Life - including battle with cancer - is a blessing, Draper girl says
Deseret News 3Jun99 L5
By Jennifer Toomer-Cook: Deseret News staff writer

DRAPER, UTAH -- Alta High sophomore, Emily Jensen, credits her faith for a positive attitude that has taken her through a continuous battle for her life. A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Emily at l8 years old has undergone more life challenging experiences than most adults. Diagnosed with cancer and a survivor of five surgeries and ll tumors, Emily shows wisdom beyond her years. "Why me?" "But I've learned a lot of things people don't learn in a lifetime...to be happy with life, what it brings," she said.

Emily appears to be a healthy, lively teenager who is driven to excell. She maintains a 3.8 GPA, baby-sits neighborhood children, including two sets of twins, works on her scrapbook, plans vacations for the family of seven children, and when possible goes on hikes. "I just did it because it was my goal to get good grades and graduate from high school with good grades," she said.

Emily's sister, l6-year-old Tessa, recently chose to study at home with home school tudors so she could spend more time with Emily. Emily loves history, but thinks science might be in her future. She is considering a career in radiology and regularly examines her own x-rayed bones. "You can make it through almost anything with a positive attitude," says Emily. "I believe people die when it's their time to go. When they go, they must have a better purpose on the other side." "It's the way you look at it. I think it's a blessing."