Every month FOX 25 brings awareness to different types of cancers in our FOX 25 Fights Cancer series. This month, we're highlighting Sarcomas. In 2010, life was normal for Barbara Thornton of Oklahoma City. But in November that year, Barbara noticed something odd. It was an egg-shaped lump on her right collarbone.
Dear Former Self
Originally appeared on Limbitless Sunshine
I don't have many regrets. I could have studied a little harder in school and mended some friendships sooner, but looking through old photos over the last week has stirred up some emotions about the person I once was. Maybe it was how clearly I could spot my tumor on the side of my right knee, or maybe it was that I still had a right leg. I think we all wish we could tell our former selves a thing or two. Not enough to change our path, but just enough to help us get through the lowest points with a bit more hope.
We all lose little pieces of ourselves when tragedy hits, and if we're lucky, we find a way to grow back some of what we lost in the form of strength. The breakups, the lost jobs, the setbacks, don't define us — they tell a story of what we've been through and so, they teach us lessons. What would you tell yourself 5, 10, 20 years ago? I'll go first.
Dear former self,
I know you think you have been through it all, but there is still so much life in front of you, and so there is some sadness and fight to come. Hug your parents tight, tell them you love them way more often than necessary, and please know that cancer will not defeat your spirit. Rest easier knowing that you will get past it and will be able to share your story with other survivors and supporters. Look at each birthday as the gift that it is — another trip around the sun and more wisdom with which to be your own advocate and know your worth. Soak up the small, beautiful moments you once glossed over so carelessly. You only get so many. You will lose a leg, but you will gain a super fancy robot leg that helps you get around and is covered in gold glitter. Rock it. I know you feel alone now, trying to find anyone who has even heard of Parosteal Osteosarcoma. You won't feel alone for long. There are others out there and they will be a part of a large support system and community that keep you going and give you a reason to write down your thoughts each week. Count your blessings. You have many more than what can be seen on the surface. I know you feel sick to your stomach with worry now, but this too shall pass. KEEP GOING and KEEP FIGHTING. Someday, your words will mean something to someone halfway across the world who has almost given up and all that you've been through to get here will have been worth it, if only to help just one person.
Belfast model who lost leg to cancer becomes first Miss Northern Ireland finalist with disability or difference
A Belfast model is preparing to shine on stage as she becomes the first person with a difference or disability to become a Miss Northern Ireland finalist. 25-year-old Bernadette Hagans is ready to inspire the next generation of girls across the world as she has never let losing her leg to cancer stop her from living her life.
‘The World Is Now Pulling for You’: Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson Sends an Inspiring Video to a 10-Year-Old Girl Battling Ewing Sarcoma
10-year-old Luna Perrone was diagnosed with a type of bone cancer called Ewing sarcoma just three weeks before turning 10. Perrone is currently undergoing chemotherapy, and has received lots of messages of love and encouragement along the way. Even “The Rock” sent the superfan, who calls herself “The Pebble,” an encouraging video message via Instagram.
'I trained for a 1,000-mile cycle on chemotherapy'
‘Bodybuilding Revealed My True Grit’: A College Student With One in a Million Cancer Says Lifting Weights Saved Him
Luke Haithcock was diagnosed with a very rare cancer, monophasic synovial sarcoma of the median nerve of the hand, when he was just 15 years old in 2017. He underwent surgery, chemotherapy and radiation to treat his disease, but still made time for trips to the gym during his off-weeks of chemotherapy. His desire to thrive, not just survive, during his battle with cancer led him to his passion for bodybuilding. More research is needed on the effects of exercise during cancer treatment, but one of our experts says being in good shape during a cancer battle is beneficial. We also know that doing things that bring you joy during cancer treatment can help you maintain a positive outlook during treatment and possibly even have better treatment outcomes.
Golf Legend Tiger Woods — On Crutches After Major Car Accident — Inspires a 10-Year-Old Soccer Player Battling Ewing Sarcoma
Tiger Woods recently met up with a 10-year-old soccer player in Florida to tell her to “stay strong” amid her battle with Ewing sarcoma. The term sarcoma is used to describe an array of more than 70 rare cancers of the bones and soft tissues. This diverse group of diseases accounts for only about one percent of tumors in adults and just over 10 percent of tumors in children.
Sarcoma Survivor Who Lost Her Leg Due to Cancer is the First Amputee to Compete in Miss World Pageant Qualifier: ‘Looking Different Doesn’t Make You Any Less’
Twenty-five year old Bernadette Hagans from Belfast, Ireland, lost her leg to synovial sarcoma, a rare cancer, but is not letting it define her as she becomes the first amputee to compete for the iconic Miss World beauty pageant. The strong-willed survivor not only displays her prosthetic leg proudly on Instagram (and shows off the different colors she has to match different outfits), but she makes it known that she also intends to compete in the Paralympics for running.
Woman, 22, given four months to live helps others with cancer beat acute loneliness
Ewing Sarcoma Survivor Cody O’Connor Was Told He’d Never Walk Normally Again. Now He’s Walking 3,000 Miles Across the Country To Raise Awareness
25-year-old Cody O’Connor was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma 11 years ago, but now he is cancer-free after 54 days of chemotherapy, 25 days of radiation and six surgeries beginning at the age of 14. O’Connor plans to walk across the country to raise money for pediatric cancer patients and their families through his non-profit Champions Do Overcome.