When I was six years old, my mother took me to the doctor because I had low energy, and she suspected I had strep throat. Shortly after, my vitals crashed, and I had to be air-lifted to a children’s hospital. That’s where I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, a type of cancer affecting the blood and bone marrow.
I underwent treatment for two-and-a-half years. At that time, my main concern was whether Santa would visit hospital rooms and where he would put a tree. One year, I got a break from treatment and spent Christmas at home. My community and Santa visited my house, singing songs to me through our front window. This was a bright moment amidst many dark days. It was during this time that I realized it takes both rain and sunshine to create a rainbow.

With the support of my family, friends, doctors, nurses, and some adorable therapy dogs, I began to see signs of hope everywhere. The most vibrant rainbow appeared in April 2021 when my treatment ended, and I became cancer-free.

During treatment, I would dance whenever I felt well enough. In the future, I aspire to be a dancer like my three older sisters. I have a deep love for life and want others to find happiness and love in it as well! I’m incredibly proud to be a National Youth Ambassador for Hyundai Hope On Wheels so I can share my story with other kids battling cancer. I want you to know that you have the strength to face tough challenges.