I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia when I was three years old, on September 20, 2008. The diagnosis shook my family and changed our lives forever. After two years that felt endless, I finished treatment on December 2, 2010. While I was too young to remember most of it, the memories I do have are likely influenced by photos and videos. I do recall certain moments, like the middle-of-the-night nurse checks and the excitement before my port removal surgery. My parents and sister, however, remember it all, and I am eternally grateful for their strength and unwavering support throughout my journey.

Since becoming a survivor, I’ve been making up for lost time by exploring various sports and activities. Although I struggled with reading after treatment, I graduated high school with National Honor Society distinction and served as my senior class vice president. I was accepted into eight colleges and chose to attend Lafayette College. Despite the physical challenges I faced after treatment, I decided to try rugby and eventually became the president of Lafayette’s club rugby team.

Alongside overcoming the challenges resulting from cancer treatments, I also discovered that writing song lyrics became an escape, and performing live became a passion. So when the opportunity to perform at the 2024 PCFLV Hearts of Gold Gala arose, I was eager to contribute. I wrote and performed an original song, "Some Angels Weren’t Meant to Fly," to perform at the event and I also created a mosaic for the auction, which raised $20,000 for PCFLV. I am deeply grateful for the chance to give back to the PCFLV community by sharing my love of music.

If you have a child undergoing treatment or are currently facing treatment yourself, remember that hope is always within reach. I hope my story has shown you that while there are challenging days and seemingly endless weeks, a light at the end of the tunnel will eventually emerge, bringing with it the promise of new and cherished memories, and dreams come true.

In fact, one of my dreams came true this past year. I was fortunate that my freshman year of college allowed me to write and record my debut album, which I’m excited to release later this year. The songs on the album touch on themes that most people can relate to—love, heartache, and life. Additionally, I dream of someday recording and releasing the song “Some Angels Weren’t Meant to Fly” in honor of all the childhood cancer warriors and in memory of those who have earned their wings.

Written by Lilly

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