Burkitt’s lymphoma survivor reflects on her childhood treatment

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07/09/23

In June 1998, Meisha had just completed second grade and was looking forward to summer vacation when she began experiencing severe abdominal pain, nausea and fatigue. After a trip to her pediatrician and an emergency CT scan, she was diagnosed with Burkitt's lymphoma. She was immediately referred to MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital, where she underwent three days of tests, followed by emergency surgery to remove tumors on her small intestine, colon, ovaries and appendix. Burkitt's Lymphoma (BL) is an aggressive, fast-moving cancer affecting B cell lymphocytes.

While undergoing treatment, Meisha took advantage of our Pediatric Education Program, which provides academic instruction and tutoring so our childhood cancer patients can keep up with their classmates back home.

“There were times I didn’t feel like I wanted to get out of bed, but the teachers at MD Anderson persuaded me to go to the classroom so I wouldn’t fall behind,” Meisha says. “It made me understand the importance of education and made me feel like they really cared about me.”

Meisha also participated in the Children’s Art Project, creating a butterfly that went on to be used on many products, including a glass ornament.

Since February 1999, Meisha has had no evidence of disease. She has gone on to finish college and is currently studying for a master’s degree in health studies.

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