Young Woman Overcomes Odds, Works To Inspire Others

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Christina Schuliger was a happy, beautiful and accomplished senior at North Allegheny High School just 20 months ago.

She was a straight-A student, a musical performer and a cross country runner, but then she got a headache that wouldn't go away.

"I took here in at three o'clock in the morning, and they did a CAT scan and took us by ambulance to Children's," said Janine Schuliger, Christina's mother.

Doctors at Children's Hospital removed a very large tumor and half of her cerebellum, and Christina began the long and arduous journey to get her life back.

"She was just courageous, she was at the Children's Institute six hours a day, six days a week, and never once did she say, 'I'm not doing this today,'" said Schuliger's mother.

Christina's mother stayed positive even though doctors said her daughter would never run again.

Even though doctors told Christina's mother that her daughter would never run again.

"But I told that doctor, 'you don't know Christina, she will surprise you,'" said Janine.

Today, Christina is a high school graduate and is now going into her sophomore year at Xavier College. She is continuing her recovery while pursuing new activities, such as learning to the ride horseback - a testament to her perseverance and faith.

"I love the quote, 'God doesn't give you anything that you can't handle,' and I believe I can handle it," says Christina.

And defying all odds and medical experts, Christina is running again. She is preparing to run in next week's Liberty Mile in Downtown Pittsburgh.

"I want to help people who are in similar situations to show them that they can just get out there and live life," she says.

When Christina does cross that finish line on Liberty Avenue, it will be the culmination of a remarkable recovery and an inspiration for the rest of us.

RELATED LINKS:
More Local News
More Featured Stories