Make-A-Wish Foundation was Christina’s ‘Angel’
Christina was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia when she was just 14-years-old. Although life was rough for Christina as she endured two years of intense chemotherapy treatments, her mom and dad promised her that they were all going to make it through with flying colors.
When Christina and her family learned about the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Christina was thrilled to have the opportunity to be granted a wish. She decided that Walt Disney World® would be the perfect wish so she and her family could get a much-needed break from hospital stays and doctor appointments.
When Christina's wish week finally arrived, she was taken in a limo to the airport. Christina and her family stayed at Give Kids the World Village and had an "amazing" week visiting Universal Studios, Epcot®, the Magic Kingdom® and all of Orlando's other theme parks.
After her wish, Christina finished her two years of treatment and had no signs of cancer. Since then, Christina has taken part in many activities helping cancer patients and survivors, including the Penn State Dance Marathon, the Camp Can Do in Gretna Glenn, PA, and Camp Make-A-Dream in Missoula, MT.
Christina graduated from Williamsport Area High School in 2001 and went on to attend Indiana University of Pennsylvania, majoring in communications media. Christina then made a change of plans and moved to Colorado where she met her fiance, Aaron. Today, Aaron and Christina live in Coudersport, PA, where Christina is a stay-at-home mom to fourteen-month-old daughter, Natalie. Aaron and Christina are planning an April 2010 destination wedding, and Christina is looking forward to getting her Bachelor's degree through online classes.
Besides taking care of her daughter, Christina is also signing up to be a Make-A-Wish volunteer and is busy working on a book that will tell her story, as well as the stories of the friends she met while she had cancer. Christina said, "We are all survivors, and I think that kids need to know that cancer only has to be a bump in the road, it's beatable, and HOPE is very much alive... I don't look back at having cancer as a horrible time in my life. I grew during those two years, and I learned a great deal about myself and about my family. I learned just how strong I am and how strong my family is as well. I look at the Make-A-Wish Foundation as an angel giving families a break along the way. I believe that life is this incredible journey, and we are all very blessed to be along for the ride."
Christina enjoys fun at Disney's Animal Kingdom® park with her siblings.
During her wish, Christina got to see dolphins up close at SeaWorld.
Christina and finance, Aaron, in New York City.
Christina and fourteen-month-old daugther, Natalie.
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Shauna, 14, Carribean Cruise
