"I have learned to endure negative events and attempt to turn them into positive outcomes."
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia - Jeff's Story
Teenagers often have the misconception that nothing bad can ever happen to them. They feel invincible. Jeff was no exception. However, one year after graduating from high school, Jeff was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. He was confronted with life-altering decisions that needed to be made quickly. Jeff grew up fast, realizing the challenges placed before him and determined to face them head on.
Fighting the Battle
The first challenge Jeff encountered was overcoming denial. "I didn’t think anything, such as cancer, could ever happen to me," he says. Yet, after experiencing the range of emotions associated with such news, Jeff became very determined to fight this battle and come out a victor.
His parents, Sharon and Ken, were determined to find Jeff the best treatment and medical facility possible. Jeff’s aunt, who was completing a residency at Johns Hopkins, consulted a leading specialist regarding his case. She was advised that anyone under the age of 21 would have the best chance of survival at a Pediatric Academic Center. As Jeff explains, "University of Minnesota Children’s Hospital, Fairview became my new destination because they are a research hospital that has access to the most current protocols and clinical trials to treat pediatric cancer patients."
Initially, Jeff was hospitalized for three weeks. The total treatment plan was scheduled to take three years and two months during which time Jeff would receive an oral dose of chemotherapy daily.
After Jeff’s treatment schedule was in place and a daily routine had been established, he was forced to address another issue — choosing a new career path. At the time of his diagnosis, Jeff’s goal was to receive a Division I college hockey scholarship by playing in Rochester, Minn., for the Mustangs, a United States Hockey League developmental and scouting league team. The news of Jeff’s diagnosis immediately squelched that dream. He was not allowed to participate in any contact sport throughout the duration of his treatment.
Jeff's situation would again test his competitive spirit and positive attitude. He explains, "…When God closes a door, He opens a window. After my diagnosis, I have devoted much more time and effort to my academic progress. School became a very important part of my life." Jeff excelled at college and graduated with a degree in Agriculture and Food Business Management.
The Care
Jeff is an intelligent, insightful young man who is a true inspiration to all who know him. Yet, it is Jeff who remains humble and appreciative of all the help and support he has received from his doctors, nurses, parents, family and friends. "There are no words to describe the care I have received at the U of M," he says. "Everybody I have worked with has been tremendous. They all show true compassion for their patients and a dedication and passion for their work. They make me feel like I am their most important patient, even though they have so many others. It is not verbally possible to even begin to thank the people who have saved my life."
Jeff also notes the impact that Children’s Cancer Research Fund has made in his life. "Children’s Cancer Research Fund is a magnificent organization that has helped many children with their fight against cancer through funding research at the U of M and supporting the pediatric patients and their families," he says. "Without Children’s Cancer Research Fund and the dedicated health professionals at the ‘U,’ I may not have been here today."
Attitude Makes a Difference
This journey has made Jeff wise beyond his years. He has learned that life is a gift, so every day should be treasured. He has also realized that the human mind has tremendous power to heal. "I don’t let the little things in life bother me anymore and I cherish every minute of existence," he says. "I have learned to endure negative events and attempt to turn them into positive outcomes. No matter how bad it is, there is always a way to create positive outcomes whether it involves your life or others."
Jeff leads by example. Advice he shares with others comes from experience. When asked what message he would like to pass along to other kids undergoing cancer treatment, he replied, "NEVER GIVE UP!"
