I received the diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) a month before starting my senior year of high school. My entire year was flipped upside down, and it was almost impossible to foresee what my life would look like. I spent the year at countless doctor's appointments, receiving infusions, blood transfusions, procedures, check-ups, and hospitalizations. Despite all of my efforts, I was unable to attend school in person and have the full experience of such an important year. I endured countless hardships that I never expected, and my body was in constant pain in one way or another.
Despite all of the losses I endured, I am grateful for the perspective it gave me. Even though I will never fully understand why I went through what I did, it revealed the incredible community (both in my personal life and the leukemia community itself) and support that surrounded me. A good example is the 700 bracelets with "Sofia Strong, Leukemia Awareness" that were being represented by church members, ministry, medical professionals, family, friends, peers, and people I didn't even know. It showed me what I was capable of and reminded me that it is possible to overcome even the hardest moments.
Today (a year later), I have the privilege of experiencing college life as a full-time student in remission. I was able to get through the worst of my treatments and am now managing it while living away from my family. When I first received my diagnosis, we didn't know if this was what my future would look like. I can confidently say that while hard moments are terrible, they do get better. I was lucky enough to win the fight that no one should have to go through, and I can now live my life in a new appreciation for the little moments that are often considered "normal" (like having an appetite for food, going to school, being able to spend time with friends, and feeling physically normal). In the past year and two months, I have also exposed myself to a community I knew nothing about. There are so many people who are forced to battle their own bodies and have a smile on their face while they do it. They are symbols of strength, resilience, and hope to everyone going through hard things. I will continue to support them for the rest of the time I am gifted on earth. Doing this through the organizations that demonstrate constant support is something that many don't see their own impact from participation, but I can reaffirm to them that they are making a HUGE difference in the lives of so many. Simply feeling seen is something that doesn't go unnoticed. Thank you to Blood Cancer United for everything you do!
Forever Sofia Strong
Sofia
acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
