A Survivor's Story
Written by Emily Kreft, age 20, post bone marrow transplant survivor of leukemia

I am almost ten years past my experience with Leukemia, and still it is difficult to know what my heart desires to share about my experience. The experience lives faithfully within one's heart forever. Its fragrance deepens and changes with time, though the scent is always there.

I was diagnosed with leukemia when I was nine years old. At the time, I was not thankful for my illness, though I was never angry about its presence either. My greatest defense against the darkness that infiltrated my body was of course prayers and emotional health. Rainbows were my inspiration. Cancer does not like color and I knew though the rain liked to linger the sun would have to come out. It was only a matter of time. I kept myself busy with artwork and poetry. It was when I first discovered my love for writing. It was when I first discovered my faith, my strength, and my heart.

My experience matured my mind and my emotions. I grew up quickly, and I was already quite mature. However, I did not only make realizations about myself; I became aware of an entire community existing outside of me. Strangers, who came together because they were so concerned about me. I was only one person, yet their love and compassion reached far beyond the needs of one person. I am still amazed at the number of people who truly cared and wanted to be there for me and my family.

I relapsed during my treatment and I had to have a bone marrow transplant. Murphy's law really went into effect at this point, because everything that could have gone wrong (and more) did. My transplant seemed successful at first, but on the day of my release I spiked a fever and had to go back to the hospital. At the end I was left on morphine. I do not remember being scared. Maybe I was blinded by my faith, though I believe it was through my faith I was saved.

Cancer is darkness, and darkness is only the absence of light. It cannot exist on its own. Cancer is weak and I think one must realize this, because it does not have any power of its own. It is still sad at times, but during my experience, I could not give it the satisfaction of having taken anything away from me.

Even today, I consider my experience a blessing. In reflection, I think my life would be quite dull if the experience were missing from my life. It has enriched the air I breathe, and I am quite thankful I was chosen to experience such a rebirth. It is not always easy to consider such a hardship as a blessing at the time. It is difficult to endure such suffering, and sacrifice is most challenging.

However, the fragrance from one's blossoming, when the experience is endured, is stronger than any number of wildflowers. It is consistant and eternal; it is formed and shared. It touches lives and saves lives.

Wait for the rainbow, it will come, the sun is faithful. It is glorious.