"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

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.
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

Friday, February 15, 2008

Good News!!!

Korrine shows her battling spirit! The results of the liver biopsy show that the spots that were on her liver are neucronic tissue. To guys like us it means it is dead tissue. The doctors feel that the dead tissue was most likely cancer cells that had been destroyed by the first two rounds of chemo. The cancer is trying but it is losing the battle over Korrine's liver.We thank our great doctors and nurses at Kaiser, Korrine's prayer warriors and Korrine's fighting spirit for this great news. Keep the prayers and positive vibes coming to Korrine. Thanks to everyone.

We love you all,
The Croghans

29 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am happier than you could know about your test results. I wish so much you never had to deal with any of this, but you are handling this better than most of us would.
You are in my heart and prayers all the time, everyday. Many times when I am just doing everyday jobs I am sure it is the holy spirit prompting me to pray for you. I can't wait until this long battle is over and you come back with better than ever health, strenth, and energy.

Love Yolanda (I work at Canyon, and met you in the parking lot last year)

Anonymous said...

Korrine:

Great news that your treatment is working so well. We've been thinking of you often and praying for your swift recovery. We are always so amazed at what great spirit you and your whole family have. Keep smiling and stay strong!

- The Spence Family (Aiko, Paul, Kevin and Dale)

Anonymous said...

Hey Korrine & Family,
What GREAT NEWS!!! Saw your dad at the park today and told us! We are so happy for you guys! We hope you enjoyed the Valentine's Day Cards from Mrs. Cortez's 3rd Grade Class at Joe Michell Elementary that we dropped on your door step yesterday! Take Good Care!!!
Love the Vasquez Family{Aj,Wendy,Taylor. & Savannah}

Sue said...

Korrine and Family...

So happy to hear the good news! Keep up the fight, you WILL beat this.

Love ya!
Sue Bakalar

Anonymous said...

I can tell you firsthand that cancer is not a gift. The gift is this: The gifts of Faith, Strength and courage. The blessings are many and these are just a few: Family, Friends and Community members who help you through the physical and emotional pain and the day to day needs. I am proud of my daughter for so many reasons and these are just a few: For being a fighter, for not giving up, for taking a life-changing experience and making the change a positive one. She has an inner strength and her joy and love for her fellow human beings and life and her Faith shine brightly for the world to see. "You Go Girl"

Love,
Mommy
Dana Croghan

Anonymous said...

Three Cheers for Korrine!!!!!
This news just made today even brighter. Way to go Korrine and your fighting spirit. Big hugs to you and your family.

We will keep the prayers coming your way. We love you!!!
The Shull Family

Anonymous said...

Korrine-

That is great news and it shows how your love and support from a lot of friends and family is the best medicine!!!!!!!!!!! We love you and KeepStrong

Xavier Family (Ed, Liz, Jessica and Joseph)

Anonymous said...

YAAAY! I am so happy to hear this wonderful news. I hope to see you really soon. Keep fighting .
love Emma.

Anonymous said...

AWESOME news! I know that waiting for the results of the biopsy made the days seem even longer... and you all must be so relieved. Knowing the chemo is doing its job hopefully makes the stay in the hospital just a bit easier. Round 3 is almost done!!!

Thinking of you all!
hugs and love, kathy t.

Anonymous said...

I was once in a hospital for six months when I was three years old....
I'm an "old guy" now with a great family!
I'm praying for you, Korrine.

Anonymous said...

hey korrine..
im so happy to hear that all the cancer is finally dieing away.. i got you a valentines day gift. but by the time i could finally give it to you it wont be valentines day anymore. anyway my cell is 518-7290 call me if there is a good time for me to drop by your gift.
love always
korrine botelho

Erika Figge said...

Way to go on the great news!!! Can't wait to tell all the girls at practice tomorrow that you are making progress and fighting hard! Keep your eyes focused on the prize and your heart focused on God. We're proud of you!

Erika Figge
Women's Water Polo
US Olympic Team

Rosalyn said...

So glad to hear about the the liver bx. I've been praying like crazy and won't stop.
Don't know you but loving you-
Rosalyn

Anonymous said...

Great News!!! So excited for you and your family! That's a WIN for TEAM KC! You are amazing Korrine! Your strength, courage, faith, and the grace in which you have faced this life changing event head on are such an inspiration to all around you. It is clear that God has bigger plans for you. We continue to think and pray for you everyday. Keep SMILING :)!
Hugs to you & your family!

Love,
Carrie, Scott, Trevor, & Evan Moreau

Anonymous said...

You're doing great Korrine! Keep it up!!!

Troy

Anonymous said...

You go girl!
that is amazing news!
Live strong, fight strong Team KC!
we are continually praying for you
Love Maxine, Sammi Hammons & Family
Tears of joy here....

Anonymous said...

Praise God for that good news!
Love,
The McNairs

Kathy Scarbrough said...

Hello Korrine and Family,
Prayers are a wonderful thing! I thank God that you have such fabulous news about your liver! You go, Girl! Keep up the positive attitude, Korrine. I'll keep on praying!
Love, Mrs. Scarbrough

Anonymous said...

Korrine and family!
Wow I am bursting with joy for you all! Half way done with the chemo rounds here...so fantastic.
We are all praying and sending positive energy your way...LOVE the Brother Iz song on the site..it was my favorite song when I hosted my radio Love Song show-It had an impact on so many people in so many circumstances....You go sistah!
Love you lots- Trish, Jeff and Adam

Anonymous said...

Hey there Matt, Dana, Korrine & Sean,
We are so happy that you are all home again and can rest up with #3 behind you! The good news of the biopsy this week and the new pictures posted on the site are so encouraging! The pictures sure help us feel close to you when we can't see you in person! Rest up now and enjoy the Peace that only Jesus can give! We are so proud of all of you and consider it a honor to pray for you. Korrine, we can't wait to hug you and kiss you when it's safe! We love you so much! XX00
Uncle Mark & Auntie Denise

April Liebman said...

Hi Korrine, Matt, Dana, and Sean,
We are so glad to hear that you had a good result from the biopsy. We will be continuing to pray for your health and recovery as well as for strength for you and your whole family.
love, April, Sebastian, Sophia, & Fabian

Anonymous said...

What great news to read about your liver biopsy. You are showing your Heavenly Father that you are using every fiber of strength and faith that he has blessed you with. Our family will continue to think of you, and pray for you. This may be the toughest game you have ever had to play, but you are a very strong competitor!

Anonymous said...

My dear family!!!!

What a relief! When I got the news of the biopsy, I was in Oregon reading the Viet Nam War Memorial and the words of the war being over were being read by myself and a friend of mine. I got a phone call right at that moment and it was you Matt giving the great news of the war you are fighting. NOT CANCER!!! I was so happy, I think everyone on the mountain heard me yelp with joy. Praise God was all I could say. Tears of joy flowed.
I can only pray that the rest of the battle will be one of defeat!!!
I love you all with all my heart.
Auntie Marcia

Unknown said...

Hey beautiful girl!!
I've been thinking about you and I hope you're feeling great! It was so nice to get to talk to you the other week while I was working. I would love to come see you and your family soon, but I have to get over this cold I have first! But anyway, I just wanted to stop in and say hi and make sure you're doing well and keeping that bright beautiful smile on your face! Lord knows this world can't get enough of it! Take care sweetie!
Love,
Julie

Anonymous said...

Dear Korrine,

It is a great win for Team KC! Let's keep up staying strong. We pray for you whenever we see the yellow LIVESTRONG wristband. Even little five years old Allison wears it and prays for you.
Cancer is an uninvited guest visiting your home. Korrine, you are amazing to live with the uninvited guest with your strong faith in God. Don't you think that all guests just stay for the time being but then they always go home? Your uninvited guest is not an exception to this rule!

The Kim Family (Michelle, woojin, Kevin and Allison)

Unknown said...

Hey Korrine!

So, I might be all the way in TN, but don't think that means you aren't in my thoughts and prayers daily! I can't wait to go out there this summer and give you a great big hug! You have always proven to me how tough and strong you are, kicking my butt at steal the bacon and such. I know you can beat this and I am totally with you all the way. Give you mom a shout out for me and let her know I'm praying God keeps her strong as well. See ya soon Tuff Stuff!

Hannah Beth Muelder

PS, ever feel like chatting, I can be reached at my cell number (your mom should have it from the LARPD phone list).

Anonymous said...

Dear Team KC,
I am so clapping and cheering for every milestone you overcome, the biopsy result and Round 3 are over and you are winning the battle. Keep going strong. Through small means such as your faith and obedience, the lord can perform great miracles in your life, and you Korrine are one of the greatest. Thank You for being the wonderful example that you are to those around you.
LiveStrong in Love, Hope, and Faith
Joy

Anja said...

Yeah! I am so relieved that you are doing better. I am so excited that you are doing, my day just got so much better. Hope you have a great day!
Anja

Anonymous said...

Hi Korrine!
I'm so happy your liver biopsy results came out well! You, Melissa, and I need to get together again soon. Last time it was so much fun! :).

Can't wait to see you again and I know you are going to get through this like the brave girl you are. (we aren't fooled by your height. haha. :D )


Love you midget,
katie morgan (tallest midget)