Sarah Boczanowski inspirers others

Doctors diagnosed Sarah Boczanowski with leukemia after her first semester of college. Two years later, the once struggling student becomes a Jimmy Fund speaker and an inspiration to cancer patients and their families.

Leukemia survivor speaks for Jimmy Fund Young patient embraces her diagnosis, speaks out on cancer
Terrified, she picked up her phone and returned a missed call. Her doctors voice emanated though the speaker, riddled with sympathy and sorrow. Unable to stand, she leaned against her bedroom wall and lowered herself to the ground. Her eyes welled up, her heart sank, and her mind raced, as she knew her life was about to change. Sarah Boczanowski was 18 years old when doctors diagnosed her with Leukemia. Dec. 21, 2010, marked the beginning of an unexpected future for Boczanowski. Initially, the University of Harford student attributed her frequent headaches, spats of nausea and cases of random bruising to end-of-the-semester stress. However, doctors discounted her theory upon results of recent exploratory blood work. The fateful diagnosis altered Boczanowskis life plans. Her nine-month stay at Boston Childrens Hospital taught her to overcome obstacles and embrace unfortunate situations. Cancer redirected Boczanowski and led her from a submissive patient in a hospital bed to an inspiration behind a podium. (more)
Sarah Boczanowski (right) credits her mom, as a vital source of strength through her leukemia treatment. Photo source: Sarah Boczanowski.

Sarah Boczanowski inspires othersp.2 Turning point Many patients attribute cancer as a defining phase in life. This holds true for Boczanowski. The fight for my life has made me into the person I am today, she says. I am a strong, independent, determined woman because of my battle with cancer. Surviving chemotherapy is no small feat. As a resident of the Oncology Unit at Boston Childrens Hospital, Boczanowski began her first round of chemotherapy on Christmas Day. Her treatment, devised to destroy the leukemia cells in her brain and spinal cord, consisted of daily lumbar punctures, constant medicinal injections and endless painful procedures. At times Boczanowski questioned her strength. Today, however, she credits her battle against leukemia as a pivotal turning point, one that defined her purpose in life. I wouldnt wish chemo on my worst enemy, but it has changed my life for the better she said. I was on a bad track before. I felt lost, like I had no purpose. Today, I am a motivational speaker. I know that I can help others find hope, the way so many people have helped me. (more) I wouldnt wish chemo on my worst enemy, but it has changed my life for the better. -Sarah Boczanowski

Sarah Boczanowski inspires othersp.3 Communal generosity Boczanowski survived chemotherapy with overwhelming support from family, friends and members of the community. Her mother quit her job; her father drove 40 miles to visit every day after work; her friends spearheaded a campaign and founded the Sarah Boczanowski Leukemia Fund. Through events such as a pancake breakfast and a local auction, those closest to Boczanowski raised $16,420 to support the financial demands of chemotherapy. Defined by the slogan Faith. Fight. Believe," the community provided Boczanowski the strength to survive. Boczanowski spent nine monotonous months confined to the hospital. Not once did she feel alone. Chemo was a horrible, indescribable experience, she said. I spent most of the time nauseous, in bed and unable to talk to anyone. At times, I Life of a Survivor: wanted to give up, but it was the love and support of my doctors, and people at home that made me push through the pain. Boczanowski defeated leukemia. She won: a victory that she could not have done alone. Today, Boczanowski has the opportunity to return the favor. Biggest dream: To find a cure for cancer Beyond the treatments, Boczanowski is an ordinary young adult. Favorite food: Chocolate Favorite memory: Talking to her grandmother

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Sarah Boczanowski inspires othersp.4 Pay it forward The Jimmy Fund Clinic, in Boston, Mass., is one of the worlds premier cancer research and treatment centers. Founded with the intent to provide hope for patients and their families, it introduces cancer survivors to those recently diagnosed. Today, Boczanowski serves as a motivational speaker for the Jimmy Fund. I look at every event as my chance to change someones life, she said. I can give them inspiration because I have been there. I have slept in that hospital bed. Patients recognize Boczanowskis efforts. Shania Paulson, an audience member at the Catamount Classic, an event organized to increase pediatric cancer research, considers Boczanowski a role model. When I was first diagnosed, I thought my life was over, Paulson said. After listening to Sarah, I can honestly say that I am lucky. I have survived; I am alive, and just like her, I have the opportunity to make a difference. Pictures and information about the even can be retrieved at www.catamountclassic.com. Now what? Boczanowski possesses ample future aspirations. She dreams to work as a pediatric counselor with children diagnosed with cancer. She hopes to instill peace and encourage young patients to appreciate lifes greatest opportunities. In a way, cancer is a blessing, she says. To me, the treatment was a short- term struggle; however, the achievements, the endless love and support, the self-discoveries are what made my fight so rewarding. ###

Boczanowskis path to the Jimmy Fund Young woman embraces opportunity to instill hope in cancer patients
Endless procedures, intolerable pain, constant nausea, vomiting and fatigue: all side effects of chemotherapy. Cancer patients fight a daily struggle for survival. They endure indescribable pain. They experience unexpected, dangerous setbacks. Many patients accept defeat; however, Sarah Boczanowski is different; she embraces her diagnosis and perceives leukemia as an opportunity for change. Boczanowskis fight with chemotherapy defines her character. Before her diagnosis, she never dreamt of praise and idolization. However today, thorough her hardships and defeat, Boczanowski draws on experience to guide others on a similar path to success. As a motivational speaker for the Jimmy Fund, an organization that supports the fight against cancer, she possesses the ability to instill hope within patients and their families. Through her speeches, such as at the Catamount Classic, a lacrosse tournament founded to support cancer research, she shares her story. In interviews telecast on local media outlets, such as WEEI, a Boston radio station, she presents opportunity and the idea of a bright future. Boczanowski, a 20-year-old cancer survivor, inspires many. I want people to realize that cancer does not define us; we have a future outside of the hospital, she said. I can only hope that my speeches help young patients realize that their struggle is well worth the fight. More information on Boczanowskis journey can be found at her blog, True Life: I Won at http://cancerfreelivin.blogspot.com/ or on the Jimmy Fund website at www.jimmyfund.org. ###