"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
We want to thank everyone at UCSF Med Center for their hard work in dealing with Korrine's issues. Just like at Kaiser Oakland, we found that all the teams at UCSF are extremely professional and knowledgeable and Korrine has received great care.
Korrine is out of the PICU unit after staying there for three weeks. She is now on the 7th floor where other Hemo-Oncology Pediatric patients reside. As you can see by the photos, Korrine has gone through the gauntlet in this battle. Notice the number of monitors and IV lines that she is hooked up to. She has had many different types of chemicals running through her body and the pictures don't show the many CT scans, X-rays, ultra sounds and surgical procedures she has had to endure.
Korrine did get a big surprise last weekend when she got a visit from a couple of very fine gentlemen from the San Francisco Giants (Korrine's favorite baseball team). If you didn't notice from the pictures, that's Barry Zito and Matt Cain posing with Korrine and her mom. It was very cool to see the pitching duo make a visit to see the kids at UCSF. It made Korrine's day.
As parents it is both frightening and amazing to watch Korrine deal with the events of the past month. What a kid! It has been over a month since she has been hospitalized and her spirits are up and she has shown tremendous improvement in her health. One can only attest this to her will, strength, faith and the prayers that have been said in her name. Prayers that have been answered. We asked for people to pray for her bilirubin to be lowered ( causes jaundice) and it was. We asked that people would pray to lower her heart rate and it is going down. We asked for prayer in her reduction in fever and that is getting a lot better. People have prayed for her lungs to get better and they have been. Her blood pressure is getting better and we know people have been praying for that. Korrine still needs prayer in those areas and most importantly,she needs prayer that the cancer will be wiped out of her life for good.
She will start her second round of Chemotherapy today which will last for 5 days. Pray that it will do it's job in destroying the cancer. Pray that the chemo will not damage her hearing or create other adverse side effects for Korrine
Team KC needs to continue to pray for these things for Korrine. Also pray for the many kids at UCSF, Kaiser, Children's Hospital and kids all over the world that suffer from this horrible disease called cancer.
We thank the many people who visit this blog and support Korrine. Your prayers and positive thoughts are being heard and answered.
God Bless You
Matt and Dana
42 comments:
Korrine,
We are again, SO thankful that
prayers are indeed being answered.
I believe that soon, you will be home and all this will be a thing of the past, and you will get on with your prayerful life.
Truly a miracle..
Love,
Ian and Debby and family
Hola mi amiga, what's going on? You are so amazing, I truely look up to you, even though you are shorter than me, haha just kidding.In heighth...keep fighting. whoo almost graduation!!!love love Anja
Hey Korrine,
You are just an amazing girl! Wow! I know in my heart you will beat this thing. We all continue to pray for you and your incredible family! Love, Kyle, Janet & Chad
Blessings to you Croghan family for sharing this journey with us. I pray often for all of you...
Korrine....YOU GO GYRL!!!!
Standfast! Be still, know that He is with you holding your right hand.
I thank you for specifics I can be praying for and I ask God to touch you with His mighty healing hand, praying for day one of your chemo round and asking God to knock OUT the cancer.
You are all...an amazing family...love does wonders. Korrine, you are loved!
Praying for a GREAT night sleep so your body can get stonger.
Hugs & cheers!
You are one amazing young lady Korrine. Keep up the fight and keep winning sweetheart, we will never give up our prayers and know that you will beat this. We pray that you keep up your strength and this round will go smoothly for you. As always are hearts go out to you and Matt, Dana and Sean you too. It is so great to see you all out at the fields and having fun, Keep your faith and your wonderful family values. you inspire us all! It is so amazing how many people from all walks of life you have out there routing for you. That is great that a few of the Giants came out to see you. We heard it was so great!
Before you know it you will be able to go to a game yourself and go see them instead!
Much love The Riddioughs
Korrine...you look so beautiful! I absolutley loved the photos of you and of course the SF Ginats players. You are beaming! I am also amazed at all of the monitors and equipment you are hooked up to. What amazing people the doctors and nurses are to be able to care for you. Of course God is there too in all of that and He is guiding everyone as they fight for your life.
Keep fighting Korrine and we will all keep praying for your healing. So many miracles are happening for you and you deserve them and more!
I will keep praying for your healing and especially that this round of chemo is the one to kill this awful cancer! Thank you for the updates and the reminders to pray for all children fighting cancer. You are an amazingly wonderful family!
Love,
Cindy Vance
Wow Korrine - I've never seen so many lines and machines hooked up to one person! You look great even all hooked up! Keep smiling - we all love you! Love, Lorri
Good Morning CutiePie!
It's so good to see the pictures of you and know that He is working in your life. Many prayers have been answered and many more will be said. I watched the YouTube video of your song again this morning and listen to Calling All Angels on my iPod and it's so true to your fight. Keep fighting and know that I'm right there with you in spirit. I think it's pretty cool, too, that Matt Cain and Barry Zito got to meet you. I'm sure they think you're as amazing as well all know you are.
Have a beautiful day and know that you're in my thoughts and prayers!!
Love and hugs,
Sue Bakalar
Croghan family,
Thank you for this update regarding Korrine. You are a blessing to each and everyone of us. So glad that Korrine is feeling better and I will continue to say prayers, and that this Cancer will soon be gone and Korrine you will be home soon. Take care sweet girl and hang in there during this next round of chemo.
Dana and Matt, Thank you once again for keeping us posted. Your faith throughout all of this has been amazing and I have no doubt that is why Korrine has been as strong as she has. We will never stop praying for full healing of Korrine's body.
Love Kristi Haskins
Wow! A visit from the Giants! So glad they came to see you. You are ALL amazing. Please know that we contiue to pray everyday (several times a day!)for your continued recovery. Your website is checked no less than 4 times a day in this house.....we have to get the latest update on how you are doing.
God Bless You!
Love, The Nagy Family
I come to this site twice a day looking for updates. It's comforting to see pictures and her smile. Good thoughts are coming your way. Lots of luck!
Dear Croghans,
Thank you so much for the updates and for sharing your story, we have never met, but you have been in my thoughts and prayers for months.
it is so amazing how Korrine is dealing with all this, and the love and support that surrounds all of you.
My whole family lives in Holland and just yesterday my mom called the 1 st thing she asked if there was an update posted on Korrine's site, as you see random strangers are encouraged and amazed by your strength.
we all continue the Pray for complete healing.
Hang in there, sending much love <3
Annet Hammond
Hello Korrine!!! It's so good to see your smiling face my friend. What an HONOR it is to know someone with such strength and so much love for life!
We will continue to pray for your specific needs and for God to relieve you from this nasty cancer. You will beat this - I just know it. Look how far you've come. Again, I am sooooo proud of you and your family.
Hugs,
Wendy Campbell and family
Korrine, We are sooo Happy to read how much better you are getting and cannot wait to see you.I know you are to old to babysit now but maybe we can just hang out and do some crafty things together (like the old times). Dana it was great seeing you last week. You are all constantly in our prayers hugs and kisses to Matt and Sean. Katie Paredez and Family
PRAISE GOD!We are seeing MIRACLES. You look so good,your smile is bright as ever. Did you get basesball cards too? We to love the Giants.When you get better you'll have to go to a game and maybe they will let you on the field. Praying daily and thinking of you always. Keep looking up because he is showing you and others how GRAND HE(GOD) IS.
The Gooby's
Croghan Family:
The Lord tells us to pray without ceasing, and that's what we've been doing. For you Korrine, we've been praying that your chemo will wipe out the cancer and that each night brings you restful sleep. For you Mom and Dad and Sean, we've been praying that your steadfastness through this ordeal will not waver and that the Lord will give you peace as you watch, and wait and support your girl and that He lifts you up and holds you in his hands when you can no longer stand alone. For the Doctors and Nurses, we've been praying for wisdom, insight and skill as they deal with Korrine and every other patient that the Lord gives them to help.
Thanks to you all for being so brave,
The Millers
What a smile! Your candle burns bright. Hang in there Korrine.
Andersons
We are amazed with the continuing smiles. Korrine, you are such an inspiration and example of how we are to live every day.
Thank you for sharing your journey with us all and giving us a very specific way we can help...staying on our knees as warriors on your behalf.
The Bauer Family
(Rick, Corey, Paige and Brandon)
I read a quote from an unknown author that read, "If God puts you in it, God will put you through it." I believe that with all my heart. We are praying for you and your family!
Hello Korrine!
You are ana amazing person and friend. I am so blessed to have you in my life. Keep winning the fight.
All my love,
Emma
You all truly are an inspiration! Praise God for all He has done and continues to do. I will continue to pray specific prayers for you as I continue to give Glory to our Heavenly Father!
Live Strong!!
Korrine,
You are one brave young lady. Your determination is rubbing off on all of us and we will not stop praying for your full recovery. God bless you and thank you for sharing your strength, faith and love of life. I am looking forward to meeting you when you get out of the hospital.
Kris McGinty
Korrine,
You are a miracle, and your progress gives us all hope and confidence that you will conquer this cancer.
My family and I are so thankful that even after all this, you've managed to come out strong.
I'm so proud of you.
Livestrong.
Amity
Hi Korrine, Sean, Dana, and Matt,
FANTASTIC news! Praise the Lord for prayers being answered! What an
amazing journey this has been. We are all learning so much from all of you.
I loved the pictures with Korrine and the SF pictures--you go, Girl!!!
I continue to pray for all of you lots.
Love, Mrs. Scarbrough
Wow... I'll say it back wards too! woW! I feel so encouraged when I see your smile!
We're so thankful that you are improving, Korrine! "He who began a good work in you will be FAITHFUL to COMPLETE IT!"
We love you and are looking forward to seeing the miracles continue.
Blessings & Hugs,
The Hoaglands
J, A & M
I admire your strength. You are amazing and I can't wait to see you again, hopefully back at school next year. Miss you lots, Korrine.
xoxo
Michelle Clifford :)
Dana and Matt,
That was a beautiful update! Allowing us to share your journey does help us to focus our prayers and positive energy on specific areas of concern and need.
I know it has to be very hard at times to share with us, things that you may just want to keep to yourselves. It must feel like everyone is looking in on your lives. Remember that it is only because we love you all... and wish that everything were better as we say our "Amens."
I agree with your comments that both Kaiser and UCSF are doing a great job. They are amazing places. As we go through the journey of a serious medical condition we learn that we must do our homework and help those medical teams to know our children and ourselves. Always remember that YOU ARE a part of the team that makes it all come together. Those doctors and nurses and lab techs need your input!
Korrine, I'm hoping you feel OK through Round 5. I hope your appetite is still good. You are an amazing young lady who inspires us each and every day! I feel like my LIVESTRONG bracelet is now a part of me... and I carry thoughts and prayers of you in my heart all the time!
Sean, I know you are being super strong while your sister is in the hospital. As lots of people send messages... know that we are always thinking of you too! You are an AWESOME young man... with a super Mom and Dad and amazing sister. Summer vacation is right around the corner for you. I know that when my kids were in school (they are all grown up now), summer was my favorite time of year.
hugs and love to you all! ~kathy t.
Korrine, God bless you! You are indeed an amazing person! Your testimony is so awesome!
Jesus we thank You for Korrine, her courage, her faith, the faith of her family and all those who love her and are praying for her!
Lord we ask for continued healing in Korrine's body, her lungs, her liver, her blood pressure. Help her body to grow strong, and fight this cancer. We pray in Jesus name.
We love you! The Millers, Sonora
Hi Korrine,
My name is Holly SIlver and my husband Mike and I swam with your Dad at Ohlone College. We wanted to let you and your family know that our love, thoughts and prayers are with you each day!! Be strong our thoughts are with you!
Love, Holly, Mike, Josh and Jenna
Good Morning Croghan family!
I just wanted to say "hi" and tell you how much I loved the "One Way Trip" video. How cool to have a band wear Team KC shirts and dedicate a song for you! Your song Korrine! They did a great job and will remind you that so many of us are out here "calling all angels" to help you win this fight!
Love,
Cindy Vance
Good morning Korrine...how's chemo going this time? Just think, one more getting down means being that much closer to being DONE!
I'll keep praying for you with lots of love....Lorri
God Bless You, Korrine!!! You are such an inspiration to me. You go girl!!!!!
Will keep the prayers coming for ya. God is so good!!!!!
Love,
The Aubin-Kashyap family
Our Precious Korrine,
We are PRAYINGSTRONG this sixth
chemo cocktail recipe flowing through all those tubes will continue to destroy and flush away the cancer forever!
Wish we could be there in San Francisco to kiss and hug you, your mom, dad and brother.
Love,
Your Duran Family
Hi Korrine,
Just checking in to see how you're doing. It is so good to see those pictures of you and to see that beautiful smile! I also noticed that your hair is starting to grow back - that's cool! I truly hope that you are beginning to feel better - We are praying that:
- your fever continues to drop,
- your lungs continue to improve,
- you are able to keep some food down,
- your blood pressure returns to normal, and
- that this round of Chemo will pass quickly and without any unpleasant side affects.
You and your family are in our prayers all day, everyday.
Hugs to all,
Glenda, Richard, & Kirra
Korrine,
I've been praying for you and all of your specific medical needs every day. Sending my love and support to you and your family. I praise the Lord for the miracles in your life and health.
Marilyn
Hey little one! Hope things are going well with this round! We are praying for you, thinking about you and loving you.
Say hi to Mom, Dad and Sean!
Blessings & hugs,
The Hoaglands
J, A & M
Thanks for sharing the pictures. It's wonderful to see Korrine smiling! I'm glad you actually do get perks from being hospitalized for a month....Zito and Cain seem like great people. Your strength and perseverance will throw a curve ball to cancer and strike it out for good. Prayers are said daily.. hope to see you in a month at Relay. Sue
Korrine~
Now that this round of chemo is half over, I hope that you're feeling strong. You remain in my constant thoughts and prayers. Hang tough and stay strong, CutiePie!
With love,
Sue Bakalar
Korrine-
Just a note to tell you: YOU ARE AN AMAZINGLY AWESOME PERSON!!!Actually, those words aren't even strong enough to explain your strength, will, and dignity to fight such an awful disease. I can not even imagine what you are going through, you are an AMAZING person. That is SO cool that you got to meet 2 pitchers for the SF Giants!
My family and I hope you feel better, and we know, through both your strength and the strength of prayer, you will get better!
Have a great day!
Good morning Korrine...almost half way with this chemo treatment? Hooray! Here's a verse just for you today:
"[LIVE] strong and courageous Korrine, the Lord himself goes before you and will be with you, he will never leave you or forsake you. Korrine doesn't need to be afraid or discouraged."
-Deut 31:7-8
Cheering you on to health with the power of prayer! Love, Lorri
You continue to amaze everyone, you are a true blessing from God. Prayers are coming your way in full force, it is so nice to see that heart warming smile of yours! Love - The Larsens
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