The summer after sixth grade, Maritza García attended a camp, and upon returning she noticed extensive bruising and unusual pain in her arm. Maritza’s parents took their daughter to a pediatrician who ordered some blood tests. The results of the analysis revealed Maritza had acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the most common form of childhood cancer.
After receiving the disheartening diagnosis, Maritza and her family went to the local children hospital, where a doctor who had previously worked at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital informed the family about St. Jude’s success rate in treating that type of childhood cancer.
In August of 2006, the doctor referred Maritza to St. Jude where she has received several chemotherapy treatments to eradicate the cancer. Unfortunately, Maritza has suffered some side effects of the chemotherapy, such as hair loss, mouth bleeding and loss of appetite. However, Maritza continues to fight for her life and keeps a positive outlook. She looks forward to the future and the chance to grow older.
“I would like to be a veterinary to cure lots of animals, especially doggies that are my favorites,” said the beautiful teenager.
Currently, Maritza is waiting to receive eight rounds of radiation and undergo a bone marrow transplant. Thanks to the donations made to St. Jude by people like you, Maritza has high hopes of seeing her dreams come true. Please send your donation today.
Created by St Jude Patients