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Chelsey Tyson
Chelsey is a freshman at Texarkana College, currently in General Studies. Her plight with cancer has helped her change her career goals from being a dentist to becoming a Pediatric Oncologist. She has survived Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).
In her own words:
“When I was originally diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) on February 21, 2005, I felt that my life was over. I was a senior in high school working on my last two months of school when I became ill. At a time when 17-year-old girls are making preparations for their prom and graduation and how they plan on spending the rest of their lives, I was facing the fight of my life. Suddenly, how I would fix my hair or what shoes I would wear seemed obsolete. Within moments of my diagnosis, my mother and I were packing our things and moving to Memphis, Tennessee - although we had no idea of how long our stay would last.
When I was told that I had cancer, I felt that going to college and becoming a Dentist would be senseless. I thought that my life was over and I'd just sit around and do nothing. Being a patient at St. Jude changed all of that. I now want to be a Pediatric Oncologist and work with children with cancer. Perhaps, some day I might even work for St. Jude where so many people made such a difference in my life.
My battle with cancer has had the opposite effect on me than one would think. Instead of making me angry and uncaring, it has made me appreciate life and see good even in the bad. The old folks always say live each day as if it is your last and when your time comes, there will be no regrets. I've been given a second chance; therefore, I accepted and I apply this concept in all that I do. I no longer go to bed angry, nor do I close my eyes knowing that my words might have hurt someone I love. I make it right before I sleep.
I do everything differently now. I live with more respect for life and those surrounding me - I laugh louder, and I love harder.”
In Memoriam - Kim Walters
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Kim Walters, 38, passed away Friday, July 7, 2006, after a lengthy illness. She directed Bridgeway Charitable Foundation from 2002 to 2006. Kim was a woman of strong faith, with a passion for making a difference in the world. She was a creative problem solver who did not know the meaning of the word “impossible.” Kim delighted in providing hope to the hopeless and |
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in bringing people together to brainstorm solutions. Particular areas
of interest were |
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A
native of
Kim
had a special heart for children, their physical, emotional, and spiritual
well-being, and their education. She never ceased to be thankful for a
professional work experience that allowed her to use her creativity and
her compassion.
Kim
had a special interest in CSF's mission and very supportive of our cause.
We have decided to establish two scholarships in her name to be given to
students who are very active in performing volunteer work in care of
children and gifted with the true spirit if giving. Chelsey is such a
person.
