I was 12 years old when my life changed forever. For about three months, I had been waking up every morning with terrible headaches and vomiting. We didn’t know what was wrong — until one day in 6th grade when I passed out at school. My mom rushed me to the ER, and that’s when they did a CT scan and found a large mass on my brain.
Children’s Mercy picked me up by ambulance, and I was admitted to the PICU. After a bunch of tests, I had brain surgery to remove the mass. I was in surgery all day. But when I was supposed to wake up, I wouldn’t — and I wasn’t moving my left side. The doctors did another CT scan and saw that I had a brain bleed, so they took me back into surgery until 2 a.m. They saved my life that night.
A few days later, I had another complication and needed another brain surgery. I ended up spending 24 days in the hospital recovering. After that, I went through a full year of chemotherapy and radiation. When it was all over, I was finally in remission!
But in March 2025, during my five-year MRI, they found eight new lesions on my spine. We were all in shock. This discovery led to three months of chemo and six weeks of proton radiation. Proton radiation is much better than the old kind — I think there are fewer side effects. This time around, I didn’t have to stay in the hospital for chemo, which has been such a relief. The biggest difference is that I actually understood what was happening. I don’t remember much from six years ago because of all the brain surgeries.
This time, the hardest side effects have been my upset stomach and back pain. I have to lie on a hard metal bed for 30 minutes during radiation without moving, which is really tough when you have neuropathy. I still can’t eat dairy or anything too heavy. I nap a lot and sleep long hours at night. I recently got a walker with a seat so I can rest when I’m out and about. What I miss most is just being a kid — running around, playing, and being a carefree teenager.
Recently, I had another MRI. The good news is that the spots on my spine are shrinking — but the lumbar puncture wasn’t good. They found many large cancer cell clusters floating in my cerebral spinal fluid. I’ve started chemo again and, this time, I’ll be on five different kinds of chemotherapy to keep it from progressing. It was a really difficult decision for me and my family, but I’m still willing to keep fighting. I’m not giving up.
Before cancer, I loved gymnastics — I could do cartwheels and bridges! Now, I need help just to walk sometimes. But I’ve found comfort in my support animal, Harley, a toy poodle who has made a huge difference in my life. I love cuddling and playing with him; he makes even the hardest days a little easier.
When I’m not at appointments or resting, I love making crafts with my Cricut. It’s my favorite way to spread love and kindness. One day, I hope to start my own business selling my creations — maybe even while riding my scooter around town with Harley by my side.
The biggest lesson cancer has taught me is that I am STRONG. I try to find the positive in every situation and take life one day at a time. No matter what happens, I feel blessed to have the best family and friends who make me feel loved and special.
Childhood cancer research is so important to me because it saved my life. I don’t think I’d be here today if it weren’t for the advances in research over the years. And despite there being pain and taking a lot of effort to get through a normal day, I keep going.
Every child deserves a chance to grow up.
