Hope

Hope

Kaitlyn

I was was diagnosed in 2005 with a benign tumor (a craniopharyngioma) above my pituitary. I was only 15 and a freshman in high school. The tumor was found when my eye doctor ordered an MRI on a Friday. I was sent to Dallas the next day.

My doctors do not know how I lived for so long with my condition. I had stopped growing and had severe headaches. After my surgery, no one knew what life would be like for me. I most likely would not be able to drive a car, graduate, be independent… I am proud to say that I have my license, finished high school on time, and graduated last year with a Bachelor’s in Psychology. Everything fell into place perfectly. Had I been diagnosed earlier, thing would have been very different. I am truly grateful for every day. The advances now in medicine and technology are truly phenomenal. Because of this there is hope for recovery and a chance at life.

Opinions expressed within this story belong solely to the author and do not reflect the views or opinions of the National Brain Tumor Society.