Allison was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) in early August. It was discovered that she had a tumor in her left femur. We thought it was simply a muscle pull as she is extremely athletic and was a fastball pitcher in softball. Initially she complained of soreness...which developed into real pain. Her coaches thought it was simply a muscle pull and that we could get through it with some stretches/rehab. When nothing worked, we went to the doctor to make sure there wasn't more to it...boy, was there!! There was a hole in her leg about the size of a quarter. We received the horrible news that is was cancer. A week later we were in the hospital & beginning chemotherapy. Allison has since had successful surgery (most of her femur replaced with a cadaver bone with a steel rod through it) and continues with her chemotherapy. We are extremely hopeful that the cancer will not come back and once her therapy is completed (end of April), we will truly be on the road to recovery. She is a true fighter & will do whatever it takes to get her "normal" life back. You can monitor Allison's progress at: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/allisonholmes

Written by: Todd Holmes