Rhabdomyosarcoma
Hi, I'm Lindsey Jones. I was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer (rhabdomyosarcoma) one month before my fourth birthday. I started dropping things on the floor and couldn't see to pick them up. At first my parents took me to a local doctor but he said that there was nothing wrong. Within the week, I became much worse. My parents rushed me to Children's Hospital. They said that there was something wrong inside my head and admitted me to Children's. The next morning I woke up and said "mom turn on the lights; it's dark in here." Due to the cancer I lost my eyesight. I was treated at Children’s Hospital in Birmingham where I underwent radiation and chemo for a year. Out of the year I only got to go home for six weeks. I was very sick with blisters in my mouth and down my throat. I didn't eat for over a year and didn't walk for about five months; however, I am happy to say that I am a seven year cancer survivor! I am a very happy 12-year-old and nothing slows me down. I take ballet, tap dance, I'm in the Girl Scouts, I play the keyboard, autoharp, drums, and I love to sing. I am very active in the church, in school activities, and I am Youth Chairman (for the third year in a row) for Relay for Life. I am in the National Junior Honor Society, 4 H, and most of all I love helping people. My picture has been displayed on the hood of a racecar and a special day was set aside for this event. All the proceeds that day went in my honor to the American Cancer Society. I have also been a recipient of the Life Inspiration Award. I like to bring hope and encouragement to people that one day cancer will be eliminated. I also won the Prudential Spirit Award for the whole state of Alabama. My parents and I travelled to Washington, DC last May for me to accept my award. There are two things that always get me through......a positive attitude and my faith in the Lord. I might have lost my vision but I didn't lose my vision for living! Children's Hospital was wonderful, not only to me, but to my mom and dad as well. They took really good care of us and you form a special bond with them because that's all you see for that period of time. I don't know what would have happened to me if it had not been for Children's Hospital. They gave me wonderful care! I always look forward to going back to Children's for my checkups so that I can visit everyone. They took great care of me. View Video
