MT. LEBANON (KDKA) – A young mother diagnosed with cancer has found a way to give back, by raising $6,000 to donate to a foundation that is helping to keep her alive.

Christina Radzilowicz, 42, of Mt. Lebanon thought that she had done everything right to live a healthy life. She was a runner, ate well and had regular medical check-ups. But none of that prevented her from becoming one of the 70,000 Americans between the ages of 15-and-39 diagnosed each year with cancer.

Three-and-a-half-years ago, her world was turned upside down when she found out she had Ovarian Cancer.

“They said to me, ‘Two to three months. Get your affairs in order,’” said Radzilowicz.

Her son, John, and daughter, Anastasya, were 10 and 6 at the time.

“I can’t let that be the case. Little kids are not projects you can wrap up in a couple of months,” Radzilowicz said.

She decided she needed to stay on this earth for her husband and children.

“I have this obligation that I willingly take to be their mom, and that includes fighting as hard as I can to allow that privilege.”

She found the I’m Too Young To Have Cancer Foundation online, and after listening to their webcasts she found reason for hope.

Radzilowicz has now set a new goal to raise $6,000 and donate it to this foundation. She has raised a quarter of it so far.

She is determined to be at the OMG! Cancer Summit For Young Adults in Las Vegas on March 30, where cancer patients can learn about education, advocacy, research and networking.

Radzilowicz knows that as a wife, mother and woman she has much to share with other young moms about living in the crucible of cancer.

“Yes, cancer may be a part of our lives but we’re going to get busy living,” she said.

MORE INFORMATION

If you’re willing to help Christina – donations can be made through her website, CrowdRise.com/CRad or through Eden’s Market, 99 Alfred Street, Mt. Lebanon, PA 15228 – and you can reach Christina directly at christina.radzilowicz@gmail.com.