"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

Saturday, August 9, 2008

KORRINE YOU ARE A TRUE OLYMPIAN

You are constantly on our minds.  We are praying for you sweetheart as you receive your final dose of chemotherapy.  You Win the Gold!


44 comments:

Sue said...

Hi Korrine!

You are THE olympian in my book. Hang tough this week, and know that I'm praying that this last dose of chemo will knock the final bit of cancer out so you can get this next chapter of your life started.

You rock, girl!! Thank you for reminding me what faith is all about.

Love ya!
Sue

**Awesome job with summer reading, Sean! I hope you're proud of yourself!! I'm proud of you!

Anonymous said...

Yes, you win it all sweet child woman. I will see you soon. Love you all.
Stephen and Rebecca

Anonymous said...

God will continue to bless you all - we are praying for you every day -

Anonymous said...

Yes! Keep and LiveStrong!

Continued Prayers your way!

Liz Ben James and Pam

Anonymous said...

Hello Korrine,

Happy Sunday! I wanted to share with you some words that come to mind when I hear the word "Olympian":

* Determination
* Drive
* Dedication
* Pride
* Focus
* Passion
* Discipline
* Spirited
* Love

And guess what... those are the same words that come to mind when I think of YOU!!! You continue to awe and inspire me! :)

I pray that the remaining days of your last chemo treatment will go easy on your body and the time won't seem to drag on for you. I hope that you are able to enjoy the Olympics!

It was great seeing the newly posted pictures. I loved the pictures of you in the hats, how cool and fun! :) And, you in the pool.... Ahhh... Priceless! (Oh, and the shades look beautiful on you!) And, how GREAT that the USA Water Polo Teams have been such a source of support and inspiration to you ... just as you have been to so many.

May God continue to Bless you and your family.

Hugs and much love~
Cindy Brian

Go Team USA! Especially the Water Polo Teams! :)

Go TEAM KC!

And most especially ...
GO KORRINE!!!!

May you LiveSTRONG!!!

Anonymous said...

Good morning Korrine,
I am hoping you were able to get some rest last night and that today brings you peace and joy.I pray the chemo is not making you nauseaus and that you have no pain. You are another day closer to beating this cancer and one more day closer to coming home. We cannot wait!!! Livermore and Team KC celebrate the amazing Croghan family! julie gilmore

JanG said...

Dear Korrine,

People keep talking about how the opening ceremony of the Olympics this year was one of the mosts amazing, spectacular shows they have ever seen, but we think it was nothing compared to the effort, grace, beauty, love, harmony that we have witnessed from you and your family this year. You inspire us like no Olympics ever could. We love you and our hearts, hopes and prayers are yours.

Love from the Gutierrez Family

Janet Hemmig said...

Korrine,

We continue to pray for your complete recovery. You have the spirit of a true Olympian! Go for the GOLD and LIVESTRONG.

Anonymous said...

Korrine,
LOVED the new photos! You ARE the Olympian God chose for this season. I pray you have an "easy" time of this last round of chemo & I pray COMPLETE and THOROUGH healing...and more swims in the pool-yes your smile was so BRIGHT...and more huge servings of chocolate cake!!! Hugs!
LIVEstrong!

Anonymous said...

Happy Sunday Korrine! Love you! I was thinking of you so much during worship this morning. Praying as always

Arla

Anonymous said...

We been watching the Olympics since Friday. Some of those Olympians would be lucky to have your spirit and drive. We are praying for you and hope you are healthy and home soon.

Take Care.
Love,
The Opipari's

Sue said...

Hey Beautiful Girl!

Thinking of you and praying that you're doing well. You have the heart and soul of an olympian, that's for sure. Someone told me the other day that you have the winning combination. I'd have to agree wholeheartedly.

Love ya!
Sue

Anonymous said...

Korrine i have to agree with everyone else, you are a true olympian and we're all praying for you through this chemo and are in awe for your strength and your faith that is unwavering. love you girl!!
Jaclyn Rice

Lorri said...

Hi Korrine...in my 40 year old feeble attempt to do something olympian for you, I wore my team KC shirt as we went to the top of the Rocky Mountains in Vail this weekend. We rode the gondola but still... :)

I'll post a picture on my blog later today. Love you, Lorri

Anonymous said...

Hey, precious girl! We're praying every single day and thinking of you constantly! We pray this chemo will knock the snot out of this cancer - what's left of it!! You rock this community with grace, beauty and a serious education in strength and bravery! We send big hugs to you sweety!!

We love you guys!!

The Gilberts

Anonymous said...

You GO GIRL!!! Did you see the USA Relay Swim Team after they won? How exciting!! Well, if you heard the cheers - that is what we send to you Korrine! We are cheering you through your last lap of chemo.You can do it-you will win this. Thinking good thoughts for you.

Anonymous said...

Korrine,

"DITTO" from all of the above. These people speak so well when they express their thoughts and love toward you.

Keep fighting (your almost there), rest easy, and LiveSTRONG!!

The Campbell's

Anonymous said...

You rock, Korrine! You are a WINNER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LIVESTRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You are gonna BEAT this cancer.

Anonymous said...

Hang tough Korrine as you receive this final dose of Chemo. I pray every day that the cancer leaves your body. You are an amazing girl and as your blog post states a true olympian. We are all pulling and cheering for you. Be well and rest well.

Anonymous said...

Hey Korrine and Family,
Keep on fighting as the Gold Medalists are doing to get what they want. We know what you want and you can do it!!! Team KC is behind you 100% because we know you can do it and we want the same things you want!!! Stay Strong, Positive, and Courageous!!! Can't wait to hear that you are home again relaxing and building your strength up, while of course eating your favorite foods!!!
Take Care,
Taylor,Savannah,Aj,& Wendy Vasquez

Anonymous said...

Korrine,
Just checking in to see how you're doing - LOVED seeing the newly posted photos - you look FANTASTIC!
You remain in our daily prayers and we continue to pray for your complete healing, that this will be your last round of chemo, that you have all the blood and platletts that you need and that you remain strong. You are an inspiration to us all - and you are a true OLYMPIAN!
Hugs to all -
The Thornton's

Kathy Scarbrough said...

Hello Dear Korrine and Family,
I think YOU are the GOLD medal winners in the group! I have been away for a while and what GREAT news to come back to! I continue to pray for you daily and it sounds like God is answering our prayers.
I love you all!
Mrs. Scarbrough

Sue said...

Hi Croghans!

I hope today is a good day, with rest and peace for you all.

Love,
Sue

April Liebman said...

The new pictures are fantastic! It is a delight to see you all enjoying the summer-swimming, movies, eating out...The Croghan fighting spirit is worthy of an Olympic gold!
We continue to send our prayers and thoughts your way.
love,
April, Fabian, Sebastian, & Sophia

Anonymous said...

You are a true Olympian! I hope you are feeling better and stay strong during this round of chemo! Tricia and I are coaching Granada polo and we can't wait for when you get better so we can coach you! We use a lot of the same drills your dad taught us. I hope you are enjoying the water polo Olympics! Make sure you take some notes while watching :D
Get better Korrine, we are all thinking of you and praying! Stay Strong!
Love and prayers,
Mary Rosa

Anonymous said...

Happy Tuesday! We love you!

The Hoaglands

Anonymous said...

Korrine,

YOU are MY hero!!!!

love & prayers,
Victoria

Anonymous said...

"Among God's best gifts to us are
the people who love us."

Team KC . . . you are a gift! Your cheering for Korrine can be heard all over the world! Keep it up!

Korrine, you are almost done and we can't wait to hear that you are back home again!

Press on sweet one!

We all love you,
Auntie Denise & Uncle Mark

Anonymous said...

Dear Korrine,
Just checking in on you. You know I could spend hours just looking at the pictures on this blog...my day is always a little brighter after seeing you and Sean. You are both so darn adorable, just looking at you makes me smile.
Hang in there kiddo, you are almost done and then it is back to school and the pool!!!
julie gilmore

Anonymous said...

Korrine,

OK, so I have to admit I've never even seen a water polo game until these Olympics. I'm checking them out... because of you. Yesterday and today when I came home from work at lunch the games were on. I saw both the women win yesterday... and the men win today. WOW, very exciting and very close games. I know both teams are playing their hearts out for YOU!

I saw your Dad and Sean at Canyon yesterday. He said that so far, you are feeling OK with this round of chemo. I'll continue to pray and send positive thoughts that this round does its job and you chemo treatments will become a memory.

You, Sean, your Mom and Dad are always in our thoughts and on our minds!

hugs and much love, kathy t.

Anonymous said...

As many others have said...you are an Olympian! You have touched so many lives and brought back Faith to so many people. You have been a wonderful example of prayer! May your strength continue with your amazing fight! We are all praying for you daily knowing God Listens.... LiveStrong!
Love,
The Linney family

Sue said...

Good Morning CutiePie!!

I pray that today is a good day for you, and that you are able to enjoy watching the water events in the Olympics. I can't help but envision you there one day... Korrine Croghan the gold medal winner! Korrine Croghan MVP of the water polo team! Brings a smile to my face just thinking about it.

Stay STRONG and know that I'm sending a bunch of love and prayers your way (and a bunch for Mom, Dad and Sean as well)!

Hugs,
Sue

Anonymous said...

Dear Korrine,

You have the stamina, determination and strength of an Olympian ! You have all the same qualities as those top athletes, as most of their talents and successes come from their strength within and their will to win - just like your will to get better. I am so glad the Olympics are happening right now to further pump you up to get better and to inspire you. They sure do inspire me at 42 years old. Keep visualizing yourself as fully healthy, back in the pool playing water polo and back at school with your friends. These things will happen for you ! There will be no other way ! God Bless, Margaret Thomas

Anonymous said...

Korrine!



So I was watching gymnastics last night and Shawn Johnson totally reminds me of you! Whenever I see her bright smiling face I think of you. You're a champ Korrine!


Thinking of you,


Maddie Sweeney

Anonymous said...

Hi Korrine,

How are you doing today? It's mighty hot outside, but I hope u r able to get out a lil' bit...my momma always says, "the sun heals". She is right, the SON does heal. :)

'Just wanted to pop in and say hey to all of you. I was driving up my driveway admiring the sunflowers along our fence and thinking about friends like you and others who truly amaze me...well, as I went up the hill, I accidentally clipped our mailbox. Oops, but it made me laugh, and i hope laughter comes your way everyday, Korrine.

Love, Rebecca and Stephen

Anonymous said...

Hi Korrine,
I just wanted to say a quick hello to you and your family. I have been thinking of you a lot lately, after watching so many swimming events and water polo games on tv. It was such a pleasure to meet you and your family at UCSF. I hope you are back home again soon enjoying your friends, your music, and the olympics! Take care!Cheers, Amy Siegel (RN from 7long)

Lorri said...

Hi Korrine! The new photos are great. You continue to look adorable. I don't know which is my favorite, but the chocolate cake one is darling! The MRI photos tell a wordless story all their own. Thanks for sharing another slice of your life with us. I hope you are doing well and recovering from chemo. Thinking of you today! Love, Lorri

Sue said...

Good Morning Croghan Family!!

Thinking of you and sending much love and many hugs your way!

Love,
Sue

Anonymous said...

By my count you should be done with this round of chemo. I hope that all is going well for you and that you can go home. Your story is inspiration to us all, you deserve a gold medal on how you have fought this battle.

Anonymous said...

Korrine,

Thinking of you today and always! I wore my TEAM KC t-shirt today to work and kept you all close to my heart!

hugs and much love, kathy t.

Lorri said...

Hi Korrine and Dana...just checking in to see if you have an update for Team KC. I'm thinking of you and praying that you have a good day returning to health.

Love, Lorri

Anonymous said...

Hi Korrine,
Thinking of you this beautiful morning and hoping you will have a good day. You are amazing!
Candy Johnson

Anonymous said...

Okay... you have reached a new finish line and ready to start on the new goal. I know you are fighting hard and you WILL win this race sweet girl! I trust you will now rest and let the meds do their job, but more importantly, bask in the touch of our Lord and let Him be THE BEST medicine.

Love you,

Jack, Arla and Mary

Anonymous said...

Hey there Croghan Family,

Keep winning and go for the Cure!

LiveStrong,

Liz Ben Pam James