The Sunshine Kids was first introduced to me by my wonderful social worker. My first trip with the Sunshine Kids was on the Washington, D.C. Adventure in May 2010. It was just amazing to be able to bond with other cancer survivors that know what you’ve actually been through. All of the staff and volunteers were very nice. Most of the things we did were actually first time experiences!

In June 2008, I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. This is a cancer of the blood. After suffering fevers and cold chills, my father took me to the Doctor. During that whole process, doctors told me that I was looking so much better than the doctor ever expected! I just thank God for keeping me and being with me through this whole thing. Now, I am in maintenance and cancer free! I attend school, but I still attend a hospital visit for chemo once a month.

When my mother texted me and told me “I am so proud of you” I didn’t know what she was talking about. But when I got home, and she told me what she was talking about, I was so excited! My father told me that my God would open up so many doors for me...This is one great start!

My first experience with the Sunshine Kids was in November 2010 when I was invited to attend the Florida Fun-N-Sun trip in Orlando, Florida. My experience in Orlando was indescribable. The staff and volunteers were extraordinary and made sure that everyone had a fantastic time. The Sunshine Kids foundation did what they do best, made cancer go away and replaced it with fun. The Orlando trip was the first time I felt truly independent since my diagnosis in October 2009.

In the fall of 2009 I had been having severe migraines and nausea. After migraine treatment did not work, my doctor ordered an MRI. The scan revealed a mass on my brain. On October 29, 2009, after undergoing surgery to remove the tumor, I was diagnosed with high risk medulloblastoma. My treatment included 30 rounds of daily radiation with chemo followed by chemo every four weeks for six months. I finished cancer treatment in August 2010 and have been cancer free ever since. I know for certain that my positive attitude and the support of many was a huge factor in the outcome of my treatment.

The Sunshine Kids foundation has been a positive influence on my life. Being able to spend time with people who have had similar experiences to mine is invaluable. The best part of any Sunshine Kids event is that everybody feels special and nobody feels different. That is why I am so deeply honored to have been chosen to represent this wonderful foundation as a spokeskid.

My first experience with the Sunshine Kids was the Texas Hills County Adventure in June of 2010. To say this trip was extraordinary would be an understatement. Everyone from the volunteers to the organizers were fantastic and there was a comforting feeling participating in the incredible activities with people who had similar experiences with you. Everyone was kind and joyous and I can’t help but to feel lucky that I could be part of such an adventure. When I was told I was chosen as a SpokesKid for the Sunshine Kids I was very excited! I couldn’t wait to be a part of this amazing organization again. I can still remember my heart going thump…thump…THUMP When I heard the news!

In September 2009 I was diagnosed with stage 4 Burkitt’s Lymphoma. I spent my entire grade 11 high school year at British Columbia Children’s Hospital in Vancouver. Thankfully the doctors and staff could not have been more wonderful. I have undergone 8 rounds of intensive chemotherapy and have been free of disease for close to a year now.

I am currently finishing my final year of high school and plan to attend the University of British Columbia to study sciences and law. I’m back to my ordinary life- doing homework, hanging out with friends, watching movies and playing videogames.

The Sunshine Kid’s is truly a fantastic organization. It does so many amazing things to children who really need a relaxing and exciting adventure. In Texas, I did so many things that I’ve always wanted to do like canoeing, tubing and zip-lining. Everyone had an amazing time and we all left with memories that will last a lifetime. To anyone that has the chance, I would recommend without hesitation being a part of this astounding organization.