Hernando, Mississippi
Misissippi State University
Acute Lymphoblastic
Lukemia Precursor B

“You have cancer.” With three simple words from a St. Jude doctor, my life, as I knew it, was gone forever. I grew up quickly as my teenage attitudes, concerns, and social life fell away – replaced with lifetime goals and priorities. I quickly understood the power of now and took control of my destiny.

Before cancer, I spent my time playing games and coasting through school. I made good grades with little or no effort and rarely applied myself. After cancer, even with constant medical challenges, I threw myself into advanced honors and college level academics and took personal responsibility for my health when I moved three hours away from my family and medical team. I chose to have fun and live every day to the fullest. Life is too precious to be taken for granted. I dream as if I will live forever and I live as if I will die today.

Traveling this road takes courage and stamina. The battle leaves scars, but it brings blessings as well. Every time I hear of another cancer battle it renews my commitment to make a difference. After med school I will join St. Jude and dedicate myself to the children fighting this disease. Some day I will tell my grandchildren how my life’s challenges turned into life’s blessings, inspired me to take the path of academic excellence, and gave me the courage to pursue my dream of research to ultimately end the disease I fought so desperately against.