08: Fogarty

FOGARTY, Wilms Tumor

What do you want people to know about your Cancer experience?  

I want them to know that I’m alright. I want them to know that I think of it as a blessing in a way, not a burden. 

I use it as something to push me up, not bring me down. It’s kept me out of things.

I would never wish this upon someone, ever.

I want them to know to not give up. Motivates me to not give up on a lot of things.  

What was the hardest part of the experience for you? 

I was so young. I grew up always knowing that I had Cancer, that “something was wrong with me”. Chemotherapy made me weaker. It opened the door for bullying because I wasn’t as strong or physically well compared to everyone else.

My family. Seeing them really upset and knowing that my mom was on verges of breakdowns all the time. It was very hard for them and that was very sad. We didn’t have a lot of money, the bills were hard to pay — my mom did fundraiser after fundraiser, after fundraiser.

How has the experience changed your life and who you are as a person?  

I would definitely say it has influenced me of the better.  

There was a time in my life where I hated myself, had a lot of self doubt due to other people, and considered suicide. I was going to do it. 

Then I realized, I had Cancer and I survived. So why am I going to kill myself if I almost died and survived?

There’s obviously a reason for me to be here. This flipped a switch and I decided to make good decisions and help other people make good decisions.

I want to make my time here as best as I can. I think of it as a blessing rather than a burden.

If someone was newly diagnosed with cancer, what advice would you give to  them? 

I would tell them don’t give up. I really mean it, don’t give up. 

I’ve seen people who are sick and believe they’re going to die, and they give up and they’re not living their life. They’re worrying about dying and that’s not how you’re supposed to live your life. 

Live it out as full as you can.

Don’t let other people’s judgements sway you.

You’re you, so be who you are.