Jun 10
30
Ambassador Profile: Rachel MacDonald
Rachel MacDonald: Woodstock, Ontario
Age: 8
Attend Innerkip Central School
Hobbies: Playing on my Webkinz and Nintendo DS, going to church and Sunday School and singing when I am able, I also love doing my work from school, either when I am at school or at home or the hospital on RazKids and Starfall programs on the internet.
Type of cancer that has affected me or my family Brain Cancer / Medulloblastoma
Number of years on treatment: 1
Number of celebrated years off treatment: Currently undergoing treatment, to be completed around November 2009
My toughest challenge with childhood cancer: Being away from my 1 year younger sister Emely when mommy and I have to stay in the hospital, and as well time away from school when we are at the hospital. In the beginning we would be in the hospital for weeks at a time, now we go about 8 days per month as long as everything goes well. Also, my port does not give blood return so that means every time they need blood work done, which can be quite a few every day sometimes, I have to get a needle poke.
Describe some great things that have come about through your journey of childhood cancer: My mom and I have been helping out with fundraising for various different groups that have been here for us through this journey – Childcan, Brain Tumour Foundation, Pediatric Cancer Research through the Canadian Cancer Society and of course the Sears National Coast to Coast Kids Cancer Ride. We want to be able to help out other kids. As well, so many people have told me that I am their hero and very brave and positive.
Describe your Best Day: My best day is when I am well enough to be able to attend school and be with all my school friends and my younger sister for the day.
Tell us about your Worst Day: My worst day was in the beginning before I was diagnosed. I had very painful headaches and my head felt like it was going to explode. As well, I don’t like the GFR Kidney Function test as I need to have 4-5 needle pokes just for that test.
Tell us what Coast to Coast Against Cancer means to me: I really want to be an Ambassador for the Coast to Coast Against Cancer Ride because I want to show other kids that there is hope, and I want to be able to spread the word about pediatric cancer and help to fundraise for more research to find a cure and help out other families who find themselves in a similar situation.
My Message to Canadians: If you have a positive, brave and trusting attitude it will go very far for you, not only if you have a cancer battle, but anything that you do in your life.
Share with us any other personal thoughts: Yes, this has been a very difficult journey that I wish that my entire family and I did not have to go on, but we must be as strong, brave and positive as we can. We have had a lot of very rough months where I was hospitalized for weeks at a time and I know that all my loved ones were scared, but through it all I have trusted in Jesus to help keep me brave and strong. Now months later I am actually able to attend school and am able to walk again too. I want to say thank you so very much for all my loving family members, my school friends and other friends, as well as our community. Everyone has shown us such love, caring, support and kindness. Thank you!!!
