Elizabeth Forte: 2019 Girl of the Year. Journey told by her parents, Brooke & Frank Forte:
Elizabeth is 11 years old, in 6th grade at Fletcher Middle School. She has a twin brother and younger sister. She loves helping others, playing with her cat, drawing and dancing. We began our journey in mid-November 2009 when Elizabeth presented with a limp. We originally thought she had toxic synovitis, as her twin brother Luca, had just experienced a few days of limping due to this following a virus. We visited the pediatrician and she concurred and we all agreed to monitor. When Elizabeth continued to limp a month later, we returned to the pediatrician and a CBC was ordered along with an x-ray of her lower leg. The CBC showed perfectly normal numbers and her x-ray was negative. Later an x-ray of her hips was ordered... negative. With nothing significant, we again agreed to monitor. The limping continued over the next couple of months but it was not daily, and didn't seem to keep her from any activities, so we just continued to watch.
In mid-February 2010, Elizabeth broke her arm and we went to a pediatric orthopedic. She had suffered from a green stick break in her wrist, something typical in toddlers. She wore a cast for four weeks and it healed perfectly. When we were at the appointment for her cast removal, we casually asked her doctor about her limping. He agreed with her pediatrician, that with nothing significant in her labs or on x-ray, we should just monitor. If something changes, return for a follow up. We were back to see him within a week when Elizabeth began complaining of severe pain, and quit walking almost completely. Full body x-rays were ordered...all negative. A bone scan was ordered...negative. The orthopedic began to think that it was juvenile arthritis and he treated with an NSAID for a few weeks. Because he knew we were diligent about testing and really wanted something to prove that it was arthritis, he ordered an MRI. The MRI was originally scheduled for June 7. We actually discussed cancelling the MRI, as our doctor was certain it was arthritis, and we were concerned about all the anesthesia Elizabeth had undergone over the past months. We decided that we couldn't let it go and asked to be put on a list for an earlier MRI. Thankfully, the MRI was moved up to May 4. Later in the week following the MRI, I visited the pediatrician with Elizabeth's younger sister. The pediatrician inquired about the results, and since the test had just been done a couple of days prior, I had not heard anything, she called to get information. When the pediatrician returned to the room, she explained that the MRI showed abnormalities and we needed to order more tests. Following this, we had another CBC and a visit to the hematologist where possibilities were explained and a bone marrow biopsy was ordered.
On May 13, 2010 we had the biopsy and received a phone call in the early evening stating that Elizabeth had Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). These results were a shock to all involved, as previous tests had all been negative, and aside from her limping, Elizabeth has been very healthy- not typical of a child with leukemia. Her bone marrow was at 87% replacement with bad cells. If we had waited for the June 7 MRI her disease would have progressed significantly, so we are so thankful we were able to move it up.
Elizabeth endured 2 ½ years of treatment, which included oral and IV chemotherapy, oral steroids, intrathecal chemotherapy, many blood transfusions, physical therapy, hospital stays, and scares. We are so proud and blessed to say that she is a survivor, off treatment for 6 years, and now maintains a once a year check up with her oncologist. Her treatment did result in some brain damage that has affected her learning and processing, however, she presents like a normal little 11 year old girl. She has to work harder at everything she does, though she never complains. She has a love of dance that began at the age of 2 and has continued. Dance is also an area that she works really hard, however, she never complains that things do not come easy- it is her passion. Elizabeth has the kindest spirit and gentle soul; she loves and shows care for all, and has a special connection to those that endure any challenge- medical, social, emotional. She is definitely meant for something special in this world, and I certainly love watching it all develop and unfold.
Thank you so much to everyone that attended workshop for our 2019 Spokane Students of the Year!!! 
