Imagine being in the midst of your college life, finally reaching toward independence, figuring out who you are as an individual, having fun meeting new people, and suddenly you feel that something is wrong. As an athlete, Markel was in good shape, but she began to feel ill and out of breath.
Now imagine that she is immediately thrust into a world of cancer, horrid medicines, no longer attending classes, and has to depend on her family once again. Her brush with college life and all the fun and self-discovery that goes with it has been shattered.
But Markel now has a new path of self-discovery. Yes it’s one she never would have thought to venture down, but has done so with her head held high, with a positive perspective, and always a hand reaching out to help another child, teen, or young adult battling.
I always see photos of Markel giving back with fellow cancer survivors like Rachael Murray and her Trending 4 Fashion show, or I see photos of her at the clinic with other survivors like Dante or Justin. Her smile makes you feel like everything is going to be all right as she gives you a big, warm hug.
Markel has had her ups and downs with her treatment. The complications have been numerous, including infections, seizures, and allergic reactions to transfusions. Markel was in remission, but in June 2015, she relapsed and on October 7, 2015 (which is Nick’s bday), she had a bone marrow transplant. Even out in Rochester, Nick’s Fight supported Markel and her mom and volunteers visit. Markel’s final biopsy showed no leukemia or Philadelphia chromosome present!
Markel knows that the support from staff at The Melodies Center, family, friends, and new cancer family friends helped her get through. Her family’s faith gave them the strength they didn’t know they had.
So where does Markel go from here? Children are extremely brave and strong whether they are 1 or 20. Markel knows that help is needed. Advocacy, funding, research, and education are essential for finding cures and making treatment less invasive to reduce long-term side effects.
Along with taking college courses, Markel takes action by volunteering for St. Baldrick’s and other events that raise money to help children and young adults fight cancer. Markel is part of our world’s future. That thought makes me smile very brightly, because I know we’ll be in great hands.
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