The Schuetz Family

Shealyn was a healthy, athletic 12-year-old girl who played tennis, softball and basketball. In late summer and early fall of 2004, she began experiencing dizziness, shoulder pain and migraine headaches. Following a scan at the end of October, she was diagnosed with medulloblatoma, a rare form of brain cancer. Shealyn faced brain surgery, radiation and chemotherapy with great courage. During her year of chemotherapy, she required IV nutrition and frequent red blood cell and platelet transfusions. We knew there was a platelet shortage, and each time Shealyn’s levels dropped to a critical level, we prayed there would be enough platelets available. we realized then that blood products need to always be available at a moment’s notice, or someone irreplaceable could die. We are thankful to the blood donors who helped save Shealyn’s life, and we are happy to report that she is now a happy 14-year old, well on the road to recovery!