Melissa, 19, found more than she bargained for when she had surgery at Shriners Hospital to remove a large tumor that had developed in her finger. The surgery went smoothly; however, a routine biopsy of the tumor showed the shocking results of chondrosarcoma, an aggressive form of cancer. Not receptive to chemotherapy or radiation, the best option to stop the cancer from spreading was to amputate her finger. With the help of her host family and HTC support system, Melissa handled the traumatic experience with impressive maturity and grace. She returned home a few weeks later with the knowledge that although she lost her finger, the surgeon, Dr. Chuck Goldfarb, had saved her life.