Hi, my name is Jamie Wikman Holm !

I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2006. I was in school, and they noticed a

lump on my neck. They thought it was strep throat so they called my mom and she picked me

up from school and took me to the emergency room, where they completed a CT Scan. They

recommended an ear, nose and throat doctor. He advised having my tonsils removed

immediately. After they were removed, it was confirmed I had Stage 1 of Non-Hodgkin's

Lymphoma. Once it was confirmed that I had cancer I had to go to a children's hospital in

Chicago to start my Chemo, one day a week for 6 months. When I was in the hospital, I was

lucky enough to have a visit from Jim McMahon, he was the quarterback from the bears.  I

started losing my hair in school, which felt so embarrassing. The men in the family shaved their

heads for me. My hometown came together and threw the first fundraiser at Crandall’s in

Hebron IL to help my parents pay for my hospital bills. After all my treatment was done my mom

and grandma took me to fun places in the city like, the American Girl Doll store, Cheesecake

Factory, Hershey Candy Factory, Navy Pier. I got to see a lot in Chicago. I also got to go to

summer camp and go on an airplane, where I visited a Dude Ranch in Arizona. I was also able

to go on a Disney Cruise on a Make a Wish trip! Every month for a year, I had to go back for

checkups, which eventually changed to every 5 months. 5 years later, when I was 12 years old,

I found out I was cancer free, and that I would only have to go for a checkup annually! My mom

and grandma never left my side.

I want to thank God, the doctors and many kind people. I am alive and well, and now I can tell

my story. I am truly blessed and am a survivor.