" We cannot direct the wind...but we can adjust the sails... "

A little about me...

Hi! My name is Crystal. I am 22 years old. I am Senior in college - Elementary Education major. Some of my hobbies and interests... working with children, shopping with friends.

Information about my illness...

In 1992, when I was 14 years old, I was diagnosed with Osteogenic Sarcoma. I was treated at Duke University Medical Center. I had chemotherapy and surgery.

My words to others...

My suggestions to other survivors are... Always know that you are no different than others, you were just specially picked to carry out a strong inspirational message.

The most important lesson I learned from my experience is... We too often take life for granite. We think that bad things only happen to other people and never to us. I have learned how precious life is and to live everyday like it is my last.

A positive outcome from my experience is... I am a stronger person now. Little things that happen in life just don't bother me anymore. I am reminded of my cancer almost everyday and as I go places with my friends or try new things in life I think, wow!, I got the chance to do this.

" I was diagnosed with osteosarcoma (bone cancer) in my right shoulder when I was 14 years old. I went through months of chemotherapy along with the removal of the upper part of my bone which was replaced with a steel rod. I am now 22 and do not have full motion in my arm but I am cancer free and doing great and I thank God and my family every day for helping me through it and for the stronger person I became because of it. *cancer survivors/current patients please e-mail me [email protected] I would love to hear from someone who knows what I felt."