Family Story: Natasha’s Fight

Four days before her 12^th birthday, Natasha Anderson was diagnosed with osteosarcoma – a bone cancer – in her right leg. 

 “It was hard, watching all my friends doing their hair and their eyebrows, and I didn’t have any eyebrows OR hair, and it was sad and embarrassing, and I felt ugly at times. But you just stay strong and do the little things that make you feel good. You’ve just got to keep moving forward, and stay positive, and try to be surrounded by positive, supportive, motivating people. 

“Family House made my cancer experience (which was horrible and sad and depressing) that much better. How can something like Family House make this better?  It was really cool to have a place like Family House to come to. When you come here, you’re not judged. And being a part of Family House, it’s like a family. We’re not related, and everyone’s different, but everybody has a good heart. It’s great to come here, and feel comfortable, and know that you’ll be alright. If you need some help, there’s somebody here who will help you.

“We basically had to live in San Francisco for a year and a half while I was going through chemo. My mom had to quit her job and stay with me in the hospital every single day. We couldn’t have done it without Family House.

“And now, 13 years later, I’m thankful that I’ve made it through cancer, I beat it, and I was able to have 2 kids of my own. I’m thankful to have my life, and thankful to have Family House a part of it.”

Learn about how you can help fighters like Natasha at familyhouseinc.org