"Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness; kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile, kindness in your warm greeting."
Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa
Smile
Cancer stripped her of everything including her life but it could not steal away God's LOVE, PEACE and the JOY that radiated through her. Korrine never stopped SMILING!
Korrine Lannie Croghan
Korrine Croghan was a vivacious 14-year-old girl who lived all of her life in Livermore, CA. She had a love for animals, sports, and most of all, family. Korrine was a straight “A” student while attending Mendenhall Middle School and was working hard in her first trimester at Granada High. She was a great friend to many and was everything that a brother, mother and father could ask for in a daughter. Korrine was the type of girl who would greet you with a wide smile and look into your eyes and truly would want to know how you were doing
Korrine & Cancer
On December 20th, 2007, Korrine was diagnosed with Choriocarcinoma with a germ cell element. Choriocarcinoma is a very rare type of cancer in teenage girls and inflicts less than 200 nationwide each year. Although the cancer started in her left ovary, the cancer had spread to her right ovary, lungs and liver. After the removal of a cantaloupe sized tumor in her left ovary on December 21st of 2007, Korrine, endured 10 months of intense chemotherapy designed for adult men.
During the course of her treatment, Korrine suffered many complications. In early April of 2007, her liver began to bleed. After staying at Kaiser Oakland for almost two weeks, Korrine was transfered to UCSF and spent a month in the intensive care unit. The doctors at UCSF Medical Center were finally able to stop her bleeding liver, but, not before it filled her abdomen with 5 liters of blood that had to be drained via a tube inserted into her stomach. On top of that, both of Korrines’ lungs collapsed while undergoing a CT scan that almost took her life. Because of that, 2 liters of fluid needed to be drained off of her lungs with the use of another drainage tube. Throughout her treatment Korrine needed numerous blood and platelet transfusions. She had nosebleeds that lasted an hour on several occasions. At one point, she had 18 intravenous tubes running through her body filled with anti-bacterials, anti-fungals, nutrition, painkillers and chemotherapy. Korrine miraculously made it through those tough days at UCSF and returned to Kaiser Hospital in Oakland. She was finally stable and was released to go home in late June. Just as things were starting to look up for her, she suffered septic shock in July that forced her to go back into intensive care at Kaiser in Santa Clara for 2 weeks.
Korrine returned home in late July and went through imaging scans to see if the cancer had disappeared. The scans always came back good, but not great. In an effort to kill and stop the remaining cancer cells, she underwent an emergency round of chemotherapy in early September. Unfortunately, it did kill the remaining cancer and her doctors had run out of options.
Korrine spent her last days at home with her family reading books and loving on her cats and dog. She passed away quietly, at home, on October 27th, 2008. Through it all, Korrine had a positive attitude and never gave up or complained. Many consider Korrine a hero.
Team KC
The Team KC website was originally started as a way to encourage, educate, raise awareness, and keep friends and family informed with accurate information on Korrine's treatment and progress. Family, classmates, friends, community members, and complete strangers rallied to support Korrine and her family through her fight against Choriocarcinoma. We were amazed by the amount of support we received, and it is now our desire to give back. In March, 2009, Team KC became an official nonprofit by joining forces with Kaiser Foundation Hospital. All monies raised by Team KC will directly benefit pediatric cancer patients and their families. All monetary contributions are tax deductible.
Our Mission: To help improve the quality of life of pediatric cancer patients and their families. We wish to supply children with fun activities, toys and anything else that will brighten and better their lives. Monies will also be used to help parents pay for bills and defray the costs of gas, food and lodging that go along with caring for a child with cancer.
Stay Positive, LIVESTRONG & Welcome to Team KC!
*This is the official Team KC website and the only website approved by the Croghan family. Please do not use content, images, or video from this site without permission. This is an effort to respect the family's privacy and ensure that all content is accurate and approved. Thank you for your cooperation.
Korrine Croghan was a vivacious 14-year-old girl who lived all of her life in Livermore, CA. She had a love for animals, sports, and most of all, family. Korrine was a straight “A” student while attending Mendenhall Middle School and was working hard in her first trimester at Granada High. She was a great friend to many and was everything that a brother, mother and father could ask for in a daughter. Korrine was the type of girl who would greet you with a wide smile and look into your eyes and truly would want to know how you were doing
Korrine & Cancer
On December 20th, 2007, Korrine was diagnosed with Choriocarcinoma with a germ cell element. Choriocarcinoma is a very rare type of cancer in teenage girls and inflicts less than 200 nationwide each year. Although the cancer started in her left ovary, the cancer had spread to her right ovary, lungs and liver. After the removal of a cantaloupe sized tumor in her left ovary on December 21st of 2007, Korrine, endured 10 months of intense chemotherapy designed for adult men.
During the course of her treatment, Korrine suffered many complications. In early April of 2007, her liver began to bleed. After staying at Kaiser Oakland for almost two weeks, Korrine was transfered to UCSF and spent a month in the intensive care unit. The doctors at UCSF Medical Center were finally able to stop her bleeding liver, but, not before it filled her abdomen with 5 liters of blood that had to be drained via a tube inserted into her stomach. On top of that, both of Korrines’ lungs collapsed while undergoing a CT scan that almost took her life. Because of that, 2 liters of fluid needed to be drained off of her lungs with the use of another drainage tube. Throughout her treatment Korrine needed numerous blood and platelet transfusions. She had nosebleeds that lasted an hour on several occasions. At one point, she had 18 intravenous tubes running through her body filled with anti-bacterials, anti-fungals, nutrition, painkillers and chemotherapy. Korrine miraculously made it through those tough days at UCSF and returned to Kaiser Hospital in Oakland. She was finally stable and was released to go home in late June. Just as things were starting to look up for her, she suffered septic shock in July that forced her to go back into intensive care at Kaiser in Santa Clara for 2 weeks.
Korrine returned home in late July and went through imaging scans to see if the cancer had disappeared. The scans always came back good, but not great. In an effort to kill and stop the remaining cancer cells, she underwent an emergency round of chemotherapy in early September. Unfortunately, it did kill the remaining cancer and her doctors had run out of options.
Korrine spent her last days at home with her family reading books and loving on her cats and dog. She passed away quietly, at home, on October 27th, 2008. Through it all, Korrine had a positive attitude and never gave up or complained. Many consider Korrine a hero.
Team KC
The Team KC website was originally started as a way to encourage, educate, raise awareness, and keep friends and family informed with accurate information on Korrine's treatment and progress. Family, classmates, friends, community members, and complete strangers rallied to support Korrine and her family through her fight against Choriocarcinoma. We were amazed by the amount of support we received, and it is now our desire to give back. In March, 2009, Team KC became an official nonprofit by joining forces with Kaiser Foundation Hospital. All monies raised by Team KC will directly benefit pediatric cancer patients and their families. All monetary contributions are tax deductible.
Our Mission: To help improve the quality of life of pediatric cancer patients and their families. We wish to supply children with fun activities, toys and anything else that will brighten and better their lives. Monies will also be used to help parents pay for bills and defray the costs of gas, food and lodging that go along with caring for a child with cancer.
Stay Positive, LIVESTRONG & Welcome to Team KC!
*This is the official Team KC website and the only website approved by the Croghan family. Please do not use content, images, or video from this site without permission. This is an effort to respect the family's privacy and ensure that all content is accurate and approved. Thank you for your cooperation.
A Note From Korrine (written after her 4th round of Chemo)...
Hello everyone! It's me, Korrine. I just wanted to take a
moment to thank each and every one of you for supporting me through emails,
visits, food, gifts, and most importantly, prayer. Without it, I probably
wouldn't have made it this far. Anyways, on a happier note, I am happy to
announce that I am feeling very good. This last round of chemo hit me pretty
hard, but I think that it is more exiting to end things with a big BANG! I will
try to start writing things for the blog now that my chemo therapy is over, but
until then, just know that I love every single one of you and I am always
thinking about my family, friends, and even the people who I've never met
before. Thanks for joining my battle and for making this experience "The
Experience of a Lifetime." LIVESTRONG! And stay positive.
Korrine Lannie Croghan
Hello everyone! It's me, Korrine. I just wanted to take a
moment to thank each and every one of you for supporting me through emails,
visits, food, gifts, and most importantly, prayer. Without it, I probably
wouldn't have made it this far. Anyways, on a happier note, I am happy to
announce that I am feeling very good. This last round of chemo hit me pretty
hard, but I think that it is more exiting to end things with a big BANG! I will
try to start writing things for the blog now that my chemo therapy is over, but
until then, just know that I love every single one of you and I am always
thinking about my family, friends, and even the people who I've never met
before. Thanks for joining my battle and for making this experience "The
Experience of a Lifetime." LIVESTRONG! And stay positive.
Korrine Lannie Croghan
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Let's Make Korrine Smile (Even Bigger)!
Korrine loves reading all of your notes, so please keep them coming! She will be in the hospital for several more days undergoing her first round of chemotherapy and could really use a good laugh...do you have a favorite memory with Korrine or a funny story that you want to share with her? If so, please leave a comment here. Thank you!
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21 comments:
Korrine, God bless you and your family. I hope you're feeling better.
The picture of your dad reminded me of the time he and I went abalone diving in horrendous conditions at Salt Point St. park. There were 4-6' swells and as I was about to jump in, a 5' wave swept the rock he and I were standing on. I dove over the wave with my air mat and turned on my back to see if he was ok and he'd scrambled 20' up the rock like a squirrel. Later he got in and should have brought his boogey board the swells were so big. We got only one ab that day but certainly had a story to tell (about not drowning!). When I was in the water I felt very safe despite the conditions because I knew I was with your dad and he's always been one of the strongest swimmers I've known.
Best Wishes Korrine.
s/Jim McCann
Hey Croghi,
Like everyone else I have been thinking a lot about your family.
About 15 years ago, Sunset had the best swim coaches the team has ever seen...I bet you can guess it was your mom and dad. We were undefeated and the league powerhouse. I have distinct memories of your mom teaching me butterfly. Anyways, after the end of another great season, your mom and dad told us that they were expecting you. I was a little younger than Sean, but I totally remember how excited they were! It was like they had been blessed with a gift and they were already able to tell how special you would become.
I have really great memories of being apart of that team when your parents were coaching. There was a great feeling of community and friendship. I think it was good practice for their own family, and you and Sean are evidence of the fabulous job they are doing.
Meow, Korrine,
We miss you very much. Meow! Cyndy feeds us and gives us fresh water, but it tastes better when you do it. Meow! Nick plays with us and pets us so we are not too lonely. Purr!! Cyndy tells us you'll be home in a few days and we are behaving. When you get home, will you pet us a lot? Purr!! We will snuggle on the bed with you and keep you warm. Purr!! Purr!!
Love,
Rain and Hero
Korrine,
We are using the "PUSH" formula here:
Pray Until Something Happens!
We were so happy to hear some words from your Mom and Dad....as being a parent we can imagine the feelings they are feeling about their precious child.
How funny that they asked for stories to make you laugh,because last night I told Adam we should send Korrine jokes...so,not a joke but a memory:You as a 9 month old and Adam as a 1 year old on a couch at Auntie Marcias in your flannel jammies. We looked over and you sweetly gave Adam your bottle and there he was with the bottle just hanging from his mouth while you carefully looked on. We have a photo of the moment and it cracks us up everytime we see it!
You go girl!The prayers will continue during your chemo and everyday!
Trish
Korrine:
I am a teacher at Canyon and my classroom is near your Dad's room. Life sometimes deals us some difficult situations but we become stronger as a result of these unexpected surprises. You're lucky to have such a strong support system from your family and friends. I'm sending you positive energy and hope you will continue to be strong throughout this process.
Best wishes and keep smiling!
Barbara Heimowitz
Hi Korrine,
I love this picture! Your dad is hilarious! That was such a fun tournament, especially because you and Sean were there to help our team dominate! I remember after all the games, you and I schemed to push your dad in the pool and you ended up being pushed in too! That was a lot of fun. I am so excited to watch you play high school polo games cause you will dominate and for sure be a half-tank shooter!
Love,
Ana Rosa
Korrine... i love this picture... look at the big smile on your face... and young lady you are going to be an amazing waterpolo player... so dont give up... keep your head up high sweetie... and i hope to see you soon...
love courtney
Korrine
I crack-up every time I think about the time we went trick-or-treating in your neighborhood. You were a baseball, and you made that paper mache ball head. One of the neighbors was sitting on the porch acting like a statue and you told us he was real and just trying to scare us. You stood over him for a few minutes and then he moved scaring the heck out of you. You had the ball head off and hit him with it, denting it. You were so upset about the dent in the ball that you didn't even get mad for being scared. Just as you were about to cry, Sean and Jordan took a tumble and both of their candies went flying all over the sidewalk. We all got a big laugh about that. What a FUN, FUNNY, family we have. Always looking for the next joke.
I love you Korrinny
Auntie Marcia
Hi Korrine!!! Remember at that one tournament when we made you into Turbo?? Hahahahah that was so fun and then we went into the volleyball courts and burried you?? and the whole time you couldn't even see because of the ball. oh man, good times!!! I have a picture I found of you. It's from Liane Grant's and Paula Driefurst's graduation party from June 2007. =) I will email it to you...it's quite goofy! Hehehehe
Love and Prayers, Alex Accornero
Korrine,
remember in ms. bloss's math class last year, all those loud rambuncious boys who sat near us? that was so funny! they were always telling jokes, and making us laugh. well we did of course learn some math though. its not like we wernt paying attention *wink wink *
lol.
i miss you and i hope you get better soon so i can see you at graduation!!
-Kaitlin B.
P.S. remember when you gave me a secret santa gift in core, and the code word was a candy cane?
i guessed you right away! by the way, i still love your shoes!
you can email me, i sent you an email so all you gotta do is i reply and BA-BOOM! viola. lol
ilyy korrine!
hey korrine,
it your old pal bobby shull. just thought that i would let you know that i am always praying for you and your family. just keep on smiling.
your bud,
Bobby shull
Hey korrine!
It's your exercise room partner, Morgan Bing. I'm so sorry to hear about your troubles. I miss you, and I am thinking about you all the time.
Your Friend,
Morgan Bing
Korrine,
Hi I don't know if you remember me but its Cheyenne from track.I heard about you and I just wanted to say that I am praying for you and you just stay strong and I love you.Hopefully you'll be ready for the new track season and I can't wait to see you back at school.Have a great 2008!!And Bless your heart.
Hi Korrine,
Wow it has been a few days since we wrote but we are always looking at your web site. Everyone in our family looks at your web site every day sometime two times a day and we pray for you every time . You are such a beautiful young lady. You have such a great family I do not know all of them personally all, but reading their comments Wow they are very supportive and love you and the Lord.
I asked my sister (Debbie Carruth) to pray for you and I mentioned you last name and she said she knew your family. She lives in Castro Valley , I was raise in CV. Anyway She knows your uncle or cousin that coaches CV High and I guess a Croghan is the principle at Canyon JR. High. I think she mentioned that a Crogan Coaches Culumbia swim team in CV. Her daughter, Racheal Carruth has a Croghan for a teacher. Both of her children swim of swim teams. What a small world. My sister says they are all great people. Her family is praying for you daily.
Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my rightteous right hand.
I have faith that the lord is with he is going to bring you through this.
Many have called upon the Lord in prayer for you. From city to city state to state. Churches are spreading the word to pray for you. I am sure the Lord & Angles are saying "Wow" look at the love and faith for Korrine.
Sincerely "The Neufelds" Thomas Neufelds family.
Hey girl...
Well you do not know who I am, but through the reading of these BLOGS and comments I do have a pretty good idea of the wonderful, strong, pretty much can take anything kind of person you are. Well I know you are probably sick of hearing it but I am praying for you and thing of you daily. I have gone through sort of the same thing. It sucks, but family loves ya and are always around… even though they get annoying…HE HE HE : ) Smile, Laugh and Have fun when you can. I’m sure your dad is making that happen when ever possible. Type to you later
Jocelyn Mancebo
Dear Rain & Hero,
I'm sorry to hear that your girl is in the hospital (Or is she out???) I know that when you see her, you will have an abundance or purr and paw kneading ready for her.
I'll be purraying for you.
Love, Pooky (Anne Briley's Kitty)
I really hope you feel better Korrine. This must be a hard time for you and your family. You are so lucky to have so many people that love you. I wish you luck.
BYE
You may not know who I am, but I know pretty much about you. I saw the video our school played this morning. It was really cool. Keep your head up and you'll make it through. May God help you through this hard time. Don't give up hope.
Best wishes to you and your family.
Fell better.
Hi Korrine,
We hope you are feeling better. You can't scritch us, but how about saving us a can of cat food?
What!?? no one's saving any for us?? I'll have to have a talk with Rain & Hero.
Just kidding....
Love & purraise!
Pooky (Anne Briley's Kitty)
**Hey Korinne I hope your feeling better. Well I have a funny story I would love to share with you. Well I went to my friends house one time and her kitechen is like outside,and she had a fireplace.So she was burning plastic and stuff in the fireplace and I thought it was dangerous but I actually ended up joining in the fun too, and well after we burnt a bunch of stuff,we left a LOT of ashes on the kitchen floor,so my friend put a bunch of soap onto the floor...she put to much soap, it wouldnt go away with the water..we ended up pretty much FLOODING her whole Kitchen and leaving it all wet and we got SOAKED!, and we had to get pots,bowls and a broom to put all the water in this pipe in the kitchen to drain it all out.At the end, her dad asked my friend what we had done and she told him that we were " cleaning" the kitchen haha but really.... I was thinking"ya right!!!!!!!" Well I hope you enjoyed my Story.
Hi Korrine, We pray you are keeping strong during chemo. Sounds like you have quite the view in your private room! We all think you look cute with no hair. I was trying to think of a funny story to tell you. I don't have any of my own but we went on YouTube today and saw the funniest video. Type in human hamster wheel and you will crack up!
All our love, Tracy, Jill, Hannah and Claire Leever
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