NATALIA LOPEZ
a.k.a Ceci's Big Sister
Acute Myeloid Leukemia
The diagnosis of childhood cancer is a catastrophe that effects patient, parents, AND siblings. Natalia Lopez is a 16 year old former soccer player who now favors dance (jazz, tap, and ballet). She still has a love for the game and roots for the Dynamo and especially for her soccer-playing sister Ceci who competes for the U-14 Challenge Blitz.
In January 2009 Natalia was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). The treatment of AML requires strong chemotherapy and long hospital stays. One thing that has made those long stays more bearable is the companionship of Ceci. Together they watch movies, surf the internet, goof off, and even do homework. Occasionally, Ceci has even been known to wait on her sister or even do a favor. “I have learned it’s not all bad to have a little sister,” laughs Natalia. “But I still think she is hanging around here just in case Stuart Holden comes to visit.”
As Natalia knows cancer is tough, but not tough enough to shake the love of sisters.
Natalia’s favorite soccer player is Craig Waibel.
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