Inspiring Teens Magazine Features

Brenna Cornhoff

4/15/2021

Brenna Cornhoff - Texas
Nomination by Ariella Gurfinkel
Photography by Chelsea Adams
Issue 45 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Brenna Cornhoff has been through one heck of a year. Brenna was in a boating accident this past summer and have endured 18 surgeries, months in the hospital, and is on her road to recovery. Brenna’s made it her goal to use her story to help overs with trauma and help people have a more positive view on life. Through everything Brenna’s been through she’s stayed positive and that’s amazing.

Photography by Chelsea Adams

What do you want us to know about your injury?
My injury occurred in August of 2020. I was sucked under a boat while wakeboarding and my right leg got caught in the propeller. I was life-flighted to a hospital in Idaho where it was discovered that the propeller cut through my tibia bone, fibula bone, peroneal nerve, and I was severely cut which led to a series of 18 surgeries with current possibilities of more. My surgeon, Dr. Egeland performed a tendon, nerve, and muscle transfer that had never been done in the world before to create the opportunity for me to walk normally again without a drop foot. In total I was in the hospital for about 3 months, not ever getting out of bed. I also have a skin graft covering about 40% of my lower right leg. I’m still working, healing, and waiting for my nerve to possibly work again.

Photography by Chelsea Adams

What was your recovery like?
My recovery has been long and not at all easy. For six months now and into my foreseeable future I go to physical therapy four times a week. I had to regain all my strength to get out of bed, mobility, and now learning to walk without assistance from an AFO brace. The hardest part of my recovery was going from being an athlete to getting winded when getting out of bed. As well as, knowing that I may never be “normal” again or all the unknowns constantly swarmed my head. It’s frustrating not being able to do anything you once so easily could, but I was four millimeters away from death or being an amputee and I still have all my limbs and am lucky to be recovering. I’m still working through this all, but my motivation is celebrating every small win, only looking a day into the future at a time, and being incredibly positive, but also honest with others and myself.

Photography by Angie Bobst

What words of encouragement do you have for someone in a similar situation?
Anyone that can relate to my story I want them to understand that it’s okay to not be okay. It’s okay to not be positive or cheery every day because losing anything or a part of yourself is awful. The hard part is getting up the next day and fighting for yourself. To get better even when it’s hard and you don’t want to. You have to celebrate every day at your progress because that positivity is so important in your recovery. The little victories matter because when you look back at your accomplishments, all those little things add up and push you when you do have that next hard day. Most importantly believe in yourself and learn to love yourself when you’re going through your worst trial because that opens your eyes to all the possibilities you’ll have moving forward in your life.

The 5K sounds super fun. Tell us more about that!
My physical therapist believes I can finish a 5k on the anniversary of my accident so my family and friends are planning a 5k and fundraising for kids who have lost lower extremities.

Look for Brenna in issue 45 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 45

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Mandy Meyer

3/17/2021

Mandy Meyer - Minnesota
Nomination and Photography by Toby Meyer
Issue 44 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Mandy is a survivor. Mandy is an inspiration because of the treacherous hardships she’s endured. Mandy listened to herself when no one else would. Mandy had a brain tumor and rare disease. Mandy fought for her life. Mandy is here today to inspire and be a voice for those struggling. Mandy is an advocate for those who are fighting rare diseases by letting doctors use her for research. Mandy discovered the light at the end of the tunnel after years of battling the unknown. Mandy is ready to share her story with the rest of the world. Mandy is hope.

Photography by Toby Meyer

What would you most like to be interviewed about?
I would most like to be interviewed about my story and how I am on a journey to help others.
I would like to specifically be interviewed about my disease as it doesn’t happen a lot in adolescents and is very rare.

Please share with us your story and the journey you are on to help others.
For years and years I was told by multiple doctors that nothing was wrong with me, go to therapy, and try antidepressants. I even had gotten to the point where I asked my doctor, “Could this be a brain tumor?” I had joked about it for years with my friends and therapist. Well, it turns out I was right. I remember the day after my surgery, I pressed the nurse button screaming, “I want to die.” Why am I on a journey to help others? They’re people suffering, just like I was, now I want to help give others answers.

What is your disease and what do you want others to know about it?
My disease is known as Cushing’s Disease. It is when your body produces way too much cortisol, commonly known as the stress hormone. This disease just didn’t affect one body part, it affected all of me. The list goes on and on of side effects I had. It caused a 7.7 mm brain tumor on my pituitary gland, and most of all almost made me want to take my life multiple times. For the rest of my life, I will need yearly MRI’s and medical check-ups. But for the rest of my life, I will be a survivor.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be on and why? (What do you feel passionate about or could talk forever about?)
Mental health. It is so important. I feel as there can sometimes be a stereotype on mental health such as telling someone, “get over it,” or “you're fine.” I almost took my life from being suicidal over the years and my underlying medical condition but what I always had was someone to talk to. The reason why I could talk about it forever is I have a story. A story that shows others they are not alone, and they can overcome their battles. Life has a purpose for everyone.

Photography by Toby Meyer

What is the hardest thing you have ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
The hardest thing I have ever accomplished was going to college in High School while dealing with my chronic illness and being Class President. I did end up achieving a 4.0 GPA and being ranked number fourth in class the first year of college (11th grade) and have continued to be ranked as number four as my class load had to be put down due to my life changing surgery. The reason why this was the hardest thing for me is because I never let my illness define my capabilities when it came to school. I strived to make progress even when I thought I couldn’t. No B + would slip past me. I've always pushed myself to have straight A’s.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Is a road ever perfect? No. What do you do when there is a bump on a road? Sometimes you go by them, ride over them, or even get a flat tire but when you're stranded on the road of course you get the tire fixed and keep on rolling. That is like life. Keep on going and fight. Fighting is what my life has been as my mother had Stage Three Breast Cancer, my father was in a car accident, and my disease. I wouldn’t want anyone to be where I am today because everyone has their own journey, so you do you, and trust yourself.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
I am interested in mental health care so I can save others' lives. I believe that mental health should involve more than just talking to a therapist. It's surprising that in psychology, it’s one of the only fields of studies that doesn't scan the organ that it is actually studying. What if someone had a brain tumor that was causing their insignificant amount of anxiety and depression? That was the case for me.
I would like to advance the amount of availability of mental health help around my local area, I see that there is an understandable amount of growth needed for this kind of service as I struggled to receive the proper help that I needed. Who ended up giving that significant amount of help to save my life? Indeed, it was me.
they reached out to me asking for help.
I would like to minor in Healthcare/Science because I have been in and out of hospitals during my adolescent years. I was at the University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital and it inspired me. I would have to walk a lap around the hospital and I saw the other kids in their bed. I saw their pain. Just wanting to live a "normal" life.
I want to offer children and adolescents answers to their overall health pain. It's greatly needed as I have seen over the years that mental health issues are mostly looked at as "anxiety" or "depression," which sometimes is not the case. They could have diabetes, PCOS, a thyroid disease, an autoimmune disease, or even Cushing disease because I had it so it's possible. There is always that chance.

Photography by Toby Meyer

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
Easy, heading to my local gym to workout. My favorite part about going there is not just to work on myself but to help others. I also work here as well. I love to bring healthy treats in, motivate others, and share my story. The gym isn’t just a gym, it’s my second home.

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it? A hidden talent of mine is photography.
I started teaching myself at the age of twelve and have continued on. I call it, “Smile Photography” because the best part about photography is seeing individuals smiling. I have taken pictures from individuals, friends, family, wedding, and events. Most of the time I offer them to people who can’t financially afford the cost of getting professional pictures done.

3 Things on your bucket list
-Have an world wide event for people with rare diseases.
-Visit children hospitals and give them pig stuffed animals, also with a blanket like the U of M did for me.
-Share my story around the world with the hope of saving others lives. Not just about my medical health, my mental health as I thought I would take my life but I decided to fight.

Who do you find inspiring?
My father. He has had his own pain throughout the years. 4/17/15, he was in a car accident that will affect him for the rest of his life, has needed multiple surgeries, and most of all always made sure my siblings came first. Some days he wanted to be gone because of his chronic pain. Although, I’m not sure if I’d be alive today without him. My disease almost took my life, but my father took away my fear of wondering what was wrong with me, believing in me, and always being by my side along the journey.

Photography by Amber Elich

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
Motivation all around. I always get up again and again even when I fail. Others see that in me and so do I. I got a bad grade on a test, I retake it. I have multiple problems after surgery, I continue going to the doctor to figure out what is wrong. I cry at night, so I reach out for help.
My story is much longer than can be said but it has made people cry, want to reach out to me, and want to improve their own life.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
We have all heard the saying, “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” How about, “when life gives you struggles, you fight.” It’s the best option we have. Don’t be afraid to do it alone, and someone will always fight with you.

Look for Mandy in issue 44 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 44

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Savahana Scott

7/10/2020

Savahana Scott - Indiana
Interview by Oliva Bush
Nomination by Lori Sutphin
Photography by KelGrand Photography
Issue 35 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Savahana Scott was diagnosed with Cancer when she was 2 years old. She fought that monster for 4.5 years with everything she had! There were times during her illness, her victory seemed to get further and further away, as she had many complications which furthered her treatment protocol. . But she never gave up. Over the years she has worked through and overcome so many obstacles, due to that illness. She plays travel and High School l softball, as a pitcher, she is involved in her school political clubs, she has participated in mentoring incoming students to her school, she works as a lifeguard in our community and often does events, gives speeches and speaks to elementary children about her journey, to raise money for Riley Childrens Hospital, and the Leukemia and Lymphoma society. Although some days are hard, she continues to give everything 100%, with a smile on her face. She plans to attend college and purse the medical field in pediatrics. She is truly such an inspiring young teen, that has such an impact on the young and old!

Photography by KelGrand Photography

What was hard with cancer, and what inspired you to push through the rough times?
Watching other kids do things that I couldn't do, because of my illness. Even at a young age, I remember that making me sad, and knowing that taking my medicine was vital to my recovery. God always has a plan, and I rely on that knowledge to push me to better days.

What piece of advice would you give others to help them do the same as you?
Always believe in yourself, have confidence, and know that today is just a very small steppingstone to a much bigger future.

How do you push through the obstacles that cancer left you with?
I have learned to live with the effects of my illness and recovery over time. Patience and knowing as time passes, it will get better. I fully apply myself to every aspect of life, to not miss a moment and I refuse to let my diagnosis define me or my ambition. I stay healthy, take care of my body, and will never take my health for granted.

Photography by KelGrand Photography

What are these obstacles?
Physically, I have experienced a few long-term chemo affects. Calcification in my ankle joints and sensitivity to any kind of cream or lotion on my face. I experienced severe chemo burn, shortly after the 4.5 year protocol of chemotherapy treatment, was finished and therefore I find myself needing to use hypo allergenic everything. I also experienced, and continue to from time to time, reaction to UV rays. Mentally, the future can be somewhat scary, as the length of time and high dose chemo could create long term affects. I don't focus on that but instead, live for today.

What is it like getting to speak to elementary school kids about what you have gone through?
I find it very satisfying! They ask really great, and funny questions. I like explaining the importance of taking care of yourself and being kind to others, as you never know what they might be going through.

How did you come up with this idea?
I was invited to help raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma society and am very passionate about sharing my story. I just want to help young kids understand that its ok to be different, illness shouldn't define you and to always be nice to others.

Photography by Lori Sutphin

How long have you been playing softball? What is your favorite memory playing?
10 years
Last season I had a coach that was amazing. I was in a slump and wasn't performing my best. It was my last game with a team and coaches I loved. We were in the semi-finals game at the World Series, in Johnson City TN. I was up to bat. We needed a hit. Coach Eric Rail looked at me and said 'No matter what happens up there, I will always be proud of you” We didn't win the game, lost by 1. But I got that hit. One of my most rewarding moments ever.

What are some goals that you have for your future?
I plan to attend college to get my BSN, then work as an RN, working my way to becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.

Savahana will be featured in issue 35 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 35

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Brenna Cornhoff

Brenna Cornhoff - Texas
Nomination by Ariella Gurfinkel
Photography by Chelsea Adams
Issue 45 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Mandy Meyer

Mandy Meyer - Minnesota
Nomination and Photography by Toby Meyer
Issue 44 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Savahana Scott

Savahana Scott - Indiana
Interview by Oliva Bush
Nomination by Lori Sutphin
Photography by KelGrand Photography
Issue 35 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

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Brenna Cornhoff

Brenna Cornhoff - TexasNomination by Ariella GurfinkelPhotography by Chelsea AdamsIssue 45 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Mandy Meyer

Mandy Meyer - MinnesotaNomination and Photography by Toby MeyerIssue 44 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Savahana Scott

Savahana Scott - Indiana Interview by Oliva BushNomination by Lori SutphinPhotography by KelGrand PhotographyIssue 35 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Featured

Archives

Categories

Brenna Cornhoff - Texas
Nomination by Ariella Gurfinkel
Photography by Chelsea Adams
Issue 45 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Mandy Meyer - Minnesota
Nomination and Photography by Toby Meyer
Issue 44 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Savahana Scott - Indiana
Interview by Oliva Bush
Nomination by Lori Sutphin
Photography by KelGrand Photography
Issue 35 of Inspiring Teens Magazine