Since Kahla, 18, was diagnosed with cancer three years ago, she has endured a total knee replacement, three lung surgeries, chemotherapy and numerous other medical procedures. During her recovery, she made a wish that will impact the rest of her life: She asked wish granters for a scholarship that would allow her to attend Columbia College Chicago. She is scheduled to start college in January of 2011 after finishing physical therapy. These are Kahla’s thoughts about overcoming cancer, the importance of family and the Make-A-Wish^® experience.

How did your life change when you were diagnosed with cancer?

When you first start out on chemo, about 99.9 percent of the time you feel nauseous. There’s no getting around it. You’re going to be bored. My parents, the doctors, the nurses – they helped me deal with it emotionally. They gave me the medical attention I needed, but they also helped me mentally. They make you feel so comfortable and at home and at ease. They take time to explain – you’ll lose your hair, your eyebrows, your eyelashes. They explain everything to you, especially when you start out so you won’t be so scared.

What was it like being away from school and your friends?

It was really difficult for me to adjust to being in the hospital – and not being in school. My teachers worked with me. They sent tutors. They’d bring my homework or my teachers would e-mail it to me. Sometimes it was hard to keep up. But they were flexible – they knew what my circumstances were. I was picky about visits from friends. I didn’t want them to visit me when I was feeling bad. I didn’t want them to be concerned instead of enjoying our time together. I’d rather see them when I was at home or go out with them, even if I was on crutches. Throughout chemo, no matter what, nail polish and shopping would always make me feel better. I don’t know what it is about nail polish and shopping, but those two things always made me feel better!

How did you decide on a scholarship as your wish?

When I got to make my wish, everyone tried to give me insights – like “think about things you’d never have a chance to do again.” My first wish was to go on a vacation somewhere outside the country. My second was to go to Fashion Week in New York. But there are so many possibilities! I decided going to college would be the best thing for me and my family. When I graduate from college, I know I’m going to be able to travel.

I’m going to major in media management. My idea is to be a personal shopper or a retail buyer for chain stores. That’s something I could do forever.

What can you tell us about your family’s support?

I’m an only child. The only other person my mother and father have to care about is a puppy, Odie. If I’m sick and asleep, you’re not getting in my world because he’s going to bark at you until you leave!

I’d just like to tell my parents thank you for everything – even before being diagnosed with cancer. Thank you for guiding me in the right direction and for always giving me positive energy and for letting me know that education and family are always going to be there and be important.

I really just want to make them happy.