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January 3rd is a special day for me. In 1995, a year after my diagnosis, my Grandpa Johns passed away. At the time of my diagnosis, his health was declining to the point; we thought he was going to die. During my initial hospitalization, my chaplain Fr. Ralko, was the only one to ask why… Continue reading January 3rd

Everyone is so eager for 2020 end. Why? Why do you want to forget the lessons you learned this year? Why do you want to forget the good things that happened this year?  Why are you so eager to start 2021? When I think about 2020, it reminds me of 1994. In 1994, everything was… Continue reading 2020 the Year of Unexpected Challenges and Beautiful Surprises

December has always been my favorite month. To me, it IS the most wonderful time of the year. I grew up understanding what the holiday season really means. I grew up believing in Santa and the magic of Christmas. When I was 3 years old, my mom started a tradition at my sister's school called… Continue reading December

Throughout my treatment, I had many amazing nurses. One tasted my medicine, to ease my anxiety about what it would taste like. One counted how many times my stuffed dog Katie, who was laying on my chest went up and down, to get my respiration rate, instead of waking me in the middle of the… Continue reading Miracles and Angels

Faith helped Watterson graduate beat childhood cancer By Elizabeth PardiFighting cancer is fraught with emotions and physical changes. But when it happens to a 13-year-old, it can be even more traumatic. It’s with acceptance, peace and even gratitude, however, that Carolyn Koncal Breinich, now 40, recalls her adolescent experience with leukemia.“I’ve always believed everything happens… Continue reading September 2020 article from the Catholic Times