My name is Antonio, and I was diagnosed with ALL (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia) on May 23, 2020. I didn’t even know what was going on. I was just in shock, and we would never have found it if my mom had not fought my doctors for blood work. I was in the hospital for three weeks after that. A few months later when I was getting my third dose of PEG, I had an anaphylactic reaction. To be honest, I thought I was going to die. A few months later, I had a reaction to platelets that was not as bad.

After my first year of chemo and many organizations providing me gifts for comfort, I decided to create Antonio’s BrightSmiles, which is a gift bag provided by me and my #OrderofthePhoenix supporters. It is mouthcare supplies which are important when you are going through chemo treatments.

During maintenance, I went back to school, taking precautions with Covid. Unfortunately, I did get Covid and was admitted to the hospital with a 104.6 degree temperature. Once again, I fought hard and was discharged five days later.

Two years and a lot of chemo later, I am feeling great. I like shooting my bow and arrow and playing video games with my big sister. But the only thing that has gotten me through all of this has been my biggest supporters…my mom and my big sister…and I am thankful for that.

#AntonioStrong #OrderofthePhoenix #AntoniosBrightSmiles

Please consider helping children with cancer and others in our community by scheduling a blood donation at Miller-Keystone Blood Center: https://donor.giveapint.org/donor/schedules/zip