In October, the ever-present pink is a symbol of support for the fight against breast cancer; however, this month also gives a chance to consider other forms of cancer that affect those around us.

Emma Gilpin (11), was diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer this year. According to the United States National Library of Medicine, it is the most common type of cancer of the thyroid, which is a gland that releases hormones. Although previously rare in teens, diagnosis of PTC is increasing among teenage girls.

Gilpin sensed something was wrong in early July.

“It was a bump on my throat, and I was just feeling my neck. Then I was talking to my mom and I asked ‘Mom, is this normal? Why is there a bump on my throat?,’” Gilpin said.

An ultrasound showed a lump on her neck. Afterwards, a biopsy confirmed the mass was cancerous.

In the three weeks after her diagnosis, Gilpin was taken to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  

“When I first went to St. Jude, I felt grateful knowing that I was protected with my good support system, and that I’m not as sick as some of the others because I don’t have to go through chemo as of now,” Gilpin said.

Gilpin’s support system has surrounded her since she was first diagnosed. Her family members and friends were all saddened by the news initially but quickly began to encourage her as she underwent treatment.

Gilpin had surgery performed to remove her thyroid and two of her lymph nodes that were also cancerous. She might be facing radioactive iodine treatment, which is used to isolate the disease. Gilpin hopes that she will not have to start chemotherapy treatments, and she won’t as long as the cancer does not spread to her lungs.

Gilpin’s treatments have prevented her from participating in extracurriculars, like dance. She has been a competitive dancer for twelve years. However, balancing dance, treatment and schoolwork has become too stressful.

Gilpin’s teachers have worked with her to ensure she is able to complete her make-up work.

“I missed the first week of school, so I had to let them know,” Gilpin said. “Most of my teachers have been very understanding about it since I’ve also had to miss school for appointments.”

Gilpin continues to move forward by completing all her work for school and leading as normal of a life as she can. She wants to keep an optimistic outlook, hoping her cancer will stay isolated and not move to her lungs.

“I still feel joyful about it,” Gilpin said. “Because I know everything is going to be okay.”