Since the age of three, Kara Skrubis has practiced ballet. Throughout her youth, she traveled the nation, showcasing her ballet prowess. Alongside her performances, she commenced teaching ballet and started her studies as a dance major at University at Buffalo.
However, her trajectory took an unforeseen twist during her inaugural semester at UB. In October 2019, Skrubis awoke to excruciating pain in her left knee, soon accompanied by a concerning “warm lump.” Despite a visit to a local urgent care facility, the ailment remained undiagnosed. It wasn’t until three months later, under the care of an orthopedic specialist, that a tumor was discovered in her left tibia.
At 18 years old, Skrubis received the diagnosis of osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer predominantly affecting teenagers and young adults. While receiving treatment, Skrubis was compelled to take a time off from her studies for a year. Her journey started with chemotherapy in February 2020, followed by the amputation of her left leg in April 2020 to eradicate the cancer. Subsequently, she underwent immunotherapy until June 2021, concluding her treatment regimen with chemotherapy in September 2021.
During her stay in the hospital, Skrubis says her mother, Lisa, 54, found and connected with MIB Agents, a pediatric osteosarcoma nonprofit that provides resources, information and support to patients and families.
Skrubis still practices ballet, but she changed her majors from dance and psychology to psychology and health and human sciences so she can work with other youth diagnosed with cancer.
Links:
MIB Agents: https://www.mibagents.org
People Magazine Article: https://people.com/health/kara-skrubis-talks-continuing-ballet-following-bone-cancer-leg-amputation-i-never-gave-up/
#amputee #amputeelife #amputeestrong #prosthetics #prostheticleg #amputeegirl #amplife #amputation #limbloss #amputees #adaptiveathlete #amputeefitness #prosthetic #motivation #prosthesis #adaptive #oneleg #amputados #amputeewoman #inspiration #osteosarcoma #cancer #sarcoma #bonecancer #cancersucks #childhoodcancer #cancersurvivor #osteosarcomaawareness #childhoodcancerawareness #cancerawareness #cancerfighter #pediatriccancer #bonetumor
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Watch on YouTube
Listen on Spotify
In this episode of the We're Not Stumped podcast, host Mike Bolland highlights three powerful stories celebrating resilience, ability, and community support. We start with the Danny Awards, an inspiring initiative by Daniel's Music Foundation, recognizing the talents of musicians with disabilities. Next, we revisit the viral video of an amputee dog offering its owner a touching "ghost paw," capturing hearts worldwide. Finally, we share the moving story of a family coming together to renovate their home for a teen amputee courageously battling cancer. Tune in for these uplifting stories of triumph and support!
In this episode of We're Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Christopher Rodriguez, CEO of Ability360, to discuss the organization's powerful role in promoting independence for individuals with disabilities. Learn about the wide range of programs and resources Ability360 offers, from adaptive sports to advocacy, and how they are transforming lives by empowering people to live fully and independently.
Host Mike Bolland highlights inspiring stories of resilience and recovery. We explore the latest in assistive technology and vocational resources at the VRATE Expo, empowering individuals with disabilities. Additionally, we celebrate the bravery of a double amputee Army veteran who skydived to kick off the Helping Heroes Golf Tournament, and share how amputee golfers gathered in New Jersey for a unique clinic, finding healing and camaraderie through the game.
Leave A Comment