Kourageous Kid Courtney

Beautiful Inside & Out

Courtney Townsend was a typical teenager in Lacrosse, VA when she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at age 15. 

In an instant, her life became anything but typical, entering the world of pediatric oncology clinical care and treatment. Fortunately for Courtney and her parents, Wanda and Wesley, there was help in navigating their new environment.
 
“The ASK support system is amazing,” said Wanda. “Knowing that we had experts on our side for all of the physical, emotional and spiritual care Courtney would need was such a relief.”
 
Being a teen or young adult can be tough. Being a teen or young adult who has cancer or has survived cancer is even tougher.

​Teens just want to be normal. To not be is incredibly hard for them, whether it’s losing hair, being more dependent on parents, or not being able to see their friends every day or play sports.

That’s why Katie Barber, ASK child life therapist, and the nurses and other ASK kids became an important part of Courtney’s recovery. 
 
“The relationships that Courtney has developed are life long,” shares Wanda. “We live a good distance from the ASK camps and after school programs, so the best thing about treatment and follow-up visits to clinic are the strong friendships with staff, nurses and doctors.”
 
Courtney is a strong and determined teen. She uses her cancer journey as a source of inspiration and plans to become a pediatric oncology nurse - already practicing care by supporting ASK kid Emberlyn, also from Lacrosse.

​We're so proud of Courtney and her thoughtful care of others as she now provides “big sister” support as Emberlyn undergoes treatment.