you are down and feel like there is no hope, remember, You always can count on friends and family to pick you up."

A little about me...

Hi! My name is Jason. I am 19 years old. I am Currently between jobs. Some of my hobbies and interests... I love to surf the net, I enjoy to go and watch movies at the theatres and to the races. I collect autographs. I am a huge figure skating fan. May sound odd, but it feels right.

Information about my illness...

In 1983, when I was 5 years old, I was diagnosed with an Optical Gleeoma tumor. I was treated at University of Madison in Wisconsin. I had chemotherapy.

My words to others...

My suggestions to other survivors are... In the case I have had I was the first one with this type or tumor to ever be treated in Madison. My doctor would consult with other doctors in PA. The odds were against me. However, I really was scared, I had the nurses, doctors and family taking care of me. During those days, I would just have as much fun as I could, and I still do. Don't threw it away, once you survive, have fun, be happy. Remember, You can survive.

The most important lesson I learned from my experience is... Threw the chemo, I felt sick and had the thoughts of life stinks. Now I am almost 20 and say, life may still be boring and tough, but not as tough as the chemo. I also learned that the friends I have made threw this, where made for life. I have survivied.

A positive outcome from my experience is... I would say the most positive outcoom is making new friends at the 2 Kids With Courage reunions, and during the days and nights in the hospital and doctors offices. Also meeting Cindy Crawford helped a lot because the first time I met her, I was shaking and so nervous, and then yesterday, I met her and said hello and shook her hand, and I knew, that in shaking her hand, and posing for a picture with her, she was a person like you and me. Before I met Cindy I would have got an autograph threw the mail and sell it to make money, now I would charish it and keep it for life. Be happy with what people have given you. I am, the nurses, doctors, Cindy Crawford, and my family have given me life.

" Tho, now legally blind, I would not change my past if I could. If I never had this, I would have never met the great people at the hospital. I would not have the fond memories of all the good times, and even looking back at it, The treatmant, was harsh, but I would not change my past. It all is for the betterment of humankind. So now, if a frightened child comes in, the doctors can say with confidence. You will Survive."