My Sister's Miracle: How She Survived a Brain Tumour

I was in Grade four, and she was in Grade three. We were as close as two sisters could be. My sister was an energetic and active child who loved to laugh, until she became sick.

At first we thought it was just flu, but it didn't go away. Instead it continued to progress. We went to multiple doctors who all said the same thing, "it's a bad strain, just wait it out." We did and it didn't get better. My sister was miserable and no one could help her. I still remember that day though. I was lying in my parent's bed watching TV. My mom was ironing and packing as she and my dad were going on a long planned cruise the next day, and we were to stay with family friends. My sister starting throwing up, and she didn't stop. It continued and continued. My mom and dad rushed her to the Hospital. She was airlifted to the closest Children's Hospital and I was to stay with family friends. It was devastating to be left behind with no notion as to what was happening to my sister.

I don't remember if it was that same night, or the next day that my mom called. Tests were done, and although I didn't understand most of what I was told, I knew from the tone that it was serious. My amazing and loving sister had a very serious brain tumour.

We were in disbelief and the family friends that I was staying with decided that the entire family should be together during such a time. And so, we made the five hour drive to the Children's Hospital.

When we arrived her room was covered in flowers and teddy bears, and she looked tiny in her white stark hospital room. My sister's hair had been cut short and had been shaved off in the back to prepare for the surgery. The tumour was located near the back of her brain which is where the incision would be made to remove it.

It was important that the tumour was removed as soon as possible, so the surgery was scheduled for the next day. It was a life threatening tumour and no one was sure if they would be able to get all of it, or how she would come out of the surgery.

It was a long and difficult surgery. The waiting was unbearable. When she woke up she was very disoriented. But she was alive. The surgery had been a success and although there was a long road of recovery ahead and cat scans scheduled yearly to ensure the tumour would not return, my sister was very much alive.

For those of you don't cherish the life you have, please think about how easily it can be taken from you. Enjoy what you have in life.