The Georgia Phi chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon has decided to raise money for childhood cancer research in honor of two brothers who battled with cancer as children. With help of research funded by organizations like St. Baldrick's, both these brothers were able to win their fights and go on to achieve great things at Georgia Tech and beyond. We hope that their stories (included below) will inspire you to join the fight against childhood cancer!
The following is a testimony from Derek Jett:
At the early age of 13(January 2004), I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s T-Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma Stage 4. After several months of doctor’s visits to determine my constant fatigue, unusual bruising, and shortness of breath, my pediatrician prescribed a breathing treatment, bloodwork, and an x ray. A week later, I went from going to school, playing soccer, and hanging out with my friends to entering Children’s Health Care of Atlanta (CHOA), starting chemotherapy, and hanging out with doctors. Simply put, my simple life in Newnan, Georgia would change forever as I would fight for my life with only a 4 percent chance of living.
Not only did my life change, but the life of my family also changed. Yes, cancer challenged me both physically and emotionally but the worst part of cancer is seeing your family members suffer along the way. Over the next 4 years, I became fully reliant on them to be my caretakers. Simple tasks such as walking up stairs, eating, sleeping, and even breathing became an everyday challenge. The truth of the matter is that my family, the staff at CHOA, Crossroads Church, and my other supporters in Newnan, GA became my cure. I can say without a doubt that my journey would not have been the same without them. As a result, I am truly grateful for their continued support and ultimately my life. I learned at a very young age that attitude is a choice no matter the circumstances. For those battling cancer, choose to fight and never give up. For those who can, choose to donate and support these wonderful organizations like CHOA and the St. Baldrick’s Foundation to help beat cancer. 11 years ago I heard the words “You have cancer.” My hope is that one day no one will be the recipient of these words ever again. Unfortunately, the reality is that childhood cancer is the fourth most common cause of death in the United States among persons aged 1-19 according the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC 2007). However, today you have an opportunity to tackle this statistic and support the St. Baldrick’s Foundation whose sole purpose is to fight childhood cancer. I myself am making a $50.00 pledge for the cancer survivors to come and to my fraternity brother Cliff Rowe who has graciously honored me at this event.
Thank you to the gentleman who are an honorable representation of SAE. Phi Alpha!
Still counting Birthdays,
-Derek R. Jett
Clark Shelton is a recent alumni of the Ga Phi chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon who was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma at the age of 15. After discovering the cancer in his leg, he was treated by Children's Health Care of Atlanta at three different hospitals in Georgia and New York City. He won his fight with cancer, but only after having a knee replaced that resulted in permanent loss of mobility. After his battle, Clark went on to continue fighting against cancer by coordinating fundraising with St. Baldrick's and the Georgia Tech baseball team. He has since graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology with a major in Business Administration and now works with Siemens.
