Deanna's Story. Regional Hospice.

RegionalHospice
22 Jan 202109:03
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRDeanna, a sophomore at the University of New Haven, bravely battles Ewing sarcoma, a rare childhood cancer, through multiple relapses over seven years. Despite the physical and emotional toll, her positivity and the unwavering support of family and friends, including her devoted boyfriend Grayson, make every day worth fighting for. In a race against time, Deanna and Grayson's love story culminates in a poignant wedding ceremony, surrounded by loved ones, just days before her passing. Their journey is a testament to the power of love and resilience in the face of adversity.

Takeaways
  • 🎓 Deanna was a sophomore at the University of New Haven diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, a rare childhood cancer.
  • 📅 Seven years after her initial diagnosis, Deanna was experiencing her fourth relapse.
  • 💪 Despite the challenges, Deanna's support from friends and family made her days worth fighting for.
  • 🏀 Deanna's leg pain was initially mistaken for growing pains, but it was later revealed to be a symptom of cancer.
  • 🔍 Doctors discovered nodules in her lungs and a biopsy confirmed the presence of cancer, which was also found in her femur.
  • 😢 The family received the devastating news of Deanna's cancer while driving home from a store.
  • 🤝 Deanna's father was also diagnosed with small cell lung cancer, adding to the family's challenges.
  • 💔 Deanna relapsed multiple times, with the cancer becoming more aggressive each time.
  • 💑 Deanna met Grayson in an online chat room, and they developed a strong bond, with Grayson even quitting school to be by her side.
  • 👰 The doctor informed Deanna's parents that there was nothing more he could do, giving her weeks to months to live.
  • 💍 Grayson decided to propose to Deanna, and they planned a wedding despite the grim prognosis.
  • 🎶 Ed Sheeran sent a special message for Deanna and Grayson's wedding, knowing Deanna's love for his music.
  • 💒 The couple got married in a rushed ceremony at home, fearing Deanna wouldn't make it through the night.
  • 🎉 Against all odds, Deanna survived the night and they had a larger wedding celebration with friends and family on the 26th.
  • 😊 Deanna's smile during the wedding was a moment of joy that hadn't been seen in years.
Q & A

  • What is the name of the person diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma in the script?

    -Deanna

  • At what age was Deanna diagnosed with cancer?

    -Deanna was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 13.

  • What is Ewing sarcoma?

    -Ewing sarcoma is a rare form of childhood cancer.

  • How long has it been since Deanna's initial diagnosis?

    -It has been seven years since Deanna's initial diagnosis.

  • What was Deanna's initial symptom that led to the discovery of her cancer?

    -Deanna's initial symptom was leg pain, which was initially thought to be growing pains.

  • What was the father's reaction when he learned about Deanna's diagnosis while he himself had cancer?

    -The father was deeply concerned and did not want Deanna to go through the same experience he was having with his own cancer diagnosis.

  • How did Deanna's cancer relapse manifest?

    -Deanna's cancer relapsed in her lungs and became more aggressive, affecting both lungs.

  • How did Deanna's relationship with Grayson begin?

    -Deanna and Grayson met in an online chat room specific to their college, and they developed a connection based on Deanna's positivity and magnetism.

  • What significant event did Grayson propose to Deanna?

    -Grayson proposed marriage to Deanna, wanting her to have the experience of being asked to be married.

  • How did Ed Sheeran become involved in Deanna's wedding?

    -Chris from regional hospice arranged for Ed Sheeran to send a message and allow the use of his song for Deanna and Grayson's wedding dance.

  • What was the situation on the day Deanna and Grayson were supposed to get married, and how did it change?

    -Deanna was not expected to make it through the night before the wedding, but her condition improved, and they proceeded with the wedding on the 26th as planned.

Outlines
00:00
😢 Deanna's Cancer Journey and Relapse

Deanna, a sophomore at the University of New Haven, was diagnosed with a rare form of childhood cancer, Ewing sarcoma, on September 9, 2009. Despite being on her fourth relapse seven years later, she remains hopeful and fights for every day with the support of her friends and family. Initially, her leg pain was mistaken for growing pains, but further tests revealed nodules in her lungs and a cancerous diagnosis. Deanna's father was also battling cancer, adding to the family's challenges. Deanna's determination to live life to the fullest is evident as she continues to engage in normal activities despite her condition. Her relationship with Grayson, who met online, is a testament to her positivity and magnetism, as he stays by her side, even quitting school to be with her.

05:02
💞 Deanna and Grayson's Wedding Amidst Terminal Illness

The narrative shifts to Deanna's deepening relationship with Grayson and their decision to get married amidst her terminal illness. Chris from regional hospice, who is aware of Deanna's love for Ed Sheeran, helps to bring a special touch to their wedding preparations. On the day of their planned wedding, Deanna's health takes a critical turn, and they fear she may not make it through the night. However, in a race against time, they arrange an impromptu ceremony at home with a justice of the peace, family, and friends present. Against all odds, Deanna survives the night and they proceed with their original wedding plans on the 26th, celebrating with about 100 guests in their yard. The wedding is a poignant moment of joy and love, capturing Deanna's radiant smile, which had been absent for years.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Ewing Sarcoma
Ewing Sarcoma is a rare form of cancer that primarily affects the bones or soft tissues. It is named after Dr. James Ewing, who first described it. In the video, Deanna was diagnosed with this rare childhood cancer, which is a central theme as it affects her life and the lives of those around her. The script mentions her diagnosis on September 9, 2009, and her subsequent relapses, highlighting the disease's impact on her journey.
💡Relapse
A relapse in the context of cancer refers to the return of the disease after a period of remission. In the script, it is mentioned that Deanna is on her fourth relapse, indicating the severity of her condition and the ongoing battle she faces with the disease. This term is crucial to understanding the progression of her illness and the challenges she endures.
💡Support
Support in this video refers to the emotional and practical assistance provided by friends and family to Deanna throughout her cancer journey. The script emphasizes the importance of this support system, which helps her to keep fighting and make every day worth living, despite the hardships she faces.
💡Intramural Basketball
Intramural sports are recreational sports programs organized within a school or institution. In the script, Deanna's participation in intramural basketball is mentioned as a part of her life before the cancer diagnosis. It serves as a contrast to her later experiences and highlights her active and healthy lifestyle prior to the onset of her illness.
💡Biopsy
A biopsy is a medical procedure that involves taking a sample of tissue or cells for examination to determine the presence or cause of a disease. In the video, a biopsy is performed on Deanna after nodules are found in her lungs, leading to the discovery of cancerous cells. This term is key to understanding the diagnostic process she underwent.
💡Full Body Scan
A full body scan is a comprehensive imaging procedure that examines the entire body for abnormalities. In the script, a full body scan reveals the extent of Deanna's cancer, including its presence in her femur. This term is important for understanding the scope of her diagnosis and the challenges she faces.
💡Small Cell Lung Cancer
Small cell lung cancer is a type of lung cancer characterized by its rapid growth and early spread to other parts of the body. In the video, Deanna's father is also diagnosed with cancer, specifically small cell lung cancer. This term is relevant as it adds another layer of complexity to the family's struggle with the disease.
💡Positivity
Positivity in the context of the video refers to Deanna's optimistic and hopeful attitude despite her illness. The script describes how she remains positive and engages in activities that normal kids do, which is a testament to her resilience and a central theme of the video.
💡Marriage Proposal
A marriage proposal is the act of one person asking another for their consent to marry. In the video, Grayson's decision to propose to Deanna is a significant event that symbolizes their deep connection and commitment. The script describes the emotional moment when Grayson asks Deanna's father for permission to marry her, highlighting the importance of love and support during difficult times.
💡Hospice
Hospice care is a specialized type of care for individuals with terminal illnesses, focusing on providing comfort and support rather than curative treatment. In the video, Deanna receives hospice care, and Chris from regional hospice plays a supportive role in her life, even facilitating a special message from Ed Sheeran for her wedding.
💡Wedding
A wedding is a ceremony where two people are united in marriage. In the script, Deanna and Grayson's wedding is a significant event that brings joy and a sense of normalcy amidst their challenging circumstances. The wedding is not only a celebration of their love but also a symbol of hope and unity in the face of adversity.
Highlights

Deanna, a sophomore at the University of New Haven, was diagnosed with a rare form of childhood cancer called Ewing sarcoma on September 9, 2009.

Deanna has been fighting cancer for seven years and is currently on her fourth relapse.

Deanna's leg pain was initially thought to be muscle issues or growing pains, but it turned out to be a symptom of cancer.

After scans revealed nodules in Deanna's lungs, a biopsy confirmed the presence of cancer.

A full body scan discovered cancer in Deanna's femur.

Deanna's father was also diagnosed with small cell lung cancer around the same time.

Deanna relapsed multiple times, with the cancer becoming more aggressive each time.

Despite her illness, Deanna remained positive and lived her life to the fullest, wanting to be a normal kid.

Deanna met Grayson in an online chat room specific to their college, and they developed a strong bond.

Grayson quit school a semester before his degree to stay by Deanna's side and support her through her illness.

The doctor informed Deanna's parents that there was nothing more he could do, as her body was no longer responding to treatment.

Grayson asked Deanna's father for permission to marry her, wanting her to have the experience of being proposed to.

Deanna and Grayson decided to get married, choosing Ed Sheeran songs for their wedding music.

Chris from regional hospice, who knew Deanna loved Ed Sheeran, arranged for a special message from the artist himself for the couple.

Deanna's health took a turn for the worse, and it was uncertain if she would make it to her wedding day.

In a last-minute ceremony, Deanna and Grayson got married in the living room with close family and friends present.

Against all odds, Deanna made it through the night and was able to have her planned wedding on the 26th, surrounded by about 100 guests.

Deanna's smile on her wedding day was the brightest it had been in years, a testament to her strength and resilience.

Transcripts

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Cancer BattleResilienceLove StoryEwing SarcomaUniversity LifeFamily SupportMedical JourneyInspirationalWedding SurpriseEd Sheeran