Maria is a 14-year-old teenager who was diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer four years ago when she was in 4th grade. Maria has undergone three surgeries and three isolated radioactive iodine treatments. Despite her cancer and ongoing treatments she continues to excel academically and stay involved in the speech and debate program.

We Learned from Maria:

*Some cancers are very treatable.

*Cancer is not as bad or as scary as it may seem.

*Cancer doesn’t have to rob you of your childhood or dreams.

*You can still make opportunities to help others at a time when you are in need.