From child oncology patient to volunteer — local woman’s journey at Rady Children’s

Once a week, Tara Borders volunteers at Rady Children’s Hospital.

Borders visits kids rooms, see’s if they need movies or games, plays with patients in the playroom.

“The playroom is a place where they can just be kids,” Borders said. “They get to play, smile, hang out and forget why they’re here for a while.”

The 21-year-old Borders has a unique perspective as a volunteer. You see, she’s been where these kids are — exactly where these kids are.

“I had leukemia when I was 9 to 12 years old,” Borders told NBC 7 on Tuesday.

Borders was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in August 2014, right before she started fourth grade in San Diego.

Borders credits the doctors and nurses with saving her life.

”I loved the nurses and doctors at Rady Children’s and formed a bond with them,” Borders said. “It inspired me to volunteer here. I wanted to work here because I wanted to give back in the same place that I received care.”

Being a former patient often gives Borders an understanding of what the kids are going through, a perspective that few have.

“When I go into a room and a kid is feeling bad, it makes me think of when I was here,” Borders said . “I just try to be calm and peaceful because I didn’t need someone coming in with a ton of energy, so I like to be a calm, peaceful presence for them.”

Many of the kids Borders visits are much younger, but there are others whom are closer to her age, including 17-year-old Destiny Aguilar.

During Borders’ bedside visit, Aquilar shared with her about her Lupis diagnosis, while Borders shared her story of being a patient at the hospital and her long journey to beat leukemia. The exchange — and Borders presence — provided hope for Aguilar.

“It definitely does impact me,” Aguilar told Borders. “It’s showing me that there’s more to life than what this is.”

Then after fighting back tears. Aguilar continued.

“I’m sorry — your story is just amazing,” Agular added. “I’ve donated here before, um, I never would have imagined myself here, but [your story is] amazing. It really is.”

While Borders provides hope for patients, she also garners validation and admiration from nurses.

During one of her recent volunteer rounds, Border ran into nurse Jennifer Jacob. When Borders was in the hospital receiving treatment, Jacobs was one of the nurses who cared for Borders.

“To see her back here working as a volunteer is full circle,” Jacob said. “Her coming back to volunteer and for her to be able to relate to the kids is so special.”

Borders’ experience at Rady Children’s not only inspired her to be a volunteer but inspired her career choice: She is currently studying at a local college to be a nurse.

Borders is one of over 1,500 volunteers at Rady Children’s Hospital.