Hoquiam teenager shakes off cancer’s grip
By J.J. Hudson
In autumn of 2003, cancer challenged 12-year-old Nikita Calica to a no-holds-barred wrestling match. Little did cancer realize how motivated a wrestler and survivor Nikita is. With help from Mary Bridge’s Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Clinic, she put cancer in a full nelson.
Nikita, now 14, is looking forward to taking a photography class during her freshman year at Hoquiam High School. She is also involved in cheerleading, volleyball, student government and, of course, wrestling. Cancer remains a defeated though not forgotten adversary.
"Don’t take cancer as a burden because if you do, it’ll be long and hard and you’ll get sick. Do what I did and be positive about it," Nikita advised others facing cancer.
She experienced feelings common to children facing cancer after being diagnosed with a germ cell tumor in her right ovary. It was difficult to be totally positive she admitted.
"I was kind of scared because they really didn’t know where it was. They thought it was as big as a basketball, but it was a beach ball!" she exclaimed. "I was scared I wouldn’t be able to have kids."
As Nikita entered treatment comprising four sessions of chemotherapy and one surgery, fear gave way to other emotions. "I was scared and excited," said Calica of her surgery in January of 2004.
Now Nikita is cancer free. She returns to Mary Bridge every six months for follow-up tests to confirm her victory. Additionally, her parents drive her to Tacoma from Hoquiam to participate in a teen advisory council made up of former Mary Bridge patients. The council has been responsible for pizza parties, movie nights and a snack cart to make children more comfortable while they stay at Mary Bridge.
"We work on projects and try and help to make Mary Bridge a more kid-friendly place," explained Nikita who loves Top Ramen and Velveeta Shells and Cheese.
Nikita and her parents, Sandy and Ray Calica, thanked the doctors and staff at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital for all their support. Special mentions went to Dr. Bill Thomas, Dr. Chris Kodama, Jose Elizondo in the cafeteria and Art Gonzales, a medical unit assistant. "They became family," Nikita said.
"We feel very privileged and very fortunate to have this wonderful place," added Sandy Calica. "There’s nothing you can say about Mary Bridge to give it justice. The Hematology Clinic is just outrageous. We are lucky to have this facility for the kids."
