Jeannette’s first experience was on the 2009 Mardi Gras Fun-Time Fantasy trip held in New Orleans. “I can honestly say that it was one of if not the best experiences of my life. I really loved getting to see another completely different type of culture and tradition. Not that Louisiana is a different country just that, when you live in New York City and then go to the south, it's a big change. What I really loved about being there as a Sunshine Kid was that I got to spend a lot of time with a whole bunch of kids just like me. The fact that I was a cancer patient didn't hang over our heads the entire time. I had a genuinely great time with some amazing people and survivors just like me. I was able to make some great friends I wouldn't have gotten a chance to get to know otherwise. I won't ever forget it.”

“I think the foundation is a great way to connect young cancer patients all over the country. Let's face it, it's not very likely we get to see a whole bunch of people just like us in one place on an everyday basis. The foundation helps show kids that they're not alone and shows them how to not only survive, but live.”

Jeannette was diagnosed in 2008 with Nasoparhyngeal Carcinoma. After 2 years of hearing loss and extreme headaches the doctors were unable to diagnose her. Then in April 14, 2008 she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. She started intense treatment at Montefiore Medical Center in Bronx, NY. She went through 6 months of chemo and 39 sessions of radiation.

“When I was told I was selected to be a National Spokeskid, I was INCREDIBLY excited. I don't remember what I did the second I was told, but I remember the day was filled with many high pitched squeals coming from me. I have to say it's an honor to represent such an amazing foundation and all that it supports.”

Jeannette was active in sports before her diagnosis but for her 15th birthday she received a guitar and began playing in her hospital bed. Now her passions are reading, playing the guitar and singing. “It's been months since I was announced in the clear, but I'm still in remission. I still have those days where I have to head off to the hospital because I can't eat for nausea or my throat's swollen closed but I'm alive and cancer-free now and I know to appreciate my life.”

Katie’s first experience with the Sunshine Kids was the 2007 Texas Hill Country Adventure.  “It was amazing. We went to Schlitterbahn Water Park, Sea World, tubing down the Rio, riding through the Hill Country on Harley motorcycles and waterskiing at Texas Ski Ranch.  The fun was endless. This was a very important step to start healing emotionally.  During the treatment and recovery time, it can be very isolating.  So this gave me the opportunity to be with kids that understood how I was feeling.  These trips let us just have fun and be normal.”  Katie has also attended the 2008 Florida Fun-N-Sun Celebration and several regional events in California. 

Katie was diagnosed with Pre-B Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on August 24, 2005 at the age of 13.   She completed her chemo treatment Dec 28, 2007. Unfortunately 8 months later she was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease called Dermatomyositis.  This left her with 10% muscle damage and in severe pain. Katie has the attitude that although she might not be happy with what she was going through she knows that she is not alone.  

“I was at UCLA getting a check up when I was asked to be a National Spokeskid.  I was ecstatic when I received the call. This also allows me the opportunity to give back to the SSK and represent kids with cancer everywhere. To get the word out about how important this program is to us and to thank all the people who are involved in making all these wonderful opportunities available to us.” 

Katie looks forward to many more Sunshine Kids events, Regional and National.  She enjoys motorcycle riding, soccer, traveling, going to the beach, camping, Disneyland and art. Katie would like to continue her education and one day become an Onocolgy nurse.