Superstitions and horror movies aside, Kathleen Levanduski is not a fan of Friday the 13th. "I was diagnosed with stage four kidney cancer on that infamous day in October 2000," she says. "It was not a good day for me to say the least."

Kathleen's doctor insisted that she head to Roswell Park Cancer Institute for a consultation. "There are not a lot of options for this kind of cancer, but Roswell Park had a treatment that I could try. I was willing to try anything."

The treatment Kathleen received is a drug called IL-2. IL-2 is a biological therapy and the only Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved immunotherapy option for advanced melanoma and kidney cancer. It works to boost the body's immune system and helped Kathleen's body fight her cancer itself.

"As I understand it, this option only works for some patients, but when it works, it melts the cancer away," continued Kathleen. "And for me, it worked! It was a hard road to take, but I am still here - waiting for my grandbabies to come along!"

Kathleen was supported in her treatment by her husband, Joe; daughter Sarah and many other friends and family. "I was never alone, someone always came to be with me at the hospital. Usually they would come and beat me at cards, at Scrabble, at every game we played. We would laugh so hard! I really think that our laughter helped me cope with my treatment."

Kathleen's message of hope for the holidays - "Never quit, no matter how hard it seems, there can be a light at the end of the tunnel. Here I am five years later…I am a walking miracle! There is always hope."