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Jackie Ripke
Jackie Ripke |
While most 17-year-old girls were shopping for prom dresses or
planning for college, Jackie Ripke of Wisconsin Rapids had other things on
her mind – would she celebrate her 18th birthday?
On October 5, 2007, Jackie and her parents, Harley and Mary, learned the
devastating news that Jackie had Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML). “When my
doctor told me that I had leukemia, I didn’t know what to feel or what to
say,” said Jackie. “All I could wonder is how and why. I was only 17 years
old.”
AML is a fast-growing cancer affecting the blood and bone marrow. It is the
most common type of acute leukemia and occurs mostly in adults. In fact, the
average age of a person with AML is 65 years old - not seventeen. Fewer than
10% of those with AML are children. But as Jackie experienced, cancer can
afflict anyone at anytime, “it never occurred to me until now that anyone
can get cancer no matter what age you are.”
The symptoms of AML are generated by the normal bone marrow cells being
replaced with leukemic cells. This drops the count of red and white blood
cells as well as platelets, resulting in easy bruising or bleeding,
shortness of breath, fatigue and increased risk for infection. Because AML
is a rapidly progressive illness, it can be fatal within a few months if
left untreated.
Under the care of Marshfield Clinic Pediatric Oncologist, Dr. Divya-Devi
Joshi, Jackie went through the long, rocky road of chemo-therapy in hopes of
going into remission. “I went through a lot of rough patches, but within the
year I learned a life-time of experiences. It made me see life differently.
At anytime you could have anything happen to you, and you do not want to
take anything for granted.”
Jackie’s last chemotherapy treatment was in February 2008. The Child Life
staff at Saint Joseph’s Children’s Hospital celebrated by throwing an
end-of-treatment party. “This journey brought me closer to the ones I love,”
shares Jackie, “and brought new people into my life as well.”
Ten months after her diagnosis, Jackie did celebrate her 18th birthday.
Today she is a vibrant, stunning young woman and is a student at Mid-State
Technical College in Wisconsin Rapids. She’s a typical 18-year-old who
enjoys music, friends and shopping. The only difference is that she is a
young woman with a stronger body and an even stronger spirit.
Jackie shares the secret of her vitality, “I know it is hard, but stay
strong and keep a positive attitude. Smile every day because it will bring
joy to your life.” With her committed positive attitude, affinity for
laughter, and immense gratitude for those that were by her side every step
of the way, including her older sister, Jennifer, Jackie is equipped with
some of the most beautiful qualities in life; a perfect recipe for helping
to create more miracles. |
Copyright © 2010
Ministry Saint Joseph's Hospital
All rights reserved. Children's Miracle Network
611 Saint Joseph Ave ~ Marshfield, WI 54449
715-387-9965 or 1-800-428-5000 (WI only)
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