The holiday season is an extra special time for the Johnson family. It was just after Thanksgiving 13 years ago that Megan, almost two years of age, began treatment for a very rare and aggressive form of childhood cancer called a Primitive Neuro Ectodermal Tumor (PNET). Megan was stage 4 when diagnosed and was given little chance of survival. She had surgery to remove the tumor and part of her left lung and it was just after Christmas, one year later, that the toddler completed 54 weeks of chemotherapy and radiation.

"The holidays are a reminder for our entire family that Megan made it. She is a survivor," said mom, Kathy. "It was a huge strain on the entire family. Her twin brother, Daniel, did not understand why his sister was in the hospital. Everyone was very focused on helping Megan get better." Kathy and Megan are especially grateful to Megan's oncologist, Martin Brecher, MD. They say he was the biggest cheerleader of all, encouraging the family to never give up hope despite the huge odds against survival.

The Kenmore teen remembers little about her months in the hospital fighting cancer, but she copes with the after effects of treatment. Megan received a life-time dose of radiation to her left side which caused a severe curvature of Megan's spine, causing her to have difficulty breathing. Megan wore a back brace 23 hours a day, seven days a week from the time she was six years old until the fall of 2003. At that time, her spine was fused to a 14-inch titanium rod to keep her back straight and help with her breathing. More surgeries will be needed in the future to correct other side effects from the radiation. Megan's tumor has been known to reoccur over 20 years after diagnosis, so Megan is still considered to be in remission.

"We are just very grateful to have Megan with us today. Yes, she has some physical problems, but she is here living life. So far, she has beaten the odds and we are so thankful for that and for all the people who have helped her. She is proof that there is life after cancer and that you should never give up hope," Kathy says with a smile. Kathy hopes that, hearing Megan's story of survival, will give hope to those cancer patients and their families. 

"I only know what it is to be a cancer survivor. It has always been a part of my life," Megan remarks.

Kathy says her daughter is a straight A student who is active in her church, enjoys music and art. Megan always tries to educate her friends and fellow students about cancer. She plans to continue those efforts and one day become an orthopedist so that she can help others as she has been helped.