Courtney

Team-Signed Bruins Photo Brings Courtney a Thousand Smiles During Cancer Treatment

Courtney was in Orlando, FL with her all-star cheerleading team in May 2013 when she woke up with a lump at the base of her neck. After several exams, her doctor referred her to Floating Hospital for Children for further evaluation. After going through multiple tests, she was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and was immediately admitted to the hospital for 5 weeks. As her world turned upside down she had to miss her senior prom and eventually would have to put her college dreams on hold. Over the following 10 months Courtney went through spinal treatments, blood and platelet transfusions, and heavy doses of chemo. She tried her best to remain positive throughout the process, despite the effects of chemo and her disappointment that her future plans had to change so rapidly.

Courtney has always been passionate about sports, including playing soccer, cheering for her high school football team, and being an avid Bruins fan. Her dream is to attend Plymouth State and study Sports Management and Marketing so that she can spend every day excited about her work. As a Bruins fan, Courtney attended many games since early childhood and followed many of the players–her favorite being former Bruin, Tyler Seguin. When Courtney’s mom contacted us she requested a framed picture of the 2011 Stanley Cup Championship Bruins autographed by the whole team to serve as an inspiration for her daughter. We got her just that.

 

The excitement of receiving something so special and to actually be thought of is part of what helps keep these kids going. A little brightness to some pretty bad days makes all the difference. And as a parent to see a smile on her face is all we need to see.

When we arrived with our surprise, Courtney wasn’t having the greatest of days. However, when we showed her the autographed picture made possible by the fundraising of our Team Endure to Cure members, a smile quickly appeared on her face and she was overwhelmed with excitement and joy – and she was even left speechless. Later Courtney told us that she “immediately wanted to protect the picture so that nothing would harm it; it meant so much to me!” She decided to have the picture hung in the hallway of her home so that whenever she walks by, especially when she is having a difficult day, she can smile, enjoy a happy moment, and have that inspiration her mother wanted.

Courtney’s mother had this to share about the Small Miracle: “The excitement of receiving something so special and to actually be thought of is part of what helps keep these kids going. A little brightness to some pretty bad days makes all the difference. And as a parent to see a smile on her face is all we need to see. I Thank You for doing that for these children.”

Courtney continues her fight but is looking forward to taking online classes in the fall until she can attend Plymouth State. She also continues to inspire us with her bravery and positive attitude.