CMN Champions
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2007 CMN Champion
Monica Hatch
Over the long course of her treatment, Monica Hatch of Sykeston, ND, was determined to let people know how much she loves life and wants to get the most out of every moment. She often said, "I'm not sick, I just have cancer."
In 2003, when Monica was 11, she was diagnosed with spindle cell sarcoma. Though her first course of chemotherapy proceeded as planned, her second course of chemotherapy did not. Due to her weakened immune system, Monica developed pneumonia, blood bacteria and dangerous complications from a spider bite. She lapsed into a coma for weeks, dependent on a respirator and feeding tube to keep her alive. Monica fought through every setback, regaining her strength to continue to fight with cancer. In July 2006, a large tumor was removed from her chest cavity followed by a full course of radiation therapy.
Now 14, Monica is active in basketball, volleyball, 4-H, Girl Scouts and horse judging. Despite all the school she missed, she refused to get behind in her schoolwork and maintained an impressive 3.5 GPA throughout her treatment. As if all that weren't enough, Monica happily spends her spare time making beaded bracelets and gift bags for kids at MeritCare Children's Hospital.
On Saturday, August 18, 2007, Monica's mother, Karen, posted this entry on her Caring Bridge page. "Monica earned her angel wings at 10:50 am this morning. She passed peacefully and without pain. The family is coping but it will be hard. Know that she loved each of you and she will truly be our angel in heaven."