diagnosis of cancer would be enough to stop
anyone in their tracks. But a diagnosis of cancer
at age one-and-a-half ? And, yet another diagnosis
at age five?
What would normally be a frightening experience for anyone
is something that has motivated Fox Chapel Area High School
sophomore Helen Paulini. A childhood cancer survivor,
Helen was recently named a national winner in the newly
established Emperor Science Award program. She will have the
opportunity this summer to work alongside and be mentored
by John Maris, M.D., a pediatric oncologist and co-head of
the Pediatric Cancer Dream Team at The Children’s Hospital
of Philadelphia. The research Helen will be a part of will
focus on pediatric cancers, specifically the genes that cause
neuroblastoma in children. She hopes that her part in the
research may help other children who face a diagnosis similar to
her own.
Helen’s Cancer Journey
The Emperor
Science Award
Helen is one of
only 100 winners
nationwide of The
Emperor Science
Award that is open
to high school
students. According
to Helen, “Seeing
how difficult cancer
is to treat got me
interested in applying
for the Emperor
Science Award
program, because it seemed like a great way to learn about
cancer research, and give back and make a difference in helping
others.” The essay she wrote for the contest focused on the
importance of medical research and her interest in the work
of childhood cancer researchers. She also wrote about how her
own experience with cancer made her want to learn more about
the work of medical researchers, especially since their efforts
have led to so many successful treatments.
When Helen was still a baby, simple arm pain led to the
revelation that she had synovial sarcoma, a cancer that affects
the soft tissue, usually around joints. Shortly after her diagnosis,
she had surgery to remove the tumor. But, when she was fiveyears-old, the unthinkable happened.
During a regular follow-up appointment,
“I especially appreciate
the doctors discovered that the cancer
had returned.
all the
people who work every day
Yes, a cancer diagnosis is incredibly
frightening. But with her positive nature,
Helen has turned the experience around
with her grateful attitude. “I especially
appreciate all the people who work every
day to contribute