Teen Fights Cancer A Second Time

At 19 years old, Raquel Cardiel is learning how to walk again. She had her right leg amputated earlier this year and is still getting used to the new prosthesis that took its place a few weeks ago.

“I didn’t want to lose my leg. I didn’t want to so hard,” said Cardiel. She lost her leg to cancer. At 17 years old she was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma after doctors discovered a tumor. She beat the cancer through chemotherapy treatments, but suffered a relapse months later. She was told she’d only have 6 months to live if she didn’t go through with the amputation. She also had surgery on one of her lungs where the cancer had spread.

Now she says the cancer is gone and she has three more months of chemotherapy left. But the fight against the deadly disease is only part of her remarkable story. “I think I’m a better person these days. Every since I got cancer,” she said. It’s an outlook that may seem surprising until she opens up about her life before cancer.

“I was making very bad choices. I would drink, well I’m an alcoholic,” Cardiel said. She now lives in a motel with her sister and mother. They say the emotional and financial strain has been hard on the family.

A non-profit called Candlelighters stepped in to help them. The El Paso chapter of the national organization is dedicated to “enriching the lives of children who have cancer,” according to their website. They helped Cardiel’s family settle into the Super Lodge motel room in Northeast El Paso and have committed to helping them find an apartment and take care of rent and utilities for up to a year after Cardiel finishes her treatments. They also drive Cardiel to and from her chemotherapy treatments free of charge.

CEO Scott Lynch of the El Paso Candlelighters said they also fund special outings like ski trips to Ruidoso for childhood cancer patients through donations and grants. “These kids have dreams and aspirations just like other children, they may just be put on hold for a little bit. We’re here to encourage them and keep them focused,” he said. He said they’ve set up a scholarship for Cardiel to achieve her dream of becoming a cosmetologist.

Cardiel said that her family’s support has helped her get through the difficult times. “I love my sister more than the world would ever know,” said her sister Ericka. The two laugh easily and often finish each other’s sentences– they said they’ve become much closer lately.

“It’s been a lot,” said Cardiel. “I’m Raquel and I’m fighting cancer. I know I’m strong. I have to be.”

To find out more about how you can help children with cancer, go to the Candlelighters of El Paso website: www.candlelighterselp.org