Sarcoma Story: Anna Rogotzke

 

In the spring of 2009, Anna Rogotzke was two years old – a seemingly healthy, very happy child who seemed to “sparkle” and light up the lives of everyone who knew her, especially her dad, mom and two older brothers.  She seemed to want to sing, dance and giggle her way through life!  She was a big fan of Dora the Explorer, Disney princesses, pink, purple, Bible songs, and anything having to do with music and dancing.

 

Three months after her second birthday, a tummy ache eventually led to a diagnosis of stage 4 Rhabdomyosarcoma. A grueling plan of treatment which would take a minimum of 54 weeks was laid out for her. For the next year and then some, Anna was in and out of Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis for scheduled treatments or for complications caused by the harsh treatments.

 

Though there were many difficult days and more suffering than a little girl should ever have to endure, Anna handled her treatment better than it would seem a child ever could. It was a challenge on some days, though, to find the little girl “sparkle” beneath the pain and suffering. As soon as she would improve even a little, though, her smiles came back, too, and as much as possible Anna found joy in every day and gave everyone else reason to be joyful, and HOPEful as well. 

 

Anna responded well to her treatment, which included several surgeries, many rounds of chemo, and weeks of radiation. When her treatment plan was completed, she had No Evidence of Disease! Treasured were the days free of hospitals and clinic visits, days when it seemed that nothing could take away Anna’s “sparkle” ever again! Three months after her treatment ended, her scans still showed No Evidence of Disease, and everyone was prepared to enjoy and treasure every “sparkling” moment with Anna for years to come.

 

Then, only one month after Anna had clean scans, symptoms led to a return to the emergency room where it was discovered that Anna’s cancer had come back with a vengeance. First, second and third opinions all stated that there was little to no hope of a cure, to enjoy every day and to prepare for the worst.  The last resort chemotherapies had little effect on this monster that had invaded the body of “Princess Anna.”   On December 12, 2010, on her fourth birthday, Anna was called home to heaven. 

 

Anna lived for three months after her relapse, but these final months were filled with much joy. Wonderful memories were made during a family vacation to Florida. Anna attended preschool a couple of days a week, which she absolutely loved. She also attended weekly dance classes, and only six days before she died she performed beautifully in her first dance recital. 

 

Anna will always be remembered for the way she loved life and gladly proclaimed her love for Jesus, even during the difficult days. Her songs, dances, giggles, hugs and kisses are treasured memories for all who loved her and were blessed to have their lives touched by hers.