Real Life Stories

Carla Cancel, a human tissue recipient, enjoys athletic activities including horseback riding, working out at the gym, boating and belly dancing.

An afternoon run had gone awry when a dog bit Carla, and her treatment for those wounds led to the discovery of the illness, which left untreated could have been life threatening.

While doctors quickly began battling the disease, the fact remained that the tumor had to be removed.

Innovative surgeons used human tissue to replace the bone Carla lost with the removal of the tumor, preventing the amputation of Carla's leg.

In turn Carla helps others through her career as a nurse, and she continues to enjoy athletic activities including horseback riding, working out at the gym, boating and belly dancing.

With the support of her doctors, family and her fiancé, Gilbert, Carla made a full recovery and is cancer free.