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Proud of My Scar

It started senior year of high school. I had to have brain surgery because I had a rare genetic malformation.

Basically, my brain was too low in my head and its stem was touching my spinal cord, causing a build-up of cerebrospinal fluid in my spine. Not pleasant.

I went to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia because the condition was so rare. They said that I would have to shave the bottom part of my head for surgery and afterward I would have a four inch scar.  I planned to get extensions immediately after the surgery to cover it up.

My family and I stayed at the Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia the night before my surgery. Just $15 for a cozy place to sleep and hang out, equipped with everything you could imagine.

That night, I realized how amazing the House was.  Personally, my family and friends didn’t understand what I was going through, but when I was at the Ronald McDonald House I felt less alone. I met a girl at dinner and she was telling me about all of her surgeries. Finally, I felt like someone understood and it put me at ease. She then showed me all her scars and told me "never be afraid to show your scars because you earned them."  She was so right.   

I went into my surgery feeling strong and courageous and after a long recovery I chose not to get extensions to cover up my scar.  As soon as I was able to leave the House I wore my hair up so everyone could see it.

This past year I met a little girl in my town who had the same brain surgeon as I did.  She has a rare type of brain cancer and was just starting to lose her hair.  I could tell she was a little nervous about her appearance, so I told her the same thing that the girl at the Ronald McDonald House told me. ‘You earned your scar and your bald head – you should have no shame walking around without a hat on.’ She barely ever wears hats now. 

It’s been almost three years since my surgery, and the Ronald McDonald House stays close to my heart. In fact, I am in the psychology club at school and they are helping me collect pop tabs for the local House. It’s a perfect way for college students to get involved. And it’s a perfect way for me to continue giving back to an organization that helped my family and me so much.

Comments (8)|(Hide)

  • Shine G. Williams

    19/04/2012 2:51pm

    I like your story. It's inspiring and touching. It's so useful to see how much you could discover the real you when others are always around to fill the gap. Thanks to RMHC. They're truly what we need in Liberia to really make a difference.

  • Angie Brand

    19/04/2012 1:48pm

    Thank you for your inspirational story. My son, who is now 3, had an accident just before he turned one. The top of his head is scarred from burns. He starts preschool this fall, and while his scars don't bother him at this point, I worry about him being teased. Your story is hope for me. We stayed at the RMH in Iowa City during his healing, and it has been a blessing to us, and continues to be with stories like this, God bless you!

  • Tyler Mulder

    12/04/2012 10:07am

    Only someone who has that kind of a scar could know what it means. At the end of my sophmore year I had so much planned for that summer. I was on the crew (rowing) team and I would've gone to the summer camp. I was one of 4 kids chosen from my school to go to an ROTC summer camp. It would've been a great summer. Just before finals week I found out I had a brain tumor and needed surgery. I look at pictures of the scar before the staples came out to remind myself I earned the scar. Thanks for the encouragement.

  • Doug Holbrook

    10/04/2012 8:49pm

    My daughter had a similar surgery as you and we also stayed at RMH in Winston Salem NC. It was a great experience staying there before and during her stay. It is a great resource for those who need it. Thanks for your story. I will tell my daughter yoour quote.

  • Kari Beyers

    10/04/2012 3:50pm

    Love your story! Keep on changing lives!

  • Kari Beyers

    10/04/2012 3:49pm

    Love your story! Keep on changing lives!

  • Patty McCarthy

    04/04/2012 10:18am

    Just a note to say how proud we all are of you. You are an amazing young lady with a huge heart. It's wonderful to see you find such a positive in your life when you had to deal with one of the darkest times in your life. Like I always say.."The glass is always half full." The Ronald McDonald House was woderful to us and I'm so glad you are giving back.
    Love you, Mom xoxo

  • Karen Ramskow-Marion

    02/04/2012 6:09pm

    I never realized what Ronald McDonald House was like. It sounds like a terrific place to stay and meet people who you have alot in common with before and after surgery. I'm saving tabs for your cause.

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