Jennifer was 5 years old when she was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia. During two-and-a-half years of treatment at Cincinnati Children's Hospital, she was absent from school frequently due to high fevers, hospital stays, and clinic visits.

After her treatment ended, Jennifer became frustrated because she was having difficulty comprehending information and doing math problems in her second-grade class. "I had to read things over and over. I knew something had changed in my brain."

With the help of the school system and a Children's Hospital advocate, Jennifer was placed on a specialized education plan that accommodated her special needs. She is tutored every day in school, and she gets extra time to finish tests. To stay organized, she uses colored markers to highlight information and takes a laptop to class.

"I've learned that I have to be an advocate for myself and speak up when I'm having a problem," Jennifer said. Her advice to other survivors struggling with learning disabilities:

1. Talk with your parents and teachers. Get help.

2. Be patient. It will get easier.

3. Don't worry about what the other kids are doing. Take care of yourself!

4. Accommodations for your learning disabillity is important. Don't feel ashamed to take advantage of extra services.

Jennifer is now in the ninth grade. Her career goal is to teach children with learning disabilities.