I am so grateful to my oncologists, nurses, and team of physical, speech, and occupational therapists who helped me overcome those lowest points during my cancer treatment. I was able to regain the motion both mentally and physically and I started walking, talking, and getting back to a normal life once again.

But the fight wasn’t completely over. I was determined to give 100% in physical therapy with all my heart and soul. As I got older, I knew I couldn’t keep up with other kids during recess and gym, but my fight was always ignoring the doubters and the bullying. To this day, I’m still disabled in my left leg so I keep doing physical therapy to make it stronger.

When people see me with my braces, they often think I got in an accident, like an injury playing sports or falling down the stairs. But when they hear my story and understand all that I’ve been through, they’re surprised to find that cancer is the reason.

And because of cancer, my immune system is still weakened so my parents and I are also being extra cautious to keep me healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cancer won’t stop me from walking or living my life, but it’s a difficult experience I’ll never forget.