Bethany Kristine Buzynski

Bethany Buzynski first found out she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma on Tuesday, January 4th 2005. Osteosarcoma is the 6th most common cancer in children. Osteosarcoma is a bone cancer that usually starts in the leg, and around the knee. Unlike other bone cancers, it can spread to different parts of the body.

She had osteosarcoma on the right of her pelvis. Bethany first started chemotherapy on January 7th, 2005. At this time she was 13 years old, almost 14. She played softball, volleyball and soccer. Besides this, she was gorgeous, and constantly was smiling.

The little town she lived in, Fairfield, wanted for her to get rid of the cancer as fast as she could. They threw a softball benefit, and a cheer competition for her. They also did many other activities, like selling lime green bracelets that say “BKB” on one side and “Faith” on the other side.

Bethany not only smiled throughout this long journey, but she was always looking on the bright side and keeping her head up. Bethany always had a great, brave attitude. They had to remove a bone in her pelvis, which wouldn’t allow her to play sports. And the one thing she said was “Oh bummer, there goes my softball scholarship”. Bethany amazed not only her parents, family, and Fairfield, but many people around the world.

In December of 2005, they believed the cancer was gone. While they were thinking the cancer was gone, she talked about playing softball again and just having someone run for her. In the summer of 2006, her family moved to Niceville, Florida. However, in September of 2006, they found something wrong in the pelvic region. They again found osteosarcoma.

The next step in the Buzynskis’ journey was amputation. They removed Bethany’s right leg. However, Bethany’s smile never slid from her face. In fact, one of the days that she was in recovery from surgery, she said, “Hey Aarika!” her sister responded, “What Bethany?” and Bethany smiles and says “You’re ugly!”. Bethany had everyone smiling.

Bethany underwent a series of chemotherapy. Even experimental chemo. However, her body soon became too weak and they couldn’t perform any other surgeries. In March of 2007, they cancer spread to her lungs. And her kidneys began to fail.

The Buzynski’s knew Bethany’s long journey was coming to an end. They sat her down, and told her that if she was ready to move on to a bigger and better home, that it would be okay. They told her that she was God’s child and that this was God’s plan for her.

Bethany received her angel wings the next day, at 6:15 P.M. on March 16th, 2007. In heaven, she now has two legs and is playing softball and eating hot wings all the time! She’s constantly looking over this little town of Fairfield, laughing at all our mistakes.

God’s plan for Bethany was to touch thousands of lives, and trust me, she did. While she is God’s most beautiful angel, us here on earth are missing her terribly.

R.I.P. Bethany

You’re a hero to all of us.

Bethany is my hero because no matter what she went through, she was always smiling. She was never negative and always looked on the bright side. While I didn't get to know her very well-- she still taught me how to live. She touched my life in so many unimaginable days. We miss you Bethany!