Kelsey Sparks
2nd Year recipient
Southeastern Louisiana University
My name is Kelsey Sparks. I am the daughter of Kevin and Patricia Sparks. Until 21/2 years ago, I always considered home to be St. Louis, MO. When I was 16 years old my Dad's job relocated him to New Orleans, LA to become a painting contractor on the Huey P. Long Bridge Widening Project. My folks chose Madisonville, LA to become our new home. It was hard moving away from my friends and everything I've ever known. I started my junior year at Mandeville High School. I tried out and made the varsity teams in both volleyball and basketball. I was so excited! It didn't take me long to start fitting in and what a great group of friends I've made. We had only been here six months and volleyball season came and went. I had hoped to play better but accepted that maybe competition was just tougher here. Basketball season had just started and I was feeling exhausted. Both my family and I could tell that I wasn't the same Kelsey I used to be. My asthma was worse and I could barely keep up with my team on the court. I was sick off and on and had never been before. I didn't know what was wrong! Before the season ended a large lump came up on the right side of my neck. My family doctor sent me right upstairs to be examined by a surgeon right away, who immediately scheduled a biopsy for the very next morning. She biopsied and removed several abnormally enlarged lymph nodes and soon informed my parents a few days later, March 17th, 2008, St. Patrick’s Day, that I had Hodgkin's Lymphoma. When I came home from school that day I knew right away something was not good. We sat down and they explained what they knew. Things moved very quickly from that moment on. I, we, learned an awful lot about cancer. I was amazed by all the wonderful friends and people that surfaced to help me and my family in so many different ways. I didn't know what to think of it. I had no idea how serious it was. To me, it was a problem-so just fix it! It soon caused school, sports and everything I enjoyed in life to come to a screeching halt. I underwent 4 rounds of chemotherapy plus 6 weeks of radiation that spring and summer. It was my senior year and I was determined to make it back in time to start school and volleyball season with my team. I asked my doctor if I could start working out with my team again! He gave me the okay to do what I felt I could do. With the port from chemo in my chest, a bald head and a few more radiation treatments to go I was thrilled with the opportunity and pushed myself. My coach and teammates were so encouraging. It felt wonderful to be apart of something other than cancer again. This was such an accomplishment for me, not just because of what I had just gone through, but before long I was able to share news with everyone that my cancer was in remission! When basketball season came around again my team did very well. We made it to the "Final Four" best teams of Louisiana High Schools! Another awesome accomplishment I was able to enjoy. I've graduated now from high school now and am so excited to start college life at Southeastern Louisiana in the fall! I'd like to become a Physical Trainer. Having cancer has opened my eyes! It has taught me to be grateful and not dwell on small troubles life might bring. I look forward to my future and living life happy, positive and with no regrets!
