It has been 3 years. Three years since the person who inspired this journey left this earth. Zach Kraus was the reason I decided to pursue a career in Nursing. Zach was diagnosed with ALL. After battling ALL for many years he went into remission with the help of his sister and a bone marrow transplant. This transplant caused Graft vs host disease. He endured radiation, chemotherapy, 30 surgeries, a bone marrow transplant, a liver transplant, and constant pain. He fought his way back after numerous infections nearly took his life and continues to inspire people all over the world.
Our mothers were and still are best friends. We grew up together in play groups. Zach wasn't diagnosed until after we moved away and unfortunately I did not have the opportunity to see him after his diagnosis. That does not diminish his effect on my life. I followed closely on his care link page that was updated by his mother and at time himself. Even through his illness he put others first. He raised 11,000 dollars to buy PlayStation's and gaming systems for children to have in the hospital to play when they stayed on the oncology wing. He also used to money to help pay for a friends bone marrow treatment. He was selfless. He was and is my hero.
Zach decided on his own to end his treatment. At the age of 16 he made the decision to stop fighting. He chose to end his battle in the place where it all started at St. Christopher's. I refuse to admit cancer won this battle. Zach took his diagnosis and changed lives. He took his time in the hospital and effected every nurse that came in contact with him. He changed the life of his oncologist. He effected people who lived across the world, people whom he had never met.
Now that I am in nursing school, there is rarely a day that he doesn't cross my mind. I believe he is looking out for me while I go through this journey. Giving me the extra push when I am exhausted and have mountains of paperwork to get through.
There is an issue. Out of 10 children diagnosed with cancer, 2 will not survive past 5 years. 1 of those will pass the five year mark but die soon after. More than 95% of the survivors will suffer serious and chronic complications by the age of 45. We need more funding. We need more research. I am putting a few links for donation sites and more of Zach's story. I can guarantee it will touch your life. Wear orange today in honor of Zach and every other child who battles cancer.
Thank you Zach. Thank you for showing me what it truly means to be strong and fight. Thank you for inspiring me to make a difference and work with children and families suffering from cancer and its treatments. Thank you. We miss you.
https://www.facebook.com/zach.kraus.94
http://www.acco.org/SupportUs/MakeaDonation.aspx
http://www.alexslemonade.org
http://articles.mcall.com/2011-07-26/health/mc-health-zach-kraus-20110726_1_zach-kraus-leukemia-bone-marrow-transplant
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