In January, 15-year old, Shea Hancock was diagnosed with Desmoplastic Small Round Tumor Cell. This is a rare cancer with only 200 cases reported and a 15 percent survival rate.  Shea went through many rounds of chemotherapy and radiation.

From January to March, her tumor shrank to half the size. By September, she was NED, which means no evidence of cancer detected.

On Oct. 16, her CT scan came back with another tumor in the same spot as her previous tumor.  Later in October, her tumor was removed, and a biopsy was performed on it.

Six days after her surgery, the results came back. A phone call from the doctor confirmed that she was negative for cancer.

“I was really happy and maybe cried a little bit,” said Hancock.

Her 10-month fight was difficult with chemotherapy, severe mouth sores and many fevers that left her hospitalized, but Shea couldn’t have been happier that it was over.

“I saw myself at this point, and I never doubted myself that I couldn’t do it,” said Hancock.

During her fight Hancock was able to make good grades while balancing all her doctor’s appointments. She was supported during the fight heavily by spanish teacher Anna Macki-Birchler.  Macki-Birchler was Hancock’s Spanish teacher when diagnosed, and is still for her junior year.

“She shared a lot of her cancer journey with me, and we would read poetry and used symbolism to keep her strong,” said Maki-Birchler.  “When the news of her good results came through I felt overjoyed of course, thankful, and felt there was a rejuvenation of good in the world.” said Maki Birchler.

Hancock will be going on a trip for Spanish in March to Spain along with Maki-Birchler.  Hancock was able to be a part of the Northland Caps Medical Program.  Along with other students, she took her experience and organized “Run for the Sole” a 5k run/walk to raise awareness for childhood cancer on Nov 21 at Northland Cathedral.

In the future, Shea said sees herself going to college and working in the medical field. “I feel like I’m a much better person and much better because of it. I feel great and accomplished,” said Hancock.