Giving back

HARDYSTON-When 11-year-old Meaghan Collins returned to Hardyston Middle School in January of this year, it was not just from Christmas vacation. Meaghan had been away for a full year being tutored at home while undergoing chemotherapy treatments for 11 months. "It was exciting to see all of my friends again," said Meaghan. Meaghan's condition, a rare bone cancer called Ewing's sarcoma, was diagnosed in December 2003 because of an unexpected accident. "It was when she fell at the playground at school that the doctors discovered a tumor on her knee," explained her mother, Loraine. "Someone was watching over us the day she fell. If she hadn't fallen, we would not have found out, and she could have been another year further into the cancer." Meaghan, who is now in remission, and her family have undertaken a quest to do something for the organizations from whom they have benefited during her treatment and convalescence. "We want to give back to the groups that helped us so much," said Loraine. One of the ways the family plans to do that is to hold a fund-raising event - Meaghan's Walk - on Oct. 8 at Wallkill Valley Regional High School. Meaghan was care for at Hackensack University Hospital, where the stress of her treatments was eased by the caring volunteers of Tomorrows Children's Fund (www.atcfkid.com). The organization provides, among other offerings, art and music therapy, dance classes, computers n all distractions while the children are getting medications. At the completion of her course of chemotherapy in October of last year, the fund held a big party on the day of her last treatment. Three other Sussex County children are now being treated at the hospital. Meaghan and her family also experienced the benevolence of others when they made the news last year when on a trip to New York City. The family left their video camera in a taxicab. "There were lots of positive, sentimental, and personal things on the video," said Loraine, who had been documenting all of Meaghan's treatments. "We were devastated." To the surprise and gratitude of the family, the cab driver returned the camera to them untouched. The family was the recipient of a trip in April through the Make A Wish foundation (www.wish.org), which gave Meaghan her wish of a lifetime - a trip to Disney World in Florida and a chance to swim with dolphins. "I think they have minds; I think they know what people are thinking," mused Meaghan of the aquatic mammals. While on vacation with her mom, dad, Dan, and 10-year-old brother, Connor, Meaghan stayed at a village under the auspices of Give Kids The World (www.gkth.com 800-998-KIDS) in Kissimmee. Give Kids The World Village is a non-profit resort for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. Working with other wish-granting organizations, Give Kids The World provides accommodations at its 57-villa resort with donated tickets to Florida parks and attractions and meals for a week-long fantasy vacation. Since its founding in 1986, Give Kids The World has welcomed families from all 50 states and 50 countries. "They provided every detail to make you feel at home; the kids even received a gift daily," said Loraine. In October of last year, soon after completing the chemotherapy, Meaghan accomplished a two-mile-walk on crutches at Liberty State Park for the Tomorrows Children's Fund. "I just wanted to walk because I like to walk," she said, and added that she would not let anything stand in her way. "It was pretty fun." Having had one wish fulfilled, her next wish is to campaign for the groups who supported her during her ordeal. Thus was born the idea for the Oct. 8 Meaghan's Walk, which will benefit the Tomorrow's Children's Fund. She has also spurred a campaign to make people aware of the importance of organ donation. The oncologist who has been caring for her all these months is in need of a liver replacement and on awaiting list. Although many people have offered to donate a part of their own livers, the doctor will not accept one as he does not wish to put anyone in harm's way. There will be a table at the October event with information regarding organ donation. Meaghan has been on crutches for more than a year and is now on a schedule where she receives a check-up every six weeks. She will need to follow a 90-minute regimen of physical therapy three times a week for the next two or three years. "Her personality and determination is what has helped us," said her mother. For information on Meaghan's walk, call 973-697-2435.