How I was granted a Make a Wish donation and why I gave it away? How do grieving children and my cancer diagnosis help me to choose a life of positively impacting others? My story started in April of 2022 and I continue my goals even after remission. I had it all figured out - my prom dress, college visits, and I was finally going to get that ACT score I was striving for. The Fall would bring cheerleading, and I was elected Student Government Spirit Committee Chair. The only problem is, things didn't go as planned. In April, something felt off. The next four months were like something out of a horror movie, and not one I wanted a starring role in. I was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease called Minimal Change (MCD). I went into kidney failure and became a hemodialysis patient. Four grueling months, in and out of the hospital, and no treatments seemed to work. In August, my life got turned upside down, again. Hodgkin’s Lymphoma was determined to be the underlying cause of my kidney issues. No one knew what to say, how to react, or what to do to make it better. In fact, there was nothing anyone could say or do. The only person who could do something in this moment was me. After a few days of the harshest realities coming to life, I made the firm decision that I was not going to let cancer take me down. Take what I had learned through my time volunteering and put everything I previously knew about cancer behind me and decided to have a new outlook on it - one that was positive and one that ended in a success story. This is where I decided to take strength from my work with grieving children. My family is involved in a charity organization called Comfort Zone Camp (CZC), a nonprofit bereavement program for children ages 7-17. Across the United States, CZC runs free weekend-long camps where children dive into the emotional isolation that is caused by grief. CZC enables children to realize they are not alone in their grief journey and that there are many other kids just like them. As soon as I was old enough to volunteer, I dedicated myself to helping these children to the best of my ability. My work at CZC has taught me that hard things will take time and healing. I’ve also learned how important it is to live life with a positive outlook. When I was given the opportunity to receive a Make A Wish, I knew immediately that I wanted to help grieving children that had lost parents to cancer. Instead of meeting, Taylor Swift or going on a fabulous vacation, I asked the Make a Wish Foundation to donate my money to CZC. I had the opportunity of giving children who had lost a parent an opportunity to heal. While I could have asked for a new dorm room, or money towards my college, in that moment, this was my only choice. I was proud to make it and to this day I know I have helped these children. My hope after all of this is to continue learning about the importance of interdisciplinary connections and strive to help grieving children. I believe in my studies can help change the life of a grieving child by giving them hope for a brighter tomorrow as I had during my cancer journey. While I know I have made an impact positively on these children through my kindness, my goal is to continue as I learn moving forward.

I had it all figured out, my prom dress, college visits, and I was finally going to achieve the ACT score I had been striving for. The fall would bring cheerleading, and I had been elected Student Government Spirit Committee Chair. But things did not go as planned. In April, something felt off. The next four months felt like a nightmare I never wanted to star in. I was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease called Minimal Change Disease, and I went into kidney failure, becoming a hemodialysis patient. Four grueling months passed, in and out of the hospital, as treatments failed to produce results. Then in August, my life was turned upside down once more. Hodgkin’s Lymphoma was identified as the underlying cause of my kidney issues. No one knew what to say, how to react, or how to make it better. In truth, there was nothing anyone could do. The only person who could take action was me. After confronting the harshest realities, I made a firm decision. I would not let cancer define me. I chose to take what I had learned through my previous volunteering and life experiences and approach my diagnosis with a new outlook, one rooted in positivity, resilience, and hope. I resolved to focus on what I could control and to embrace a mindset that prioritized emotional well-being alongside physical healing. This experience taught me that recovery is as much a mental and emotional journey as it is a physical one. Fear, uncertainty, and vulnerability can weigh heavily on a person’s mental health, sometimes even more than the illness itself. I realized that cultivating mental resilience, self-compassion, and positivity was critical to navigating this journey. Kindness, to myself and others, became a lifeline. The gentle support from family, the encouragement from medical staff, and the self-compassion I learned to practice were all essential tools in my recovery. Mindfulness exercises, journaling, and connecting with peers in similar situations helped me process emotions and maintain hope. I discovered that acknowledging feelings of fear or sadness without judgment allowed me to move forward rather than become paralyzed by uncertainty. These strategies not only supported my mental health during treatment but also inspired me to help others find similar tools to cope with their own challenges. I have always been drawn to making a difference, no matter how small. From a young age, I was taught the importance of volunteering, empathy, and helping others through simple acts of care and compassion. Whether offering a listening ear or lending a hand, I felt a deep desire to uplift those around me. These early lessons in kindness became even more meaningful as I confronted illness, and they have guided my commitment to mental health and wellness. I realized that emotional support can be transformative, whether it comes from a loved one, a professional, or even oneself. This understanding shaped my decision to pursue a career in mental health and healthcare to help others navigate emotional challenges and cultivate resilience. Currently, I am a student at the University of Wisconsin, majoring in Social Work and Healthcare Management. My studies equip me with the skills to advocate for underserved communities, navigate complex healthcare systems, and provide holistic care. Through coursework in mental health, social work practice, and healthcare policy, I have deepened my understanding of the challenges individuals face when seeking support, particularly during times of crisis or vulnerability. I have learned that mental health care is not only about interventions. It is about creating trust, safety, and hope in every interaction. Volunteering has allowed me to apply these lessons in meaningful ways. I am privileged to work with two organizations that align closely with my mission of supporting mental health. Comfort Zone Camp, a grief camp for children who have lost a loved one, provides a safe space for young people to process complex emotions and build resilience. Many of these children struggle to articulate their grief, and it has been profoundly moving to witness their growth and courage. Even small acts, like validating a child’s feelings or offering encouragement, can create lasting positive effects on emotional wellness. Through this work, I have seen how creating supportive environments for emotional expression can transform the way individuals process trauma and develop coping skills. I also volunteer with Runway of Dreams, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities through fashion and self-expression. This work has highlighted the importance of inclusion, confidence, and self-esteem in supporting mental health. Helping individuals embrace their uniqueness and celebrate their strengths reinforces the critical connection between feeling valued and being mentally well. Both volunteer experiences have strengthened my belief that kindness, compassion, and community engagement are essential to recovery and emotional health. My personal journey with cancer and kidney disease has shown me that mental health recovery involves building resilience, fostering self-compassion, creating support networks, and embracing hope. Recovery is not simply about overcoming illness. It is about learning to care for oneself holistically and extending that care to others. I have learned that practicing self-care, maintaining supportive relationships, and cultivating a positive mindset are all essential components of emotional wellness. My mission is to empower others to prioritize emotional wellness, resilience, and practice self-care. Kindness is not a passive act. It is intentional, transformative, and vital to healing. I have also learned the value of advocacy and education in mental health. Many individuals, particularly adolescents and young adults facing chronic illness, may struggle to understand or express their emotions. By raising awareness, sharing resources, and modeling resilience, I aim to help others navigate these challenges with confidence and self-compassion. I hope to integrate mental health education into the broader healthcare system, ensuring that emotional wellness is recognized as equally important to physical health. As I continue my journey, I am committed to bringing these lessons into my work in mental health and healthcare. I strive to create environments where people feel supported, valued, and empowered to navigate challenges, and I hope to leave a legacy of compassion, empathy, and mental wellness. Through my experiences as a cancer survivor, student, and volunteer, I have seen the profound impact of emotional support and resilience. My goal is to help others embrace their strength, pursue healing, and find hope in the midst of adversity.

I have always been drawn to making a difference, no matter how small. From a young age, I was taught the importance of kindness, volunteering, and helping others through simple acts of care and compassion. Whether offering a listening ear, organizing community drives, or just lending a hand when someone needed it, the desire to contribute and spread kindness has always fueled my actions. However, my perspective on life and my purpose in helping others intensified after facing one of the most challenging battles of my life: cancer. Being diagnosed forced me to reevaluate my approach to life, health, and happiness. I learned that kindness plays a significant role in healing, whether it’s the gentle words from a loved one or the compassion shown by medical staff. That kind of emotional support, even in the smallest gestures, became a lifeline during the darkest moments. This realization sparked a passion for mental health and healthcare. I wanted to not only heal myself but also help others navigate their struggles with kindness, empathy, and understanding. That commitment to supporting others was already growing in me before I got sick, and it found a home through one of the most impactful organizations I’ve had the privilege to work with: Comfort Zone Camp (CZC). CZC is a New Jersey-based nonprofit that supports grieving children through free weekend bereavement camps. My family has been involved with the organization for years, and as soon as I was old enough, I began volunteering. From my first experience, I knew this was where I could make a real difference. As a "Big Buddy," I’m paired with a child who has lost a parent, sibling, or caregiver. I spend the weekend helping guide them through activities that promote emotional healing, group discussions, and reflection. These children are often carrying a weight that is invisible to the outside world, and many feel isolated in their grief. My role is not to “fix” them, but to simply be there. To listen. To sit with them in their sadness. To help them find joy again, even if just for a weekend. Every camp reminds me of the power of being present. Seeing a child smile after sharing their story or bonding with another camper going through something similar is a reminder that healing begins with connection. Currently, I’m studying Health Advocacy and Promotions at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. My journey, combined with my community work, is shaping the kind of professional I aspire to be: a clinical psychologist who leads with empathy and prioritizes emotional well-being. My goal is to work specifically with children and adolescents navigating grief, trauma, and chronic illness. I’ve come to believe that making a difference doesn’t always start with a grand idea. It starts with a moment of kindness, a shared story, or a weekend spent helping a grieving child feel seen. I plan to continue building that kind of impact, wherever life takes me.

On April 22, 2022, my life was turned upside down. I was a 17-year-old girl, fit, healthy, and obsessed with staying active and eating well. I never expected that a simple day at school would end with me walking into the emergency room, diagnosed with a kidney disease that would forever change my life. This was the beginning of a journey I never anticipated—one that pushed me to reassess everything I knew about my body, health, and future. The diagnosis was a shock: Minimal Change Disease which I later learned was a symptom of my type of lymphoma. My kidneys were not functioning properly, despite appearing physically healthy. Although I initially struggled with the physical toll, it was the emotional effects of sitting that were the hardest part to navigate. I went to a treatment center that never in a million years I would have known existed. Once I walk in, the stares I get are almost instantaneous. I was the youngest in the room by years and looked and felt out of place. Every time I walked in it felt wrong, uneasy, and mentally draining. During the treatments, I thought a lot about how my body was not functioning properly to the point of needing a machine for it to work. Petrifying, to say the least, and mental challenges that truly shook me. I was in survival mode. Dialysis is not made to help your kidneys recover (or get rid of a kidney disease) but instead, it is there to help them function. So, each time I went to treatment it was not helping me get better. As time went on I noticed the effects It was having on my mental health. Again and again, I would hear how rare it was to be 17 years old and require dialysis. Each time I heard this it would not get easier. It frustrated me because I felt so alone. Not had I seen someone under the age of 30 connected to one of these machines. I was mentally and physically drained. 4 times a week my days were consumed by the actual treatment itself and the side effects that came after. Through this experience, I came to realize how important mental health is for people living with chronic illnesses. Dialysis wasn’t just about cleaning the blood—it was about the psychological toll it took on patients. I felt isolated, scared, and mentally drained by the process. I experienced anxiety about my future and the fear of the unknown. This showed me just how essential it was to address mental health. This realization ignited my passion for mental health. I saw how crucial it was for healthcare providers to consider the whole person, not just the illness. I wanted to help others who were going through similar struggles, advocating for mental health care alongside physical treatment. Despite the challenges, I remained hopeful. I knew that this phase of my life was temporary, and I would emerge from it stronger. In the end, kidney disease changed me. It gave me a greater understanding of the importance of mental health in healthcare and inspired me to pursue my studies at the University of Wisconsin mental health and healthcare advocacy. I want to use my voice to make a difference for others facing similar struggles.

I had it all figured out: my prom dress and exciting college visits schedule. But things did not go as planned. In April 2022, something felt off. The next four months were like something out of a horror movie, and unfortunately, I had the starring role. I was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease called Minimal Change. I went into kidney failure and became a hemodialysis patient. Despite the doctors’ best efforts, no treatments seemed to work. Hodgkin’s Lymphoma was determined to be the cause of my kidney issues. This is where my mental health journey begins. I have more “funny” hospital stories to tell than anyone would ever want, but there is one I go back to the most. I was in the emergency room, anemic and unable to lift my head. I needed a blood transfusion, which required a test of my blood type. When I heard this, I sat up and quickly responded, “No need to test! I am B positive!” My parents looked at me in disbelief, asking how I knew that, since they had no idea themselves. I replied, “It has to be. I am the most positive person.” Connecting with people came easily, and it usually started with a smile. I was also fearless when it came to taking on new challenges, confidently navigating the balance beam in front of 500 spectators as a competitive gymnast. I knew I needed to channel these powers if I was going to win the illness battle. I believe in creating my own happy endings and was determined to do just that. It wasn’t easy. I chose to focus on what I have control over, rather than worrying about things beyond my control. I enrolled in online enrichment courses and virtually toured colleges. Throughout the last few months, I’ve learned to accept that there will be times when my positivity wavers, and when it’s hard to find something to smile about. I’ve embraced the motto, “It is okay to not be okay.” How I choose to not be okay is what matters. Instead of being hard on myself when I lose my positivity, I change my perspective. I lean on my support system and ask for help. I try to focus on the good each and every day. As it turns out, the blood transfusion doctor confirmed that my blood type is in fact B positive. I have always been fascinated by why people behave and think the way they do, and what factors contribute to their behaviors. During a hospital stay, I took An Insider’s Guide to Psychology, focusing on personality disorders, cognition, and in-depth experimental design. The course furthered my interest in the field, fueling my excitement to pursue a degree in Psychology. I recognized how important mental health is and taking care of your mind must be a priority. Speaking with therapists, child life specialists, and professionals in the field made it clear to me that my goal after college is to become a clinical psychologist for children. I am studying Psychology with a track of social work at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. The courses I have taken have done nothing but inspire me to help others and individuals in need. I have discovered powerful connections between writing, reflecting, receiving support from family and friends, and healing. I have my battle wounds but they have made me stronger, resilient, and more determined than ever to make the most of every moment within and beyond the classroom helping people like me.

I had it all figured out: my prom dress, an exciting college visit schedule, and I was going to get that ACT score I needed. But things did not go as planned. In April 2022, something felt off. The next four months were like something out of a horror movie, and I had the starring role. I was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease, Minimal Change. I went into kidney failure and became a hemodialysis patient. Despite the doctors’ best efforts, no treatments worked. Then in August, my life got turned upside down – again. Hodgkin’s Lymphoma was determined to be the cause of my kidney issues. This is where my new story begins and how my career choices were made. I have more “funny” hospital stories to tell than anyone would ever want, but one stands out. I ended up in the emergency room, severely anemic and unable to lift my head. I needed a blood transfusion, which required a test of my blood type. When I heard this, I sat up and quickly responded, “No need to test! I am B positive!” My parents looked at me in disbelief, asking how I knew that, since they had no idea themselves. I replied, “It has to be. I am the most positive person out there.” Growing up, I always had a smile on my face. Connecting with people came easily, and it usually started with a smile. I knew I needed to channel these powers if I was going to win this battle. I chose to focus on what I could control, rather than worrying about things I could not. I enrolled in online enrichment courses and virtually toured colleges. I learned to accept that there would be times when my positivity wavered, and when it was hard to find something to smile about. I embraced the motto, “It is okay to not be okay.” Instead of being hard on myself when I lost my positivity, I changed my perspective. I leaned on my support system, asked for help, and focused on the good each and every day. The blood transfusion doctor confirmed… my blood type was indeed B positive. I have always been fascinated by why people behave and think the way they do. Once I got sick, I recognized how important mental health is and taking care of your mind must be a priority. Speaking with therapists, child life specialists, and professionals in the field made it clear to me that my goal after college is to become a clinical psychologist for children. I am a student at the University of Wisconsin, majoring in Social Work and Healthcare Management. By combining my education with hands-on experience, I am learning to navigate the healthcare systems, and I am learning how to contribute to the mental health field and empower others to heal through resilience and self-care. I am privileged to volunteer with Comfort Zone Camp, a camp for grieving children coping with the loss of a loved one. These children too young to fully understand their emotions, face the challenge of navigating grief. Witnessing these children find hope in their grief has reinforced for me the power of emotional support in healing. I am committed to making an impact through my work in mental health, healthcare, and advocacy. My experiences, both as a cancer survivor and a volunteer, have shown me how mental health profoundly affects emotional and physical well-being.By continuing my studies and volunteer work, I hope to leave a lasting legacy of compassion, kindness, and positive change in the world.

I have always been drawn to making a difference, no matter how small. From a young age, I was taught the importance of kindness, volunteering, and helping others through simple acts of care and compassion. Whether offering a listening ear or lending a hand, the desire to contribute fueled my actions. However, my perspective on life and my purpose in helping others transformed after facing one of the most challenging battles of my life: cancer. Being diagnosed forced me to reevaluate my approach to life and health. I was overwhelmed by fear, but I discovered strength in something unexpected—mental health. I learned that this plays a significant role in healing. This realization sparked a passion for mental health and healthcare. I wanted to not only heal myself but also help others navigate their struggles. This experience taught me that emotional well-being is just as important as physical health. Both need nurturing, patience, and I felt a need to dedicate my life to helping others who are struggling, whether due to grief or mental health challenges. I chose to pursue a career in mental health and healthcare to guide others through their healing journeys. I am a student at the University of Wisconsin and focus on mental health awareness and making a meaningful impact in the world. By combining my education with hands-on experience, I am learning to navigate the healthcare systems. I am learning how to provide compassionate to those in need. I want to use my knowledge to contribute to the mental health field and empower others to heal through resilience, and self-care. I am privileged to volunteer for Comfort Zone Camp, a camp for grieving children coping with the loss of a loved one. These children, often too young to fully understand their emotions, face the challenge of navigating grief. Through my volunteer work at, I provide a safe and nurturing space where they can share their experiences, build resilience, and learn that they are not alone. I am committed to making an impact through my work in mental health and healthcare. The experiences both as a cancer survivor and a volunteer—have shown me the profound effect can have on emotional and physical well-being. I want to empower others to embrace self-care, positivity, and resilience. Continuing my studies and volunteer work, I hope to leave a lasting legacy of compassion, kindness, and positive change in the world.

I have always been drawn to making a difference, no matter how small. From a young age, I was taught the importance of volunteering and helping others through simple acts of care and compassion. Whether offering a listening ear or lending a hand at the desire to contribute and spread kindness fueled my actions. However, my perspective on life and my purpose in helping others transformed after facing one of the most challenging battles of my life: cancer. Being diagnosed forced me to reevaluate my approach to life, health, and happiness. I was overwhelmed by fear and uncertainty, but I discovered strength in something unexpected—positive mindset, both toward myself and others. I learned that mental status plays a significant role in healing, whether it’s the gentle words from a loved one or the compassion shown by medical staff. This realization sparked a passion for mental health and healthcare. I wanted to not only heal myself but also help others navigate their struggles with kindness, empathy, and understanding. This experience taught me that emotional well-being is just as important as physical health. I felt a need to dedicate my life to helping others who are struggling, whether due to grief, mental health challenges, or physical difficulties. I chose to pursue a career in mental health and healthcare to guide others through their healing journeys. Currently, I am a student at the University of Wisconsin, majoring in Social Work and Healthcare Management. My studies are an essential toward achieving my goal of spreading kindness and making a meaningful impact in the world. By combining my education with hands-on experience, I am learning to navigate the healthcare systems and advocate for underserved populations. More importantly, I am learning how to provide compassionate to those in need. I want to use my knowledge to contribute to the mental health field and empower others. I am privileged to volunteer with two incredible organizations that align with my mission of spreading kindness. The first is Comfort Zone Camp, a camp for grieving children coping with the loss of a loved one. These children, often too young to fully understand their emotions, face the challenge of navigating grief. Through my volunteer work at Comfort Zone, I provide a safe and nurturing space where they can share their experiences, build resilience, and learn that they are not alone. Witnessing these children find hope in their grief has reinforced the power of kindness and emotional support in healing. Additionally, I volunteer with is Runway of Dreams, a charity focused on empowering people with disabilities to have confidence and self-expression through fashion and beauty inclusion. As someone who faced physical challenges, I understand the importance of feeling seen and valued. Runway of Dreams creates accessible, stylish clothing for individuals with disabilities, helping them embrace their uniqueness and feel empowered. Through this organization, I’ve witnessed how kindness and inclusivity can boost self-esteem and create a sense of belonging. It has inspired me to continue advocating for kindness in all aspects of life, ensuring everyone feels valued and included. I am committed to making an impact through my work in mental health, healthcare, and advocacy. The experiences I’ve had—both as a cancer survivor and a volunteer—have shown me the profound effect that kindness can have on emotional and physical well-being. I want to empower others to embrace self-care, positivity, and resilience, with kindness at the heart of everything we do. By continuing my studies and volunteer work, I hope to leave a lasting legacy of compassion, kindness, and positive change in the world.

I have always been drawn to making a difference, no matter how small. From a young age, I was taught the importance of kindness, and helping others through simple acts of care and compassion. Whether offering a listening ear or lending a hand at the desire to contribute and spread kindness pushed my actions. However, my perspective on life and my purpose in helping others changed after facing one of the most battles of my life: cancer. Being diagnosed forced me to reevaluate my approach to life, health, and happiness. I was overwhelmed by fear, but I discovered strength in something unexpected... kindness. I learned that kindness plays a significant role in healing, whether it’s the gentle words from a loved one or the compassion shown by medical staff. This realization sparked a passion for mental health and healthcare. I wanted to not only heal myself but also help others navigate their struggles with kindness, empathy, and understanding. This experience taught me that emotional well-being is just as important as physical health. I felt a need to dedicate my life to helping others who are struggling, whether due to grief, mental health challenges, or physical difficulties. I chose to pursue a career in mental health and healthcare to guide others through their healing journeys, with kindness at the forefront. Currently, I am a student at the University of Wisconsin, majoring in Social Work and Healthcare Management. My studies are an essential toward achieving my goal of spreading kindness and making a meaningful impact in the world. By combining my education with hands-on experience, I am learning to navigate the healthcare systems and advocate for underserved populations. More importantly, I am learning how to provide compassionate to those in need. I want to use my knowledge to contribute to the mental health field and empower others to heal through kindness, resilience, and self-care. I am privileged to volunteer with two incredible organizations that align with my mission of spreading kindness. The first is Comfort Zone Camp, a camp for grieving children coping with the loss of a loved one. These children, often too young to fully understand their emotions, face the challenge of navigating grief. Through my volunteer work at Comfort Zone, I provide a safe and nurturing space where they can share their experiences, build resilience, and learn that they are not alone. Witnessing these children find hope in their grief has reinforced the power of kindness and emotional support in healing. The second organization I volunteer with is Runway of Dreams, a charity focused on empowering people with disabilities to have confidence and self-expression through fashion and beauty inclusion. As someone who faced physical challenges, I understand the importance of feeling seen and valued. Runway of Dreams creates accessible, stylish clothing for individuals with disabilities, helping them embrace their uniqueness and feel empowered. Through this organization, I’ve witnessed how kindness and inclusivity can boost self-esteem and create a sense of belonging. It has inspired me to continue advocating for kindness in all aspects of life, ensuring everyone feels valued and included. I am committed to making an impact through my work in mental health, healthcare, and advocacy. The experiences I’ve had—both as a cancer survivor and a volunteer—have shown me the profound effect that kindness can have on emotional and physical well-being. I want to empower others to embrace self-care, positivity, and resilience, with kindness at the heart of everything we do. By continuing my studies and volunteer work, I hope to leave a lasting legacy of compassion, kindness, and positive change in the world.

I had it all figured out: my prom dress and exciting college visits schedule. But things did not go as planned. In April 2022, something felt off. The next four months were like something out of a horror movie, and unfortunately, I had the starring role. I was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease called Minimal Change. I went into kidney failure and became a hemodialysis patient. Despite the doctors’ best efforts, no treatments seemed to work. Hodgkin’s Lymphoma was determined to be the cause of my kidney issues. This is where my mental health journey begins. I have more “funny” hospital stories to tell than anyone would ever want, but there is one I go back to the most. I was in the emergency room, anemic and unable to lift my head. I needed a blood transfusion, which required a test of my blood type. When I heard this, I sat up and quickly responded, “No need to test! I am B positive!” My parents looked at me in disbelief, asking how I knew that, since they had no idea themselves. I replied, “It has to be. I am the most positive person.” Connecting with people came easily, and it usually started with a smile. I was also fearless when it came to taking on new challenges, confidently navigating the balance beam in front of 500 spectators as a competitive gymnast. I knew I needed to channel these powers if I was going to win the illness battle. I believe in creating my own happy endings and was determined to do just that. It wasn’t easy. I chose to focus on what I have control over, rather than worrying about things beyond my control. I enrolled in online enrichment courses and virtually toured colleges. Throughout the last few months, I’ve learned to accept that there will be times when my positivity wavers, and when it’s hard to find something to smile about. I’ve embraced the motto, “It is okay to not be okay.” How I choose to not be okay is what matters. Instead of being hard on myself when I lose my positivity, I change my perspective. I lean on my support system and ask for help. I try to focus on the good each and every day. As it turns out, the blood transfusion doctor confirmed that my blood type is in fact B positive. I have always been fascinated by why people behave and think the way they do, and what factors contribute to their behaviors. During a hospital stay, I took An Insider’s Guide to Psychology, focusing on personality disorders, cognition, and in-depth experimental design. The course furthered my interest in the field, fueling my excitement to pursue a degree in Psychology. I recognized how important mental health is and taking care of your mind must be a priority. Speaking with therapists, child life specialists, and professionals in the field made it clear to me that my goal after college is to become a clinical psychologist for children. I am studying Psychology with a track of social work at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. The courses I have taken have done nothing but inspire me to help others and individuals in need. I have discovered powerful connections between writing, reflecting, receiving support from family and friends, and healing. I have my battle wounds but they have made me stronger, resilient, and more determined than ever to make the most of every moment within and beyond the classroom helping people like me.

I had it all figured out: my prom dress and exciting college visits schedule. But things did not go as planned. In April 2022, something felt off. The next four months were like something out of a horror movie, and unfortunately, I had the starring role. I was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease called Minimal Change. I went into kidney failure and became a hemodialysis patient. Despite the doctors’ best efforts, no treatments seemed to work. Hodgkin’s Lymphoma was determined to be the cause of my kidney issues. This is where my mental health journey begins. I have more “funny” hospital stories to tell than anyone would ever want, but there is one I go back to the most. I was in the emergency room, anemic and unable to lift my head. I needed a blood transfusion, which required a test of my blood type. When I heard this, I sat up and quickly responded, “No need to test! I am B positive!” My parents looked at me in disbelief, asking how I knew that, since they had no idea themselves. I replied, “It has to be. I am the most positive person.” Connecting with people came easily, and it usually started with a smile. I was also fearless when it came to taking on new challenges, confidently navigating the balance beam in front of 500 spectators as a competitive gymnast. I knew I needed to channel these powers if I was going to win the illness battle. I believe in creating my own happy endings and was determined to do just that. It wasn’t easy. I chose to focus on what I have control over, rather than worrying about things beyond my control. I enrolled in online enrichment courses and virtually toured colleges. Throughout the last few months, I’ve learned to accept that there will be times when my positivity wavers, and when it’s hard to find something to smile about. I’ve embraced the motto, “It is okay to not be okay.” How I choose to not be okay is what matters. Instead of being hard on myself when I lose my positivity, I change my perspective. I lean on my support system and ask for help. I try to focus on the good each and every day. As it turns out, the blood transfusion doctor confirmed that my blood type is in fact B positive. I have always been fascinated by why people behave and think the way they do, and what factors contribute to their behaviors. During a hospital stay, I took An Insider’s Guide to Psychology, focusing on personality disorders, cognition, and in-depth experimental design. The course furthered my interest in the field, fueling my excitement to pursue a degree in Psychology. I recognized how important mental health is and taking care of your mind must be a priority. Speaking with therapists, child life specialists, and professionals in the field made it clear to me that my goal after college is to become a clinical psychologist for children. I am studying Psychology with a track of social work at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. The courses I have taken have done nothing but inspire me to help others and individuals in need. I have discovered powerful connections between writing, reflecting, receiving support from family and friends, and healing. I have my battle wounds but they have made me stronger, resilient, and more determined than ever to make the most of every moment within and beyond the classroom helping people like me.

I had it all figured out - my prom dress, college visits, and I was finally going to get that ACT score I was striving for. The Fall would bring cheerleading, and I was elected Student Government Spirit Committee Chair. The only problem is, things didn't go as planned. In April, something felt off. The next four months were like something out of a horror movie, and not one I wanted a starring role in. I was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease called Minimal Change (MCD). I went into kidney failure and became a hemodialysis patient. In August, my life got turned upside down, again. Hodgkin’s Lymphoma was determined to be the underlying cause of my kidney issues. The day I got my diagnosis, I was told over and over again “I had the good type of cancer” and “the one that is curable”. This confused me, and to be honest, made me mad. I still had cancer and I did not want to minimize my diagnosis. No one knew what to say, how to react, or what to do to make it better. In fact, there was nothing anyone could say or do. The only person who could do something in this moment was me. After a few days of the harshest realities coming to life, I made the firm decision that I was not going to let cancer take me down. I put everything I previously knew about cancer behind me and decided to have a new outlook on it - one that was positive and one that ended in a success story. I have always been fascinated by why people behave and think the way they do, and what factors contribute to their behaviors. During one of my many hospital stays, I took An Insider’s Guide to Psychology, focusing on personality disorders, cognition, and in-depth experimental design. The course furthered my interest in the field, fueling my excitement to pursue a degree in Psychology. I recognized how important mental health is and taking care of your mind must be a priority. Speaking with therapists, child life specialists, and professionals in the field made it clear to me that my goal after college is to become a clinical psychologist for children. I’ve also learned how important it is to live life with a positive outlook. I am currently studying Psychology with a track of social work at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. The courses I have taken in my first semester have done nothing but inspire me to help others and individuals in need. I have come to understand the importance of interdisciplinary connections through my Instagram, roadtorecovery111, where I documented my journey with MCD and Hodgkin's Lymphoma. I have discovered powerful connections between writing, reflecting, receiving support from family and friends, and healing. Through this work, I am seeing the intersection of PR and Psychology, as I write with the hope of inspiring others to stay positive through their own struggles. When I got sick, I got everything taken away from me in the blink of an eye. It was heartbreaking. However, I learned when you are unable to control so many aspects of your life, it is important to take the driver's seat when you can. As a result, I am not letting my hopes and dreams fade away. Sure, I have some battle wounds but they have made me stronger, more resilient, and more determined than ever to make the most of every moment in college both within and beyond the classroom helping people like me.

ow I was granted a Make a Wish donation and why I gave it away? How do grieving children and my cancer diagnosis help me to choose a life of positively impacting others? My story started in April of 2022 and I continue my goals even after remission. I had it all figured out - my prom dress, college visits, and I was finally going to get that ACT score I was striving for. The Fall would bring cheerleading, and I was elected Student Government Spirit Committee Chair. The only problem is, things didn't go as planned. In April, something felt off. The next four months were like something out of a horror movie, and not one I wanted a starring role in. I was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease called Minimal Change (MCD). I went into kidney failure and became a hemodialysis patient. Four grueling months, in and out of the hospital, and no treatments seemed to work. In August, my life got turned upside down, again. Hodgkin’s Lymphoma was determined to be the underlying cause of my kidney issues. No one knew what to say, how to react, or what to do to make it better. In fact, there was nothing anyone could say or do. The only person who could do something in this moment was me. After a few days of the harshest realities coming to life, I made the firm decision that I was not going to let cancer take me down. Take what I had learned through my time volunteering and put everything I previously knew about cancer behind me and decided to have a new outlook on it - one that was positive and one that ended in a success story. This is where I decided to take strength from my work with grieving children. My family is involved in a charity organization called Comfort Zone Camp (CZC), a nonprofit bereavement program for children ages 7-17. Across the United States, CZC runs free weekend-long camps where children dive into the emotional isolation that is caused by grief. CZC enables children to realize they are not alone in their grief journey and that there are many other kids just like them. As soon as I was old enough to volunteer, I dedicated myself to helping these children to the best of my ability. My work at CZC has taught me that hard things will take time and healing. I’ve also learned how important it is to live life with a positive outlook. When I was given the opportunity to receive a Make A Wish, I knew immediately that I wanted to help grieving children that had lost parents to cancer. Instead of meeting, Taylor Swift or going on a fabulous vacation, I asked the Make a Wish Foundation to donate my money to CZC. I had the opportunity of giving children who had lost a parent an opportunity to heal. While I could have asked for a new dorm room, or money towards my college, in that moment, this was my only choice. I was proud to make it and to this day I know I have helped these children. To further this positive impact, during one of my many hospital stays, I took An Insider’s Guide to Psychology, an introductory psychology class focusing on personality disorders, cognition, and in-depth experimental design. The course furthered my interest in the field, fueling my excitement to pursue a degree in Psychology. Once I got sick, I recognized how important mental health is and taking care of your mind must be a priority. Speaking with therapists, child life specialists, and professionals in the field made it clear to me that my goal after college is to become a clinical psychologist for children. I am currently studying Psychology with a track of social work at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. My hope after all of this is to continue learning about the importance of interdisciplinary connections and strive to help grieving children. I believe in my studies can help change the life of a grieving child by giving them hope for a brighter tomorrow as I had during my cancer journey. While I know I have made an impact positively on these children through my kindness, my goal is to continue as I learn moving forward.

Why I was granted a Make a Wish donation and why I gave it away? How grieving children and my cancer battle help me choose a life of positively impacting others through the healthcare world. I had it all figured out - my prom dress, college visits, and the Fall would bring cheerleading, and Student Government. The only problem is things did not go as planned. In April, something felt off. The next four months were like something out of a horror movie, and not one I wanted a starring role in. I was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease called Minimal Change (MCD). I went into kidney failure and became a hemodialysis patient. Four grueling months, in and out of the hospital, and no treatments seemed to work. In August, my life got turned upside down, again. Hodgkin’s Lymphoma was determined to be the underlying cause of my kidney issues. No one knew what to say or what to do to make it better. In fact, there was nothing anyone could say or do. The only person who could do something in that moment was me. After a few days of the harshest realities coming to life, I made the firm decision that I was not going to let cancer win. I would take what I had learned through my time volunteering and focus on my passion of helping others. My family is involved in a charity, Comfort Zone Camp (CZC), a bereavement program for children across the US. CZC runs camps where children dive into the emotional isolation that is caused by grief. Camp enables them to realize they are not alone in their grief journey. As soon as I was old enough to volunteer, I dedicated myself to helping these children. My work at CZC taught me that hard things will take time and healing. I’ve also learned how important it is to live life with a positive outlook. When I was given the opportunity to receive a Make A Wish because of my illness, I knew immediately that I wanted to use this to help others. Instead of meeting, Taylor Swift or going on a fabulous vacation, I asked the Make a Wish Foundation to donate my money to CZC. I had the opportunity of giving children who had lost a parent to cancer an opportunity to heal. To further this positive impact, during one of my many hospital stays, I took An Insider’s Guide to Psychology, an introductory psychology class focusing on personality disorders, cognition, and in-depth experimental design. The course furthered my interest in the field, fueling my excitement to pursue a degree in Psychology. Once I got sick, I recognized how important mental health is and taking care of your mind must be a priority. Speaking with therapists, child life specialists, and professionals in the field made it clear to me that my goal after college is to become a clinical psychologist for children. I am currently studying Psychology with a track of social work at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. My hope after all of this is to continue learning about the importance of interdisciplinary connections and strive to help grieving children. I believe in my studies can help change the life of a grieving child by giving them hope for a brighter tomorrow as I had during my cancer journey. While I know I have made an impact positively on these children through my kindness, my goal is to continue as I learn moving forward.

Why I was granted a Make a Wish donation and why I gave it away? How grieving children and my cancer battle help me choose a life of positively impacting others. I had it all figured out - my prom dress, college visits, and the Fall would bring cheerleading, and Student Government. The only problem is things did not go as planned. In April, something felt off. The next four months were like something out of a horror movie, and not one I wanted a starring role in. I was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease called Minimal Change (MCD). I went into kidney failure and became a hemodialysis patient. Four grueling months, in and out of the hospital, and no treatments seemed to work. In August, my life got turned upside down, again. Hodgkin’s Lymphoma was determined to be the underlying cause of my kidney issues. No one knew what to say or what to do to make it better. In fact, there was nothing anyone could say or do. The only person who could do something in that moment was me. After a few days of the harshest realities coming to life, I made the firm decision that I was not going to let cancer win. I would take what I had learned through my time volunteering and focus on my passion of helping others. My family is involved in a charity, Comfort Zone Camp (CZC), a bereavement program for children across the US. CZC runs camps where children dive into the emotional isolation that is caused by grief. Camp enables them to realize they are not alone in their grief journey. As soon as I was old enough to volunteer, I dedicated myself to helping these children. My work at CZC taught me that hard things will take time and healing. I’ve also learned how important it is to live life with a positive outlook. When I was given the opportunity to receive a Make A Wish because of my illness, I knew immediately that I wanted to use this to help others. Instead of meeting, Taylor Swift or going on a fabulous vacation, I asked the Make a Wish Foundation to donate my money to CZC. I had the opportunity of giving children who had lost a parent to cancer an opportunity to heal. To further this positive impact, during one of my many hospital stays, I took An Insider’s Guide to Psychology, an introductory psychology class focusing on personality disorders, cognition, and in-depth experimental design. The course furthered my interest in the field, fueling my excitement to pursue a degree in Psychology. Once I got sick, I recognized how important mental health is and taking care of your mind must be a priority. Speaking with therapists, child life specialists, and professionals in the field made it clear to me that my goal after college is to become a clinical psychologist for children. I am currently studying Psychology with a track of social work at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. My hope after all of this is to continue learning about the importance of interdisciplinary connections and strive to help grieving children. I believe in my studies can help change the life of a grieving child by giving them hope for a brighter tomorrow as I had during my cancer journey. While I know I have made an impact positively on these children through my kindness, my goal is to continue as I learn moving forward.

I had it all figured out: my prom dress and exciting college visits schedule. But things did not go as planned. In April 2022, something felt off. The next four months were like something out of a horror movie, and unfortunately, I had the starring role. I was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease called Minimal Change. I went into kidney failure and became a hemodialysis patient. Despite the doctors’ best efforts, no treatments seemed to work. Hodgkin’s Lymphoma was determined to be the cause of my kidney issues. This is where my mental health journey begins. I have more “funny” hospital stories to tell than anyone would ever want, but there is one I go back to the most. I was in the emergency room, anemic and unable to lift my head. I needed a blood transfusion, which required a test of my blood type. When I heard this, I sat up and quickly responded, “No need to test! I am B positive!” My parents looked at me in disbelief, asking how I knew that, since they had no idea themselves. I replied, “It has to be. I am the most positive person.” Connecting with people came easily, and it usually started with a smile. I was also fearless when it came to taking on new challenges, confidently navigating the balance beam in front of 500 spectators as a competitive gymnast. I knew I needed to channel these powers if I was going to win the illness battle. I believe in creating my own happy endings and was determined to do just that. It wasn’t easy. I chose to focus on what I have control over, rather than worrying about things beyond my control. I enrolled in online enrichment courses and virtually toured colleges. Throughout the last few months, I’ve learned to accept that there will be times when my positivity wavers, and when it’s hard to find something to smile about. I’ve embraced the motto, “It is okay to not be okay.” How I choose to not be okay is what matters. Instead of being hard on myself when I lose my positivity, I change my perspective. I lean on my support system and ask for help. I try to focus on the good each and every day. As it turns out, the blood transfusion doctor confirmed that my blood type is in fact B positive. I have always been fascinated by why people behave and think the way they do, and what factors contribute to their behaviors. During one of my hospital stays, I took An Insider’s Guide to Psychology, a psychology class focusing on personality disorders, cognition, and in-depth experimental design. The course furthered my interest in the field, fueling my excitement to pursue a degree in Psychology. Once I got sick, I recognized how important mental health is and taking care of your mind must be a priority. Speaking with therapists, child life specialists, and professionals in the field made it clear to me that my goal after college is to become a clinical psychologist for children. I am currently studying Psychology with a track of social work at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. The courses I have taken in my first semester have done nothing but inspire me to help others and individuals in need. I have discovered powerful connections between writing, reflecting, receiving support from family and friends, and healing. Through this work, I am seeing the intersection of PR and Psychology, as I write with the hope of inspiring others to stay positive through their own struggles.