Sarah Huff
In December of 2009, when I was a freshman at SUNY Oswego, I was diagnosed with a brain tumor in my cerebellum, the part of your brain that controls balance and coordination. After having the tumor removed on February 1, 2010, I found out that my tumor was in fact a cancer called Medulloblastoma.
Upon hearing this upsetting news, I decided on a 14-month treatment plan to save my life. Even though I was 18 years old when I was diagnosed, because Medulloblastoma is primarily a pediatric cancer, I was treated at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital.
“I am often reminded how blessed I am to have Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital so close to home. It is a beautiful facility but there is no doubt in my mind that the doctors, nurses and other caregivers make this hospital what it is.”
After my last treatment in June 2011, I was more than ready to get back to living my life as normally as possible. I spent that summer enjoying the beautiful beach at my family camp on Lake Ontario with all the wonderful people who supported me and my family through such a hard time. That October, I chose to return to my part-time job at Wegmans as a pharmacy technician. My original plans to become a high school math teacher have changed. After the amazing medical and emotional support I received from the compassionate staff at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital, I have decided to return to college in hopes of finding a more fulfilling career helping others.
I am often reminded how blessed I am to have Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital so close to home. It is a beautiful facility but there is no doubt in my mind that the doctors, nurses and other caregivers make this hospital what it is. You are all wonderful and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you do!
