Sisterly Love

Paige is the older sister of Karsen, an 8 year old cancer fighter. Paige was 20 when Karsen was diagnosed, and Karsen was 4. Karsen had stage 4 high risk amplified Neuroblastoma. The ribbon color for Neuroblastoma awareness is purple. Every year on February 2nd, is Neuroblastoma awareness day. The ribbon color for pediatric cancer awareness is gold. Every September is Pediatric cancer awareness month.

Karsen went to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, also known as MSK. 

Karsen is now 8 and is cancer free! 

Karsen took medicine through a hickman and a broviac. A broviac is a type of tube that is typically inserted in the chest and is secured by stitches. This sometimes stays in place for the entire treatment process, which can be months to years. A hickman is a type of tube that is normally on the upper arm and can also remain in place for most of treatment. They resemble IV tubing but look much more complicated. Imagine having to bathe with these, and did you know you can't swim with them sometimes? Both of these are used as an access point that nurses and doctors use for blood draws and to administer medications, like chemotherapy.

Paige said she isn't sure if Karsen still takes any medicine, he might still be taking bactrim, an antibiotic.  As I have recently learned, it is very common for children to continue medications even after finishing their fight with cancer. This is usually because of side effects caused from chemotherapy and radiation.

I asked Paige if she noticed any positive changes that came from her brother’s diagnoses. She said that it brought her family together and brought her closer to her faith. After hearing Paige  say that, it has made me realize a sibling or family member's cancer diagnosis does the exact same to most families. In the sense that it brings us closer together, it makes us value our time together and even gives us a new look at faith.

I asked Paige what she felt in the moments after hearing about her brother's diagnosis, she told me  “I wish I had gotten it and not my brother”

Paige said that when she heard of  her brother's diagnosis, she was in the room with her Mom, Dad and Karsen. She recalls hearing something was wrong, feeling gut wrenching. “The night my mom came home, I had been studying for an exam” she had told her Mom she wanted to know what was going on, “My heart instantly dropped to my stomach” she recalls.

She didn't have many questions. Aside from the things the doctors wouldn't tell her, she would ask the doctors very in depth questions and not get the answer she was looking for.

Her point of view changed and taught her to appreciate every day. For example, she would have her brother over at her house and would  play as many games and have as much fun as possible. She said it's important to make the most out of every day! “Every day is amazing. It's a gift from God.”

When Paige heard Karsen beat cancer she felt amazing, relieved, and excited, “...but I still had so much fear because the rate of kids relapsing was so high” 

Paige is now 24 and is currently in nursing school. She said she was inspired by all the nurses she saw working at the hospitals. After meeting her, I think she is going to make an amazing nurse.

Paige's advice for anyone who has cancer or any other illnesses is “be brave, you're strong, you can do this, you're a warrior already.”

Her advice for siblings of kids with cancer or other illnesses is “It's ok to feel the feelings you're going through, everyone grieves differently, be there for your siblings.”

Paige's advice to anyone going through a hard time in general is “Don’t be afraid to reach out. I know it can be scary to ask for help. I know it can be nerve racking, but it's not a bad thing to ask for help.” 

Karsen is currently getting to go on his OAAT dream trip. In  November of this year, he will be going on his dream trip to Disney World, Universal studios, SeaWorld, and Give Kids the World Village in Florida! I hope Karsen, Paige and the rest of their family have fun! 

If you want to follow Paige on any social media, you can follow her at @paige_beron on facebook and instagram, and to follow her and Karsen on facebook @karsenstrong4.

If you know someone who would like to share their story as a child fighting cancer or a life threatening disease, or if you or your sibling fought childhood cancer or a life threatening disease, email me at  zoie@campaignoaat.org 

Have a wonderful life! -Zoie