|
Jennifer (Holland) McShane
|
9/20/2007
|
9:28:09 AM EST
|
Here is Jessica's Speech that I wanted to post. Kaitlin will live in all of us forever!
Jessica Holland's Speech in Honor of Kaitlin Anzelone..........
On August 31st of 2004, I was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, a form of blood cancer. Naturally, I just couldn't believe it. There was no limit to the amount of questions going through my mind. The journey was one of complete chaos. But with the bad, I was determined to take the good: my newfound appreciation and gratitude for life and those around me. And where I am going with this ~ the strangers and hereos who I came to know, and taught me more in their visits and experiences than I could have learned in an entire lifetime.
On the 9th floor at Cooper, I was the youngest there, and being nineteen years old is hard enough, let alone on an Oncology floor. In early December, a vibrant nineteen year old girl came to Cooper, and, like myself, was unsure of what lie ahead. Little did I know that Kaitlin would have as much of an impact on me as my cancer did.
Kaitlin and I could relate like no one else. (We could have been the poster children for BALD & BEAUTIFUL). We were going through the exact same shocking experience and could talk about every question and thought we had. But experience wasn't the only thing me and Kaitlin had in common. We shared a unique viewpoint on life. It was amazing how our sense of humor, thoughts, and outlooks were so similar. Out of all the people God could have placed close to me, it was someone that I got along with so very well! (But of course to not get along with Kait was impossible!)
Just knowing Kaitlin in itself was inspirational. Her infectious courage through which she endured was immensely touching. I had only known her through her sickness but seen the person that was within. Kait was no complainer; she just went through each day with new goals and hopes. I remember her list of rules on her marker board, about being positive, and not allowing any negativity to come within those hospital walls, a place where no matter how bad it got, Kaitlin made you want to be there. Kaitlin took what was given to her and used it to teach those around her the importance of life, something she very much accomplished.
Still fighting her valiant battle with leukemia, Kaitlin passed away on July 5th of 2005. She was only twenty years old. Because I had only known Kaitlin through her sickness, we only spent limited time together outside the hospital. To me, the pictures and memories I have with Kait are so very precious, and very deep and permanent in my heart. Her gorgeous smile, her charming personality, and the overall good feeling you retrieved just by meeting her. This is a memory I hold in my heart forever, along with her drive for life. Her smile is something that lies deep within me, and reminds me to never doubt what is happening because it is for a reason. This is only one of many life lessons Kaitlin Anzelone gave to me.
Lance Armstrong once said, "Cancer may leave your body but it will never leave your life." Truer words were never spoken. Along with my memories of being ill, I have these amazing memories of a young girl who changed my life. And I thank God everyday I got be a part of hers.
|
|
