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College, Cancer, and Kidz If you saw Kasie Forman as you were walking through the campus of the University of West Florida in Pensacola, you probably wouldnt glance twice at her. From the outside, shes just a normal 21year-old girl trying to juggle a social life, work, and school. Oh, and her own nonprofit organization. In 2005 at the age of 13, Forman was diagnosed with Papillary Thyroid cancer. She then went into intense radioactive iodine treatments that were often very difficult for someone her age. I had to be in complete isolation for 8 days - no parents, no leaving my room, nothing, described Forman. I was extremely sick and just laid in bed the entire time. A year after her treatment ended, she was sent in for her yearly scan where they found more cancer. Despite her battle with the deadly disease, Forman remained positive and continued to fight: It was really difficult, Forman said. There were days that I was so depressed because all of my friends were at school living their normal lives and I couldnt. My family, friends, and the entire community were amazing. I had cards being sent and when visitors were allowed, they were there! It was a great feeling, and it really pushed me through the entire thing. In 2007, two years after her diagnosis, Forman went into remission and has been cancer free ever since. Forman found her inspiration for Kasie Helpz Kidz, her nonprofit organization, at the age of 15. She appeared on an MTV series and used her story to help others by speaking at events around the country. Forman then contacted a few teddy bear companies and ended up having 40 teddy bears donated to her. She attached an inspirational letter to each bear and then gave them to children going through cancer treatment. For me, the teddy bears were meaningful because during my treatment when no one could be with me for a week at a time, at least I could hold onto a teddy bear, Forman said.

Jenny Silviano has a daughter going through cancer treatment just as Forman did. After meeting Forman a year ago, she has benefited from KHK and the friendship that Forman has extended to her. The hardest thing about my cancer battle is feeling that I am going to lose my daughter, Silviano stated. Seeing Kasie gives me hope, because she was once where my daughter Katelyn is now. Her testimony and good heart make you feel like its going to be okay. She describes Formans relationship with Katelyn as best friends. Katelyn and Kasie are both like little kids, Silviano laughed. Its like I have a 5 and 6 year old when theyre together. Silviano believes that Formans organization is helpful because Forman can relate to the kids; shes been there herself. Ive never had cancer, and I cant understand what Katelyns going through, Silviano said. Kasie understands. Today, KHK also has a financial assistance program for people going through these lengthy and costly treatments. Forman and her team, comprised of volunteers including friends, family, and even strangers, donate $500 to each child in the program to assist the families with expenses such as copays and medications. She also provides them with gas cards to help pay for their commutes to the hospital. Forman doesnt plan on stopping there. My long-term goal is to start a program/camp where children and adults who are just finishing cancer treatments can come for a week and spend time with a nutritionist, massage therapist, and counselors, Forman stated. They can learn to meditate and be less stressed. This is important because life after cancer has been the hardest for me. Forman suffers from severe anxiety, panic attacks, and other psychological problems due to the memories of the disease and the constant fear that it may return. Regardless of everything, Forman thinks of cancer as a positive life changing experience and encourages all victims to do the same. Just keep going and stay as positive as possible, Forman recommended Take it day by day and know that so many positive things come out of it. I cant imagine where I would be if I didnt experience everything I have with cancer. It is easy to imagine how busy Forman must be. When she isnt attending one of her six courses, working, or helping organize events with KHK, she likes to relax. Formans boyfriend of a year, John Angelicchi, describes Formans free nights as peaceful and quiet. If she had nothing to do on a

Saturday, Kasie would go look on Netflix and see what new movies are on, Angelicchi said. She would be planning to go get some sushi and maybe have a glass of wine. While these nights are rare, they are definitely a treat for Forman and a great way to unwind. Despite her busy schedule, Forman has managed to get her college degree out of the way she graduates from the University of West Florida in August of 2014. She will be moving back to Orlando, Florida in May to intern with a public relations agency. Her peers and instructors also see Forman as an inspiration. Kasie has overcome such difficulties, and you would never know because of her personality, said Zachary Farrington, a classmate of Formans. She is always attentive and helpful in class. Until Forman shares her story, most of her peers are unaware that she has fought such a battle. When I learned about Kasies story, I was immediately taken with her positive, upbeat attitude about life, said Eileen Perrigo, one of Kasies college instructors. She is truly thankful for each day. Her positive attitude and willingness to do well are definite assets describing Kasies character. Formans story of perseverance and dedication can inspire anyone in any situation. At 21, she has accomplished so much despite the unlucky circumstances that surrounded her childhood. Every person she meets is touched by her kind heart and spirit. Kasie has one of the biggest hearts out there, Angelicchi said. She thinks about everyone else before herself; since Ive met her, shes inspired me to be better in all aspects of life.