A MIGHTY CANCER WARRIOR
Kila Tripp sets out to raise money for cancer research at Cincinnati Children’s Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute Written by Sheree Allgood with Kila Tripp A quiet dignity and steely determination bely the youthful sophistication and incredibly focused countenance of Kila Tripp. This past spring, she fomented a plan to raise $100,000 for cancer research at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital’s Cancer and Blood Disease Institute (CBDI) to coincide with Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month, which is September. Her gratitude comes from a place none of us wishes ever to come from…that of a two-time cancer survivor. Kila’s journey began at age 14 in January 2012 during her freshman year at Ursuline Academy. She had been experiencing some fatigue and dizziness which she attributed to her busy schedule, but when she fainted on the tennis court, she made a doctor’s appointment. After a series of tests, she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), a type of cancer of the blood and bone marrow. Being acute, the disease progressed rapidly, creating a proliferation of immature blood cells, involving lymphocytes, or white blood cells, our body’s workhorse cells which fight infection. Acute lymphocytic leukemia occurs when a bone marrow cell develops an error in its DNA. The error tells the cells to continue growing and dividing when a healthy cell would normally stop dividing and eventually die. Abnormal cells begin to crowd out the healthy cells, and the function of the blood is impaired. This type of blood cancer is usually found in children, although adults can also be diagnosed with it. Kila’s parents, Rick and Cindy Tripp, along with extended family members and friends, immediately began researching the top pediatric cancer centers in the world, only to find out that one of the premier pediatric oncology centers, with specialists versed in the many nuances of Kila’s type of leukemia, was housed locally at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. She began her treatment there, knowing that the next two-and-a-half years would be dedicated to treatment and healing. As an active teen, Kila was determined not to miss a minute of her high school years and excelled both at school and at her extracurriculars. Her high school achievements can in large part be attributed to the supportive staff of Cincinnati Children’s CBDI, who advocated on Kila’s behalf, and encouraged her to excel. The Tripp family soon learned that the medical team treating Kila was not just interested in her as a patient, but as young, vibrant teen. This wholistic approach allowed her the opportunity to live her life to the fullest, even during difficult treatments and occasional setbacks. Anyone who has been through cancer treatment or been faced with a life-altering illness knows that the goalposts can change, and often do, especially where treatment is concerned. Her therapy included chemo and cranial radiation. As Kila ran into obstacles, her doctors adjusted her procedures to mitigate long-term side effects. At the time of Kila’s treatment, steroids served as an important part of her medication regime. While an effective and crucial drug in many serious illnesses, steroids can weaken the body’s ability to fight other infections, and long-term use can lead to myriad other issues. Kila’s chemotherapy left her with Avascular Necrosis, which causes the death of bone tissues from lack of blood supply. Another test to a list of challenges facing this vivacious young woman.
92 slmag.net
