Katherine Frega

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Blood cancer has affected many factors of my life. It has affected me
physically from the countless treatments I had to take which made my
once athletic body very weak and my blood counts low. Cancer has had
an emotional impact on me, while it made my body weaker, I feel that
my I am much stronger mentally from fighting such a deadly opponent.
It has affected me personally, my relationship that I have with my
family and friends are much different than they were pre-diagnosis. It allowed me to see what was important in life, I have much more
compassion for those who are sick or those who are in need of help. I
also have much more faith in God, faith is what helped me out of my
darkest days and helped me not give up, and I have faith in humanity,
because I see all the good that is done for people in need. When I was
in the hospital receiving treatments, I always wanted to be back on
the lacrosse field, but being in the hospital made me have a great
respect for my medical team. I now aspire to be a doctor so that I can
help people, and the fact that I might not be able to play lacrosse at
a very competitive level no longer upsets me, because my strength is
now focused on becoming a doctor. I’m not where I was physically
before cancer, but I’m much stronger mentally, I’m a better person
with a much greater appreciation for life.

My high school’s boys’ lacrosse team first was involved with the
HEADstrong foundation my freshman year. I didn’t know very much about
cancer or the lime-green laces, but it sparked my curiosity. When I
was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in the middle of my junior year
lacrosse season, I went on to the foundation’s website to learn more.
I also wrote my “Story of Hope” on the website a few weeks into my
chemotherapy sessions. I became actively involved in the HEADstrong
foundation during my senior year of high school.The CNY Empire games
girls lacrosse team laced up, the Westfield Field Hockey program, and
the Westfield lacrosse program. In the spring the lacrosse teams
raised money through “Score for a Cure” and held a HEADstrong play
day in April. Throughout the year I enjoy going to the events the
foundation holds such as the Phillies game, the Nick Colleluori
Classic, and the Limelight Gala.

The most memorable thing that the HEADstrong foundation did for me was
visiting me during my stem cell transplant. I was scared about the
upcoming procedure, and Mr. and Mrs. Colleluori surprised me with a
visit, and shared some wonderful stories. They took eight hours out of
their day to drive up in the middle of a snowstorm, it meant the world
to me and really brightened my day. From having blood cancer I realize
how important it is to have people there for emotional/ financial
support. They also gave me a scholarship to help me towards my path to
becoming a doctor. The impact that the HEADstrong foundation has made
on my life has been extremely significant. I don’t want to give up in
my fight because the foundation and people have helped me so much, it
makes persevere so that I can give back and help others. Nick
Colleluori’s whole life is inspiring to me, not just the time he spent
battling cancer. He was a unique and very special person with a huge
heart. His vigor and attitude that he had for life was demonstrated on
the lacrosse field at Ridley and Hofstra. He was truly a relentless
player that I aimed to be. I was never a natural athlete, I had to
work hard to gain my success on the lacrosse field. It was players
like Nick that helped push me to work and gave me the drive to
succeed. This also is true for the way he fought cancer. He was
relentless throughout his entire battle, never once questioning why it
was him, and played the cards he was dealt. I use his battle as
inspiration everyday, even now that I am cancer-free. Nick tells us to
make use of the time that we have, and not to stress the little things
in life. Nick must have been a special person because he has inspired
his family members and others to help others in his memory.

Sincerely,
Katherine Frega

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