Student Interview

Danielle Deeke
2-11-09
Most children go to annual school eye appointments to determine if they need glasses; however, for Katie Lundy, a 19- year- old student at Southern Illinois University, the diagnosis is far more serious then bad eye sight. Lundy was diagnosed with a growing brain tumor at the age of 11 on her birthday.

Lundy has struggled for nine years to conquer her non-cancerous, but chronic disease. Lundy underwent surgery in October of 2000 only to find out the doctors were unable to remove the tumor without causing permanent blindness or death. Since the surgery, Lundy has endured seven different kinds of chemotherapy to help shrink the tumor, and one round of radiation. The chemotherapy can last anywhere from 30 days to months. Unfortunately for Lundy, the chemotherapy has unbearable side effects that has caused her to quit some of the treatments earlier then anticipated. “I had to quite in November because my legs went numb and I couldn’t walk. I got rashes and have a hard time seeing,” Lundy said. These are just a few of the painful side effects, not caused by the tumor, but by the chemotherapy. Now, Lundy said, the tumor is stable and not growing in size. Since the tumor is a chronic disease, it can shrink and grow for the rest of her life. Lundy’s condition could change in the next few months which indicate more chemotherapy, and more side effects. Lundy has stayed positive through her battle, and has made great accomplishments in helping other children in hospitals.

“I am hopeful and nervous,” Lundy said. “I know I can’t die from the tumor but I could go blind in my left eye. And I’m scarred of when I’ll need more medicine, and if the doctors will run out of options.” Even though Lundy is fearful for her future, she has made hospital stay much more enjoyable for children with similar illnesses. Since Lundy was diagnosed with the tumor, she has raised $100,000 for the two children hospitals in St. Louis. Lundy raised the money through seven annual golf tournaments. “Each tournament varies in the amount of money we raise, but in the last golf tournament we raised $23,000,” Lundy said. The money raised contributes to making the patients’ stay more enjoyable. Missing puzzle pieces are replaced, new play station, and new TV sets are installed in the hospitals with the fundraising money. Lundy frequently visits her hospital, St. Louis Children’s Hospital, for treatment and to visit her “second family”, her nurses and doctor. Since Lundy’s diagnosis nine years ago, she has seen a change in the hospitals, and can tell it is more enjoyable for the patients who have to be away from home.

Lundy has without a question changed her severe diagnosis into a positive outcome for many children like her. Lundy plans to continue the golf tournament fundraising, and help children feel more comfortable in the hospitals. Lundy also continues to be optimistic and hopeful with living with this chronic illness.