When I was in the sixth grade, my maternal grandfather was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, a type of cancer that was not familiar to me but I knew it was serious. Even as a sixth grader, I knew that cancer was a typically used to describe a disease that could turn fatal. My family learned that the cancer would not end his life and he could lead a fairly normal existence, which he did to the fullest with the exception of monthly doctor visits and the occasional surgeries. As I matured, I was able to witness the progression of Multiple Myeloma on my grandfather’s health and was at the age where I understood what was happening. When he was in the hospital, I no longer viewed the doctors with awe, but instead, would listen intently to their
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There would be no more conversations with him or celebrating birthdays, or Christmases. He won’t be here for my high school graduation or when I receive my Associates Degree.
It is hard to put into words how my grandfather’s death affected me. Medically speaking, his doctors were right when they said the cancer wouldn’t kill him, it was phenomena that took his life. I held his hand as he lay in a semi-comatose state in the comfort of his own home. On his last day, I read the sports page to him and even though he did not respond, I still shared the score of the Mariners game from the night before. Watching a loved one die is extremely difficult and especially at fifteen when I couldn’t even drive yet.
Since elementary school, I wanted to work in hospital and care for people, but I did not know what path to take. After my grandfather’s death it became clear that my goal would be to become an oncologist. The remaining time in high school and via the Running Start program, I have focused on the sciences, taking and loving Anatomy and Biology courses with a renewed purpose and hope for the future. I continued this journey this summer by obtaining my Certified Nursing Assistant license, which will provide a foundation as I pursue my studies in medicine. I have a passion for helping people, a desire to research with the goal of finding new treatment as well as working with others
There would be no more conversations with him or celebrating birthdays, or Christmases. He won’t be here for my high school graduation or when I receive my Associates Degree.
It is hard to put into words how my grandfather’s death affected me. Medically speaking, his doctors were right when they said the cancer wouldn’t kill him, it was phenomena that took his life. I held his hand as he lay in a semi-comatose state in the comfort of his own home. On his last day, I read the sports page to him and even though he did not respond, I still shared the score of the Mariners game from the night before. Watching a loved one die is extremely difficult and especially at fifteen when I couldn’t even drive yet.
Since elementary school, I wanted to work in hospital and care for people, but I did not know what path to take. After my grandfather’s death it became clear that my goal would be to become an oncologist. The remaining time in high school and via the Running Start program, I have focused on the sciences, taking and loving Anatomy and Biology courses with a renewed purpose and hope for the future. I continued this journey this summer by obtaining my Certified Nursing Assistant license, which will provide a foundation as I pursue my studies in medicine. I have a passion for helping people, a desire to research with the goal of finding new treatment as well as working with others