Ten years ago, i was diagnosed with Acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

i rocked the bald head, chubby cheeks and a cheerful spirit for almost four whole years.

Ten years ago, My new reality changed quickly from play dates, sports and school to chemo, spinal taps, weakness, surgeries, hair loss and doctors offices. but i never let it get the best of my personality.

ten years ago, people found Irony in my smile

 Everyday I managed to raise the spirits of those around me, even on my weakest days, and that was enough to baffle everyone.

Not ever did cancer rob me of my smile. 

Ten years ago, August of 2013, I began chemotherapy.

In fact, for the few moments my parents left me alone in the hospital, I gave my nurses permission to initiate my first chemotherapy transfusion. 

prepared, unafraid, aware and adulterated, i took initiative all at the age of nine. 

ten years ago, I had reached two full months before I was discharged from the hospital. 

During that time, I spent weeks braiding rainbow looms in attempt to pass the time. I grew a love for giraffes, and i'd  grown relationships with patients like myself that I hadn't known earlier that summer. 

Ten Years ago, I became limited.

I wasn't able to do all of the things typical nine year olds would do, but I never let it affect my spirits. All I knew was that I needed to get better. 

ten years ago, friends and family came willing to share their love, and I was always willing to share mine. 

They held fundraisers, offered support and never left my side. I was constantly surrounded by so much love.

everyone always said it

"She has the best attitude about the situation." and i never lost sight of spreading that quality 

Ten years ago, I willingly cut off the bulk of my hair before it did on its own and started gaining over sixty pounds. 

I was fearless and driven to just get better, but of all the things i endured, this one was definitely one of the hardest. 

Ten years ago, i made connections i never believed i would in a million lifetimes. 

ten years ago, i found Kids Need More.

I was given the opportunity to bond with individuals with cancer like myself for a whole week of each summer, still to this very year. 

I gained a second family in only the first few months of being sick. 

ten years ago, i became a make a wish kid. 

I allowed my childhood trauma to break free among the pain and suffering, and traveled the islands of Hawaii for ten days. 

ten years ago, i skated out the first puck of an islanders game in Honor of childhood cancer awareness.

ten years ago, we met Room 4 Love. 

My dream childhood bedroom came true in the matter of just a few weeks with the help of caring donors who looked out for children like myself. 

Ten years ago as I neared remission, I continued to cut my hair short. I grew a love for short hair. I adored my pixie cut and I never regretted keeping it short longer than I had to.