A Team Effort to Save Catherine

Catherine was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma at 16 years old. “Her team spent so much time explaining things and addressing our concerns,” her mother Sue says. “We felt as if Catherine was their only patient.”

Her type of lymphoma typically resolves after a 15-week treatment. Almost all of the cancer was gone after 15 weeks, except for a spot in Catherine’s chest that worsened. “Her team had not encountered this, but they were not giving up and would change course,” says Sue. “They helped us medically and personally through countless crises, decision points, setbacks and victories.” Doctors were constantly available. Nurses became friends and confidants. They stopped by Catherine’s room to check on her before they left after 16-hour shifts.

“Caring and compassionate people at Children’s National Hospital who made sure I had a warm blanket on overnight stays, always asked how our son was doing and taught me to knit to help me keep busy while Catherine received treatment,” says Sue. “I felt supported in every way.”

Catherine is now 21 years old and a healthy junior in college. She loves photography and is a natural leader. She inspires others with her story and raise money for pediatric cancer research. “I credit Catherine’s team for giving her the opportunity to be so successful in life,” Sue says.