"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
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
This morning at 9:00 AM PST, Gina Miles led a broadcast prayer with thousands of listeners in the Sacramento area. The song "Grace Like Rain" was playing in the background. Team KC is growing and Korrine is covered in Prayer! Praise God!
We hope you are encouraged by the below passages (thank's Cassidy). If you have any to add, please leave a comment. Thank you!
“They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord."Jeremiah 1:19"In all their distress he too was distressed, and the angel of his presence saved them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them.."Isaiah 63:9“I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; Give ear to me and hear my prayer.”
Psalm 17:6
36 comments:
Hope Abides
Hope abides; therefore I abide.
Countless frustrations have not cowed me.
I am still alive, vibrant with life.
The black cloud will disappear,
The morning sun will appear once again
In all its supernal glory
Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go
Joshua 1:9
Fear not the Lord is with you
With God all things are possible.
Matthew 19:26
Dana,you and the Family are in our thoughts every hour of the day. We are praying that they find the bleeding and nurse her back to health God Bless you and your Family. The Paredez Family
"i can do all things through christ who strengthens me"
"though i walk through the valley of death, i shall fear no evil, fot thou art with me"
Dear Korrine, Sean, Dana and Matt,
The strength of your faith and your love and devotion to each other are an inspiration to us all. You are constantly in our prayers. With God all things are possible, and we will keep praying unceasingly for the wonderful miracle to happen.
God bless you,
The Franklins
Our thoughts are with you. Be strong.
Walt and Rena
Isaiah 40:31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
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 righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
The Lord will fight for you, you need only be still.
Exodus 14:14
Matt 21:22 "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." We are praying for a miracle for your family.
Love, The Hemmigs
Hi Korrine,
Just wanted to let you know that I miss you and I'm praying for you to get better. I Love You and cant wait to see you when you get back home.
Love Delaney :)
FOOTPRINTS - God is carrying you Korrine!
Korrine,
We are thinking of you today and always.
The Campbell's
Prayer for Protection
The light of God surrounds me;
The love of God enfolds me;
The power of God protects me;
The presence of God watches over me;
Wherever I am, God is!
James Dillet Freeman
Submitted by Aunt Rolondia
Every minute of the day we are wishing for peace and healing for your family.
Love - The Larsens
Stay strong Korrine! Our thoughts and preyers are with you today and always.
Hi Korrine!
The candle my mom and I lit for you is still burning and the flame is getting bigger and stronger. Hmmm...I think that's a sign that your flame inside is going to keep burning and you'll keep getting stronger too!
I am thinking about you all the time and waiting for you to get better so we can have a fun summer together.
My whole family is praying for you and for your family. We all love you.
Love, Katie Morgan
Dear Korrine, Sean, Dana & Matt,
As Katherine said, your candle is burning brightly and is lit 24 hours a day, just as your smile warms all of our hearts every moment of each day!
We're so happy that you're getting more rest and your physicians are working hard to help you to get well. We're very sorry you've been through so much, but we know you will persevere and we are praying for you - for little miracles every day.
May today be a day of peace and rest for you, as your body regains more strength and you are renewed.
Our love and prayers stay with you always,
Steve, Victoria, Christopher, Stephanie, Alison & Katherine
Korrine, meeting you and your family yesterday I could see that you come from a huge ocean of love and courage and strength. I'll be thinking of you this weekend, sending you hope, courage, strength, healing energy and love. Sincerely, Carol
Korrine~
I'm a mom to 3 little ones in Pleasanton. I have read your entire blog and am so encouraged by your strength and your families faith. I am committed to praying for you daily.
I'm hugging my kids extra today because of you!
LIVESTRONG Korrine. I hope to meet you one day.
Hmmmm...you seem like you would be good babysitter material ;).
~Amy Taylor & Family
****To the Croghan's - I was raised in CV, and am a Canyon Middle School alumni!!! I "graduated" in 1990 I think!
Matt Redman - You Never Let Go
From the album Passion 06: Everything Glorious
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear
And even when I’m caught in the middle of the storms of this life
I won’t turn back
I know You are near
And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?
Chorus:
Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me
And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
A glorious light beyond all compare
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
We’ll live to know You here on the earth
Chorus:
Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
Still I will praise You, still I will praise You
Korrine,
After reading your entire blog I feel so weak compared to you. Your strenght, spirit, and courage takes my breath away. You are an amazing person and I look forward to meeting you in person one day. I have prayed to God to remind him that we need angels like you on earth so you can teach us all how to livestrong, pray and have faith in him each and everyday of our lives. God bless you.
Thinking of you and praying with you on this beautiful day.
Cast your cares on the Lord
and He will sustain you;
He will never let the
righteous fall.
Psalm 55:22
StaySTRONG CutiePie!
Love,
Sue Bakalar
Dear Korrine and family,
You are in our thoughts daily and our prayers for your continue.
Stay STRONG and God Bless,
Glenda, Richard, & Kirra
I will sing of the mercy of the Lord forever, oh, how He loves you and me!
Keep on going girlfriend you are doing great! Keep holding on! ily
<3 always
Laura Franklin
Korrine,
and all Croghans. Thinking and praying and sending nothing but good thoughts your way.
Love
Corina
Dear Korrine,
Me and my dad send all our love and prayers. We miss seeing you every day and saying hi. I really hope they find the source of the bleeding because I really wanted to hang out with. Of all the people in the world the nicest, most caring, and most forgiving person I have ever known had to have this happen. I really miss you and hope you get better soon, and all this goes away. I can't wait to see you soon.
With all the love we possess,
Bailey and Michael Morton
P.S. God is with you, wether it be health or sickness, he loves you and will be there when you need him the most.
Sending you all our love and embracing all of you from afar.
The Van Bladel Family
Korinne, Sean, Matt and Dana,
Thinking of you...
Praying for you...
Stay Strong...
God Bless and Keep you all...
Judy Welsh (Nate & Emily's Grandma & Betsy's mom)
LIVESTRONG Korrine and no that God will be with you.
Hey Korrine!
You're definately our hero. We miss you and your smile around school. Sunset Swim team also misses you at practices and meets. We're praying for you and are hoping to see you back at school soon! Your a beautiful person, inside and out.
Love Always,
Megan McEntee, Lauren Darling, and Amanda See
Praying for miraculous healing for Korrine. God, astound and baffle those doctors!!!!!!!
Blessed be God,
because he has not rejected my prayer
or removed his steadfast love from me.
Psalm 66:20
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