Fighting back — and giving back
When I was just 5 years old, I was diagnosed with a stage 4 Wilms tumor — a rare and aggressive form of kidney cancer. The next few months were the most difficult chapters of my life: months upon months of chemotherapy, radiation, and nights of uncertainty, soon followed by a nephrectomy to remove my left kidney. It was a road that tested me and my loved ones in ways words can barely describe. But through every sleepless night and frightening moment, I held onto my faith, trusting that God's healing hands were over me.
But cancer wasn't the only battle I faced. At age 11, I suffered a major intestinal rupture — a sudden and life-threatening emergency that required urgent surgery. Once again, I found myself in the hands of an incredible medical team, guided by God's grace. And once again, I bounced back. My recovery was smooth and full of loving care, and I believe with all my heart that it was the Lord who carried me through when I was too weak to walk on my own.
Through every surgery, every recovery room, and every hard day in between, SickKids and their devoted staff were always there — and I believe God placed each one of them in my path for a reason. The doctors and nurses didn't just treat my body; they were instruments of healing, fighting for my life more than once and giving me the chance to grow up, to live, and to thrive.
Today, I am a survivor — twice over — and I will not take that for granted. To God be the glory. I'm raising $2,000 for the SickKids Foundation, so that every child who walks through those doors gets the same fighting chance I did. No child should have to face these battles alone, and no family should ever have to wonder whether the care their child needs is within reach.
"Every donation you give is a gift of hope — to a child in a hospital bed right now, wondering if they're going to be okay. I know exactly what that feels like. I survived by the grace of God and the incredible people He placed around me, and I know that with faith, love, and the right support, miracles truly happen."
