Teenager Battles Cancer

Cancer Camp Rap-a-hope A UMS-Wright student inspires others through her bouts with cancer.

by Devon Walsh

Published: Tue, September 29, 2009 - 6:13 am CST Last Updated: Tue, September 29, 2009 - 7:57 am CST

MOBILE, Alabama - September is National Pediatric Cancer Awareness month. We want to introduce you to a young cancer survivor, a seventh grader at UMS Wright School, who has already beat the odds. Krisanna Roberts wasn't supposed to live past the age of 3, when she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Now 15 years old, this young lady is quite the fighter. She has endured 4 recurrences of the cancer.

Her friends are amazed at her positive attitude. Sarah Pennington has known her for several years. "I have never seen her complain. She always has a positive attitude. She never asks why. She is just one of those happy people you can always go to, to brighten up your day."

Krisanna has had to miss several days of school because of her travels to St. Jude's Hospital in Tennessee. Her mother, Laura Roberts, says Krisanna never lets cancer get her down. "Krisanna wakes up every day and says 'it's a new day and let's go!' It's, 'what are we doing today mama?' Or, it's 'this is what we are doing today mama!'"

One positive thing that has come out of her bouts with cancer is her time at Camp Rap-A-Hope, a Mobile County camp for children with cancer. She loves to talk about her favorite activities, horseback riding and art. Executive Director Melissa McNichol says, "Krisanna is amazing in every way. She truly has an amazing, hope-filled spirit. She smiles all the time. She doesn't say no. She finds a way to make it work."

Krisanna's cancer has spread to her spine, but she and her family refuse to give up hope. They just enjoy each and every moment with this special young lady. Krisanna talked about her philosophy to get through the tough times. "I smile. I always have a really good attitude, and I always try to do my best I can."

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Shay Says:

Wed, Sep 30, 2009 at 3:08 pm

Krisanna you are one brave and courageous inspiration!! Loved seeing you and this news story!! Shay, Administrative Assistant, Camp Rap-A-Hope

abigail Says:

Wed, Sep 30, 2009 at 7:20 am

Our prayers are always with children like Krisanna. We lost a 2 1/2 year old son to cancer. Every day there are adavances made in research and today another life will be saved through that research. Please support research centers like St. Judes and I hope and pray for the best for Krisanna.