Presenting Clarissa Schilstra

Hi, I am Clarissa. I am almost finished a 2 1/2 year chemotherapy protocol at Johns Hopkins University Hospital for the treatment of a relapse in Pre-B Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. I am one of the rare children who relapsed after 10 years of being in remission. When I was diagnosed the first time at 2 ½ years old, I was treated in Pennsylvania at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children and then at CHOP - the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. I am now 15 years old and in 10th grade. I love school and learning, although I have had a home teacher during my treatment because my immune system was so low, making it too risky to go to school. I love hanging out with my friends and going to dances at school when I feel well enough. My parents and 12 year-old brother are my constant supporters. I am interested in writing a book to help other teens deal with cancer. I hope that one day I can go to a really great college and become a doctor, maybe even an oncologist.