Codi Jean Frazier: My Story
Codi Jean Frazier 7/1/92 – 9/23/03: We are sad to have to tell you all that Codi passed away at 12:52 am on September 23, 2003. Our precious Codi on Earth is now our precious Angel Codi in Heaven.
Beginning of Codi’s Original Site
I’m Codi Jean Frazier
Name: Codi Jean Frazier
Age: 11
Birthday: July 1, 1992
Residence: Keizer, Oregon
School: Cummings Elementary
Favorite Food: Mac & Cheese
Likes: Horses, Dogs, Cats
Dislikes: Going to Bed
Written by Codi Jean Frazier
Codi Jean Frazier’s Story: I was born on July 1, 1992 in Las Vegas, Nevada. My parents, Darel and Shannon Frazier were both in the Air Force and were stationed at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas. I rode my first horse, on the beach, when I was six years old. That is when I fell in love with horses. I also enjoyed Barbie dolls, cats and cartoons.
Osteosarcoma Diagnosis
Just before my 7th birthday, in 2000, I was playing and bumped my left knee on a toy box. My knee swelled up and became painful. Eventually, I was unable to walk on it. During a visit to the doctor to have it checked, I was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma. The Osteosarcoma was in my knee joint, which is a common location for this disease, which primarily affects children and young adults. Doctors also found that the cancer had metastasized to my left lung.
I was hospitalized at Sunrise Children’s Hospital in Las Vegas and I began chemotherapy, prior to surgery to remove the tumor. A surgery called rotationplasty was performed in February 2001. This is where the surgeon removes the tumor by amputating the affected area. The foot is then turned around and attached where the amputation was performed. This allows the ankle to function in the place of a knee joint. The rotationplasty surgery was difficult to get used to, but before I knew it, I was up walking and eventually running and playing with other kids. There are exercises that must be done to strengthen the joint and provide flexibility, but the results are worth it.
I completed chemotherapy in August 2001 and another surgery confirmed that the cancer was no longer present in my left lung. I was finally found to be in remission and sent home. That was a happy day!
Mother Died; Moved to Keizer, Oregon
My mother died unexpectedly of septic shock in January 2002, about a year after I was released from the hospital and found to be free of cancer. Following my mothers death, I moved to Keizer, Oregon. I am currently attending a grief counseling group called Mother Oaks, in Salem, Oregon.
I participated in the 2002 Marion County Relay for Life, with the Salem Kiwanis Club. Shortly afterward, I was invited to join the Salem Kiwanis Club as an Honorary Junior Member. I love being a part of this group whose primary goal is to help young children. You can click here to learn more about Salem Kiwanis.
Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes
In Early October of 2002, I became sick and we all thought I had a flu. The symptoms were very similar, except I didn’t have a fever. I went to the Salem Hospital, where I was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes which is also known as Type 1 Diabetes. Following this hospitalization, I have to carefully watch my diet, keep a consistent schedule and get regular exercise. I also test my blood glucose levels frequently and get three insulin injections daily. You can learn more about Juvenile Diabetes at the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International.
Recurrence of Cancer
During a routine cancer screening, on March 9, 2003 Osteogenic sarcoma was found in my sternum area. The cancer has spread into my lungs and is in the area of my heart. I was hospitalized at Doernbecher Childrens Hospital for almost a week. I have been told the cancer is inoperable and incurable. I understand that it is likely I will die from my cancer, however, I am living now, enjoying life every day and I will do so as long as I possibly can.
We tried the experimental cancer drug Depsipeptide, but it did not work for me. We are looking into other clinical trials. If you need information about clinical trials, call the National Cancer Institute at 1-800-4-CANCER or visit the NCI website for clinical trials.
Codi Jean Frazier’s Community
I have returned to school and will attend as long as possible. School is an important part of my life. You can click here to learn more about my school. Cummings Elementary school has helped me achieve my number one dream in life: to have my very own horse!
The community has also been great. Benefits have been scheduled to help me and my family take a vacation, along with medical expenses. The Make a Wish Foundation has provided a trip to Disneyland. Michael Mugrage at Songs of Love has written and recorded a great song called “Codi Bug.”My outlook on life remains positive. I sincerely want to give something back to the world. I hope my website can help someone in some way. If you want to help make a difference simply follow your heart, click a link and get involved with one of the great charities linked from my site.
How I’m Coping with Cancer
Many people have asked me how I’ve handled cancer, having chemo, having an amputation, having diabetes, and then having cancer again. I tell them that I live life daily, and I have as much fun as I can. I do things the way I’ve always done them. I go to school, go to church, ride my horse, and play with my friends. Nothing has changed in how I live my life.
You have to look on the bright side of things, sometimes this is hard, but it is very important. I have a wonderful support system. My family and friends are helpful and love to have fun with me. They help me realize that life is important. I rely on my spiritual beliefs, trusting in God, and I know that miracles happen every day.
Yes, I’ve been told that my cancer is inoperable and incurable, but I am fortunate to be included in an experimental drug program, using a new drug called Depsipeptide, so I am hoping that this works for me.
When you get a disease like this, you have to do whatever it takes to get better, whether it’s spending a lot of time in a hospital, or getting an amputation, or receiving chemo – you just HAVE to do it. Take every chance that comes your way to survive. There are medical advances happening all the time, and because of this, more and more people are being cured of cancer.
So I will do what I have to do, and have as much fun as I can. I have been asked if everything I’ve gone through is worth it. You bet it is.
My Church
Believing in God has helped me in so many different ways. When I was about 5 years old I remember my mother teaching me about God and Jesus. My mother passed away on January 2002. It also makes me feel good to know she is in heaven and she helps watch over me. When I pray it helps me not be afraid or sad because I have God listening to my prayers.
For Easter, my family and I attended the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Salem. The Minister there is John Moody. He is a friend and is also a member of Salem Kiwanis.
Some of my family members attend the Unitarian Universalist Congregation Church, in Salem, Oregon, and I know they are also remembering me in their prayers and meditations and I want them to know how much I also appreciate their support.
Fasting and Praying for Me
Mama Sara contacted her mom, Virginia Stinson, who lives in Wenatchee, Washington, about my cancer. Her mom posted a story about me at her apartment building. The next thing we all knew, many people (268 that we know of) at the Garden Terrace and the Garden Terrace West apartments, and some of the local churches, in Wenatchee, Washington, were fasting and praying for me. I just wanted to let everyone know in Wenatchee, Washington, how much I appreciate them and their prayers. It makes me feel soooooo good!
On Sunday, July 13, 2003, there was a group of about 5000 people who stopped what they were doing at the Woodburn Dragstrip and they prayed for me. That is so cool that they were all thinking of me while they were out having fun at the races. I wish I could have been with them, but I was in the hospital.
I get e-mails all the time from people who say they are praying for me. Sometimes I find other kids with cancer online and I pray for them too. This is a good way to use the Internet.
I know I haven’t mentioned many other people who are thinking of me and including me in their prayers. Many of you, I don’t even know. This all helps me to feel better.
Thank you all – Love, Codi Bug
