Caitlyn Mortus beat childhood cancer at MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital in Houston, Texas. Then 10 years later she returned, but this time, she’s treating the patients.
On the second day of spring break of seventh grade, Caitlyn received a devastating diagnosis. In 2009, what had started out as a small lump on her gum slowly grew to fill her sinus cavity. After Caitlyn was referred to MD Anderson, a biopsy confirmed Burkitt’s lymphoma, an aggressive cancer of the lymphatic system that is fatal if left untreated.
Ten years later, the 24-year-old survivor is working as a pediatric oncology nurse at the very same hospital. Her reason is twofold: not only does Caitlyn know what it’s like to be a patient, but she knows how pivotal the roles of nurses can be while battling cancer.
Something else that helped Caitlyn get through the hard times when she was battling the deadly disease was her art class. She joined the hospital’s Children’s Art Project, a fundraising initiative that sold merchandise featuring artwork by pediatric cancer patients, describing the project as “[T]he one thing that got me out of bed—I did not want to miss art class.”
Caitlyn made a close friend on her cancer ward, and the pair made art together. The Children’s Art Project featured their collaborative efforts on their merchandise, and Caitlyn’s own “ladybug art” is still featured today over products.
Joan O'Hanlon Curry, of MD Anderson’s pediatric clinical services, commended Caitlyn for fulfilling her dream. “I think she really provides a unique perspective for the patients and the families, having gone through it,” she said. “She’s not telling everybody her story, but it helps guide her in how she takes care of the patients and families.”
“The relationships that MD Anderson nurses form with patients are one of the things that make this place so special,” she explained. “Every day, I come here to help children and young adults and give them hope, that’s my favorite thing.”
