Roseville High School senior Kate Takahashi has been traveling to what seems like an uncountable amount of doctor’s appointments since the ending of her sophomore year. This is due to an undiagnosed illness that has caused her to miss nine weeks of school last year.

Although Takahashi’s calendar has been almost completely consumed by doctors appointments and tests, she is still able to maintain her grades and has had help from many teachers and friends.

“It was pretty hard last year, I missed nine weeks or so and I took four AP classes so trying to keep up or catch up was kind of hard, but my friends helped me,” Takahashi said.

In the beginning of Takahashi’s illness she experienced difficulties in getting sick leave from Administration, however was impressed with how accommodating they were.

“At first we were trying to figure out how the absences worked and we had to make sure they were excused, but the nurse and my counselor were really helpful with that and being able to get a 504 plan which helps with my absences,” Takahashi said.

Takahashi hopes to attend UC Davis next year with the intention of learning how to help those who are in need of it, just like those who have helped her through the obstacles her illness has provided.

“I want to go into the medical field. I think that this whole process has shown me the importance of doctors and nurses and how good ones change your experience so much,” Takahashi said. “I would like to go into that field which is why I’m taking that class at Roseville,”.

Roseville High School senior Kaitlyn Pon has been close friends with Takahashi since the sixth grade and has seen first hand the transformation that has happened to her physical and mental state.

According to Pon, she’s struggled to see Takahashi endure the hardships of her illness.

“I think it is difficult and it has taken a huge toll on her health, it’s been hard seeing her struggle because it’s painful and the doctors don’t really know what it is so they can’t easily solve it,” Pon said.

According to Takahashi’s mom Karen Takahashi, the journey to trying to find her daughter proper treatment has been emotional and still ongoing.

“It has been an emotional journey knowing your daughter is sick and in pain and you’re not able to help her properly,” Karen said. “I think we’re at a place where she has more good days than bad days and she’ll live life to the fullest knowing she’ll be affected and live accordingly.”