Meadow, Age 3 Diagnosis: Acute Megakaryoblastic Leukemia (AMKL)
I am power.
I am a warrior. I may be small but my spirit is not.
I will not complain.
I will play outside in the soft green grass,
and listen to stories and learn and grow.
I am beauty.
I am quiet determination.
I am power.
Katie, Age 23 Diagnosis: Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
Becoming the light...
Katie was diagnosed with cancer when she was thirteen years old. Now, she celebrates ten years of being cancer-free. Katie's experience with cancer allowed her to discover a strength and resilience that she now shares with others. As a pediatric nurse, Katie cares for children who are dealing with their own childhood illnesses. No one ever wishes to be diagnosed with cancer. But, sometimes we come out of a dark place and become the light for someone else who needs it. Katie is that light.
Mackenzie, Age 6 Diagnosis: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)
Look at me now.
I am older. And wise.
I still don't understand.
But I know that cancer is not who I am.
And cancer is not who I will become.
Troynasja*, Age 18 Diagnosis: Sickle Cell Disease Type SS
*pictured with Great-grandmother, Mae
"Love always involves responsibility, and love always involves sacrifice."
-William Barclay
The family of a sick child must be strong, and sacrifices must be made. But some circumstances call for more..some require the exceptional. Troynasja and her great-grandmother rely on their unconditional love for each other. Together, they define the exceptional.
Ryan, Age 5 Diagnosis: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)
Laughter is medicine.
Who else, but a child, would find a way to giggle in the hospital?
Who else, but a child, would tell the nurse a joke during an infusion?
Who else, but a child, would race his toy trucks up and down the hallway, rather than rest?
Who else, but a child, would teach us that silliness is medicine, too?
Kayla, Age 12 Diagnosis: Osteosarcoma
I will not let cancer in.
I will be the one they call "perpetually happy."
I will be the one comforting the children who feel sick.
I will be the one looking ahead to my bright future.
I will be the one shedding light wherever I go.
I will be the one who won't let cancer in.
