The Brain Tumor
by Mikey Czech
January 6, 2008. It was a windy winter Sunday and I, Mikey Czech, was celebrating my 11th birthday. At breakfast my mom told me I had to go to the doctor that morning. “What a drag,” I thought, “Who wants to do that on their birthday?” Once the appointment was over, the doctor told me that I had a brain tumor. I was frozen with fear like an icicle. I prayed to God for help.
My mom sped to the Emergency Room of Norwalk Hospital to see what a brain tumor was. The doctors did many thorough tests to determine what was wrong with me. I was worried and frustrated to be at the hospital on my birthday. When the tests were over, my dad came into the building from church. When he entered the room, I wrapped my arms around him and hugged him to death. Later that morning I called my sister to break the news to her. After I finished my story, she began weeping. The two words “brain tumor” had knocked her heart over. For her, I knew I had to be strong.
After the doctors were done examining me, I had to be transferred to Yale University Children’s Hospital in an ambulance. Inside this ambulance it was a nightmare; they had oxygen tanks, blinking lights, and lots of medical equipment. The sound of the siren penetrated my brain making me feel like my soul was being sucked out with a vacuum. My mom was at my side trying to calm me. She rubbed my arm and it reminded me of the gentle ocean waves. Finally I settled.
Once we got to the hospital I wondered to myself, “How long will I be here?” When I got to my room, I felt different. Who goes to the hospital on their birthday? This was supposed to be a day of celebration, for me it was a day of desperation. I did not know what was going to happen.
Three days later I got out of the hospital. We had to find a hospital that was kid friendly and good for brain tumors. Suddenly one day a friend of my dad’s named Scott Amero & Larry Fink called. They said, “I found a good hospital for your son. It works with brain tumors.” I was so happy! I found a place where I can be cured.
The next day I went to a hospital called NYU “New York University”. Once I went into the building, I met the doctor. His name was Dr. Allen. Kind and gentle as was a feather, he smiled up and announced, “don’t worry our doctors will treat you with care.” I felt calm as he was talking to my parents with gentle words. After the conversation with my parents I knew I was going to be treated here.
The first day at the hospital I found out I was going to stay for about a month. Sitting there scared, I felt I was going to wet my pants. Waking up hours later I had realize I had surgery for 5 hours for my mediport. “What happened?” I wondered to myself. What is this? Questions started to flash across my brain.
As days past many letters came to me. Reading them made me proud, especially the word “strong.” I had inspired people all over the world. London, England, even people from all over the USA. But every night I asked God “why me” my mom says I am special so I stick with that quote.
In the hospital, the results were turning out great. Days were passing fast; The steroid dose was going down so I felt better. Finally, it was March 6, 2008 when I finally got out of the hospital. I had an ice cream cake for the celebration. I was thinking to myself “God, when I get out of this hospital I will be who I was before.”
Months passed and I, Mikey Czech inspired so many people how to live. Many people say “Hey that’s the cancer kid” or “That’s the next Lance Armstrong.” I exercised and started to do sports like tennis. I almost died of this but at least I have some believers out there too because if I didn’t have believers I wouldn’t be an inspiration to human life.
I still have my ups and downs and it is still a struggle to be on steroids again, but going through what I have just been through, I will always be a fighter. I have memories. I will always struggle through. But from this day forward, I will always be on God’s side riding the black stallion of my strengths and weaknesses.
