My goal this year as the 2010 Miss Massachusetts ANTSO National Miss is to enjoy my year to the fullest while promoting my passion for Blood Cancer Awareness.
On November 4, 2006, during my sophomore year at Bentley, my then four year old brother, Michael Shaw, was jaundiced and tired. On the way to a family vacation in New Hampshire, we decided to stop at the pediatrician’s office to check on our usually energetic and happy little boy. After being rushed to Children’s Hospital Boston for a blood transfusion and multiple tests, Michael was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (A.L.L.) on November 6, 2006. Michael’s treatment began right away and called for a two year protocol. As if this was not shocking enough, it only got worse. Two weeks into treatment and just days before Thanksgiving, Michael developed an infection that put him in the Intensive Care Unit. Because his small body was weak and unable to fight anything off, doctors started to lose faith. As we sat in the ICU and watched his unconscious body, we were told he may not make it through the night. Thanksgiving was spent by his bedside, praying that he would find the strength to survive this infection, praying that I was not going to lose my four year old brother, the sunshine in my life. Miraculously, Michael fought it off and was able to continue his treatment a few weeks later. He was home just before Christmas that year, the best gift any family could ask for. Michael is now seven years old and is considered a heroic, strong, and amazing young man to anyone that meets him. He has been in remission for two years now and visits the Jimmy Fund every couple of months for follow up. He will not be declared a “survivor” for another three years, but we look forward to that day patiently. In the mean time, Michael spent 2008 as The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Boy of the Year and has been quite the miniature ambassador for Leukemia research. He continues to amaze me every day and has inspired me to take the next step in helping others that are living with blood cancer.
I have taken my experiences with blood cancer and turned them into a positive note. I am currently in the running for Woman of the Year 2010 through The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Massachusetts. The Man & Woman of the Year event has been one of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s signature events since 1990. Last year, over $7 million was raised nationally with this campaign. Candidates competing for this title are judged solely on a philanthropic basis—on their success in generating funds for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society from March 11, 2010 through May 20, 2010. Every dollar raised counts as one vote and the male and female candidates with the most votes accumulated will be selected as The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s 2010 Man & Woman of the Year. The winners will be featured in Boston Magazine, on an electronic sign over Route 93, on a billboard in the Metro-Boston area and in the USA Today, announcing their accomplishment. But more importantly, the feeling of truly making a difference and being one step closer to knocking Leukemia off of the map!
You can check out my fundraising efforts at www.mwoy.org/ma! Your generousity is appreciated, always.
I am excited for the final event in May and am hopeful that my year as Miss Massachusetts ANTSO National Miss will be full of awareness, fundraising, and satisfaction!
On November 4, 2006, during my sophomore year at Bentley, my then four year old brother, Michael Shaw, was jaundiced and tired. On the way to a family vacation in New Hampshire, we decided to stop at the pediatrician’s office to check on our usually energetic and happy little boy. After being rushed to Children’s Hospital Boston for a blood transfusion and multiple tests, Michael was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (A.L.L.) on November 6, 2006. Michael’s treatment began right away and called for a two year protocol. As if this was not shocking enough, it only got worse. Two weeks into treatment and just days before Thanksgiving, Michael developed an infection that put him in the Intensive Care Unit. Because his small body was weak and unable to fight anything off, doctors started to lose faith. As we sat in the ICU and watched his unconscious body, we were told he may not make it through the night. Thanksgiving was spent by his bedside, praying that he would find the strength to survive this infection, praying that I was not going to lose my four year old brother, the sunshine in my life. Miraculously, Michael fought it off and was able to continue his treatment a few weeks later. He was home just before Christmas that year, the best gift any family could ask for. Michael is now seven years old and is considered a heroic, strong, and amazing young man to anyone that meets him. He has been in remission for two years now and visits the Jimmy Fund every couple of months for follow up. He will not be declared a “survivor” for another three years, but we look forward to that day patiently. In the mean time, Michael spent 2008 as The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Boy of the Year and has been quite the miniature ambassador for Leukemia research. He continues to amaze me every day and has inspired me to take the next step in helping others that are living with blood cancer.
I have taken my experiences with blood cancer and turned them into a positive note. I am currently in the running for Woman of the Year 2010 through The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Massachusetts. The Man & Woman of the Year event has been one of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s signature events since 1990. Last year, over $7 million was raised nationally with this campaign. Candidates competing for this title are judged solely on a philanthropic basis—on their success in generating funds for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society from March 11, 2010 through May 20, 2010. Every dollar raised counts as one vote and the male and female candidates with the most votes accumulated will be selected as The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s 2010 Man & Woman of the Year. The winners will be featured in Boston Magazine, on an electronic sign over Route 93, on a billboard in the Metro-Boston area and in the USA Today, announcing their accomplishment. But more importantly, the feeling of truly making a difference and being one step closer to knocking Leukemia off of the map!
You can check out my fundraising efforts at www.mwoy.org/ma! Your generousity is appreciated, always.
I am excited for the final event in May and am hopeful that my year as Miss Massachusetts ANTSO National Miss will be full of awareness, fundraising, and satisfaction!
Hi Jess
ReplyDeleteWe are so proud of you and all you have accomplished!! Congratulations! Keep it going and we can't wait until July!!!
Love,
John, Linda, Patrick, Chris and James