Chronic Illness Resources for Teens
Finding Our Way is the second collection of stories published by the Steps Toward Adult Responsibility (STAR) Program at the Children's Hospital at Dartmouth. These stories reveal the experience, wisdom, hopes and fears of teenagers with chronic health conditions and their parents. Most of these ten young authors participated in STAR discussion groups, and each has chosen to write - and share - a story about living with a chronic health condition. Many parents featured in this booklet initiated their stories in a parent discussion group, and some wrote them of their own accord, but all have generously offered their time and insights, with remarkable results.The stories convey a sense of challenge, of empowerment and of strength gained. They speak of a journey on which the teens and their parents have embarked together. One mother compares her daughter's illness to a train ride; finding one's way amidst many bumps in the road is certainly a prominent theme throughout the booklet, and it is one which we think will have a positive impact on those who read and can relate to them.
We hope that other young people facing similar issues, as well as their families and friends, will experience this impact and find inspiration here.
| Mark J. Detzer, Ph.D. Director, STAR Program Assistant Professor, Pediatrics/Psychiatry Dartmouth Medical School |
Anne Baird, M.S.W. Inpatient Pediatric Social Worker Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center |
Kate Creskoff, B.S. Intern, STAR Program 1999 Dartmouth Graduate |
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Allison's Story: Allison is 14 and was diagnosed with Diabetes when she was 6. "I hope for a cure for diabetes every single night." | |
| Allison's Mom: "It was the emotional... and 'chronic' impact that I think affected me and the family" |
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Carmen's Story: Carmen is 16 and was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. "I now know that whatever doesn't kill you only makes you a better, stronger person in the end." | |
| Carmen's Mother: "I am sure that the future will provide the resources we need to become well again." |
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Debbie's Story: Debbie is 18 and has Crohn's disease. "It really scared me." | |
| Debbie's Mom: "... hope and a positive faith become your armor." |
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Josh's Story: Josh is 15 and was born with Spina Bifida. "I just accept my limitations and try to do all that I can." | |
| Josh's Parents: "[Josh] has taught us how to deal with obstacles that life offers." |
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Meghan's Story: Meghan is 17 and was diagnosed with heart disease three years ago. "[The doctor] said a bunch of mumbo jumbo about my heart and that I could no longer participate in sports." | |
| Meghan's Parents: "Suddenly, life and death are very clear." |
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Meredith's Story: Meredith is 14 and is diagnosed with lymphocytic leukmia. "... with each new day, there are new experiences to be gained and dreams to be fulfilled." | |
| Meredith's Mom: "Cancer never appears at a good time." |
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Sally's Story: Sally is 13 and diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia. "Looking back, the love that I got from family and friends was the one thing, other than chemo, that healed me." | |
| Sally's Dad: "I tried to protect myself and my family from the big truth by looking only at the little parts." |
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Shawna's Story: Shawna is 13 and was born with Cystic Fibrosis. "I just say that I'm a fighter and I will never let CF win." | |
| Shawna's Mom: "With the support from family and friends, our strength will carry us on." |
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Shawna's Grandmother: "We'll deal with it like we deal with everything else." | |
| Tiffany's Story: Tiffany is 13 and was diagnosed with diabetes when she was 11. "I feel that diabetes has helped me become a stronger person." |
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Tiffany's Parents: "This can't be happening to us! Why? There must be a mistake!" |