I hate to end the week on a downer, but I came across this last night and, given my attention to the case of Katie Wernecke (the girl whose parents chose dubious alternative medical therapy over the radiation therapy she needed for her lymphoma) over the last several months and the recent news that her cancer had returned with a vengeance, it’s hard for me not to mention what I’ve found now, rather than waiting until the weekend or Monday.
First, Katie’s father has posted a story written by Katie on the family blog: Hope. It was really hard for me to read this, as it’s a heart-wrenching tale that, in light of what we know about the recurrence of Katie’s lymphoma, strongly suggests that Katie knows what’s in store for her soon. This story also reinforces in my mind what a waste it was that Katie’s best chance for a cure when her cancer was first treated was squandered in favor of ineffective “alternative” therapies. If you’re the type of person who’s prone to tearing up at a sad movie, you probably shouldn’t read this until you’re alone. (Apparently, this story was written for Katie’s English class; I don’t know how the teacher dealt with reading it.)
Second, the story sets up a program that Katie is starting called Teddy Bears for Cancer Kids, where she will be distributing Teddy bears to children with cancer.
It sucks to lose such a great kid when there was a decent chance that it didn’t have to happen.
More:
Hope by Katie Wernecke
Teen battling cancer writes about dying victim named Hope
