by Bonnie Butcher
September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and University of West Georgia’s own Helena Exeni has been awarded the National Children’s Cancer Society Beyond the Cure Ambassador Scholarship. As a 16-year-old sophomore in high school, Helena was diagnosed with Central Nervous System (CNS) germinoma. After many months of challenges and treatments, Helena defeated the cancer with strength and a positive outlook.
For Helena, high school began as it does for most people. She was a dedicated student, engaged in the classroom and motivated to learn. It wasn’t until her sophomore year that she began feeling unusual.
“Along with sleeping through my classes and any other activities for that matter, causing my grades to plummet, I underwent an attitude change for the worst, and my vision seemed to be depleting as my parents noted through me constantly bumping into other people and putting the blame on them,” she recalled.
The alterations took place gradually, making it difficult to detect. Her father eventually caught onto her odd behavior and took her to see a doctor.
During a visit to an ophthalmologist, several examinations were performed. The doctors found a “blurry mass” which after further testing, was found to be a cancerous brain tumor. Although still in shock, Helena and her family were given a game plan to fight for her life.
“My mother, understanding little English, did not need an explanation. As soon as the word ‘cancer’ was spoken, the tears ran down her face,” she said. “The doctor was unable to proceed with our overwhelmed emotions, and as I fought the feeling that I could die, he gave us a moment to ourselves in which I further explained to my mother what was occurring.”
Helena underwent two surgeries to prepare her body for chemotherapy. The first was for the placement of a port, or a metal plate that would be used as a connective tool for blood transfusions, blood testing, IVs, and chemotherapy. The second surgery was a biopsy, resulting in 20 percent of the lemon-sized tumor being extracted.
Chemotherapy was immediately following, bringing on a number of changes. Within the first session, her hair began to fall out, she fell into a coma, and she became very ill. She was moved to the Intensive Care Unit, where she could be given around the clock care.
Her body underwent additional illnesses including a thyroid disorder and Diabetes Insipidus. She had lost vision in both her right eye and a portion of her left eye. She was much too ill to walk, and her mother became her personal nurse, always watching over.
Helena knew that she had to remain occupied, finding entertainment from watching television, reading, using a laptop, and creating crafts.
“Cancer is significantly difficult to battle and it is physically and mentally draining,” said Helena. “If one can visualize an escape, focus on the positive, and do anything that can be done to make the surroundings feel like home and as ‘normal’ as possible, there is no reason to give up.”
Once chemotherapy was over, Helena was finally able to go home. She spent time trying to get back to “normal,” while also catching up with her schoolwork. She was given extra time and support from her teachers, allowing her to take the summer to finish her work. While trying to adjust back to life, as she knew it, Helena went through radiation as the final process of treatment.
At the end of radiation, Helena’s family learned about the American Cancer Society donating wigs to patients. Helena picked out two wigs that resembled her real hair. She spent the majority of her junior year wearing wigs as a shield.
“This period became a learning experience concerning the perspective of others, and more than ever, I found myself seeking the help of guidance counselors,” Helena said. “I re-found my passion for art where I was able to express myself.”
At this time Helena began applying to universities, resulting in her choosing the University of West Georgia. She is currently a junior biology major with a minor in studio art.
“I continue to be driven to the healthcare field,” she said. “I am very interested in combining science and art in the healthcare field in order to help others.”
Through these unfortunate conditions, Helena remained positive and grateful for her life. This aided her battle with cancer, resulting in a remarkable recovery as well as personal growth and accomplishments. Helena is the epitome of what it means to prevail over challenging circumstances, fight for your life, and persevere onto brighter times.
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