Sumter, SC (WLTX) -- After weeks in the hospital and a scary diagnosis, one teen at Sumter High School is now thankful to be be back at school doing what she loves.
Willpower and determination kept 15-year-old Tori Shreve going after a frightening experience that landed her in intensive care. She ended up staying in the hospital three weeks because of internal bleeding in her lungs.
As Tori fought through the pain, her mother Joyce saw her as an inspiration. "She's very determined, but she's also a very positive person, and I think that's a lot of the drive behind her and what got her through a lot that she's been through."
Tori was diagnosed with lupus, a disease where the immune system attacks its own tissues. She says it can be difficult to deal with at times. "I do feel bad sometimes and I do get sick, but I just take my medicines and do the best I can."
Her struggles make her appreciate the time she has at school. "I didn't go back to school after that for the rest of the year... so I was glad to be back this year. I don't like missing school now."
Tori says she already has her eyes focused on career goals. "[I want to] go into journalism and broadcasting, and I want to also go into stage managing and directing." She is already working toward those goals by keeping a grade point average of 3.7 and participating in the journalism staff and drama club.
Hospital stays and sickness can't slow her down and neither does putting in long hours. "I've been at school every day until 6:00 p.m."
"I like school," she continues. "That might sound weird to some people, but I do."
Tori and her mother are working on a local foundation to raise awareness and support for kids and teens dealing with Lupus.
11/25/2009 8:47:54 AM
