For inspiration, Katherine Garbe turns to her little sister, a fun-loving kid who already has overcome considerable odds in her precious life.
“She loves to draw,” Katherine said of Jessica, a curly-haired 7-year-old who is quick with a smile. “She’s creative.”
Jessica’s cancer fight has brought out the best in Katherine and her Auburn family. Such a situation has been difficult, but the Garbes have pulled through in tough times, especially when Jessica was clinging to life.
“A catastrophic illness in your family completely changes your priorities and view on life,” said Katherine, a senior at Auburn High School. “… You try to juggle homework, extracurricular activities, hospital visits and the stress of having to grow up too soon. And don’t even mention a social life.”
But Katherine always has been there – for her sister and for others. Her story is strong and inspirational, given Jessica’s intensive cancer fight.
The little girl was diagnosed at 4 with with Wilms’ tumor, a common form of childhood kidney cancer that has taken its physical toll on the Lakeland Hills Elementary School second-grader. While the prognosis is good, the possible complications can be devastating for a child fraught by the pediatric malignancy.
Approximately 460 new cases of Wilms’ tumor are diagnosed each year in the United States, and 1 in 8,000-10,000 children are affected, according to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The causes of all Wilms’ tumor are not known.
Nevertheless, Jessica has fought back, regaining her spirit and drive.
“She looks good,” said her mother, Luanne Didzun.
Luanne and Kathleen are passionate about helping others. They spend time on the advisory council at nearby Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital, where Jessica is treated. They participate in many events, including the recent Relay for Life at Auburn Memorial Stadium. They attend Camp Agape, a one-week residential summer camp where patients and their families can leave behind the stress and tension of cancer.
For her work, Katherine recently was honored as one of 15 graduating high school seniors in the country to win a $1,000 college scholarship from SuperSibs!, the national non-profit organization that supports, honors and recognizes brothers and sisters of children with cancer.
Katherine was recognized for her ability to take a devastating life experience and turn it into a positive, strength-building experience for herself, as well as to create good in the lives of others.
An exceptional student and violinist, Katherine competed in the Miss Auburn Scholarship Pageant with the platform: childhood cancer, awareness, support and the search for the cure.
In Katherine’s scholarship essay, she spoke of learning to be a more compassionate person as a result of her sister’s illness.
“We felt that Katherine was deserving … serving as a tremendous role model for other siblings who follow in her footsteps,” said Stacy Dempsey, SuperSibs! scholarship committee chairperson. “Her positive attitude and eagerness to help others as a result of others experiences is truly remarkable.”
With the national scholarship, Katherine will be attending college to pursue a degree in political science. She plans to attend the University of Washington.
“I’m exceptionally proud of how well she’s kept it together,” Luanne said.
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About SuperSibs!
SuperSibs! is a national nonprofit organization that is committed to changing the culture of pediatric oncology services to ensure that sibling support is integrated into all aspects of care to ensure total family healing. More than 18,000 new siblings are affected each year, as their brothers or sisters are diagnosed with cancer. SuperSibs! provides free direct comfort and care services to children and teens whose brothers and sisters have cancer across the U.S. and Canada. For more about SuperSibs!, or to refer a family or make a donation, visit www.supersibs.org or call 866-444-SIBS (7427).
