Mary Catherine O'Brien (Catie) was born on April 23, 2001 and was first diagnosed with a spinal tumor on June 17, 2008.
Catie had surgery to remove a 6cm tumor on June 19, 2008. The tumor was an extremely rare form of cancer called an ATRT (Atypical Teratoid Rabdoid Tumor).
Catie was treated with radiation to the entire brain-spinal column and aggressive chemotherapy and stem-cell recovery at St. Jude Children's Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. Treatment was suspended on November 25th as the tumor had not responded. Catie remained at St. Jude until the second week of December and was then reunited with her four sisters, Maggie (10), Mia (6), Molly (4) and M.E. (2), and her brother, Max (9) at home in Mechanicsburg, PA.
Catie's parents, Christine and Kevin offer this on-going story as a prayer not only for Catie, but for all those who join her on this journey of faith and triumph.
Catie was called home to eternal life on January 25th, 2009. She will always be a part of our lives.
Catie's journey continues on in her Legacy wish. Catie desired to have us raise enough funds each year to cover the entire operating expenses of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital on her birthday April 23rd. This year on what would have been her 8th birthday, we were able to fulfill and exceed that wish for the first time. Please join with us in prayer that our efforts will make her Legacy an on-going reality.
