I’m a two-time pediatric survivor of rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare muscle cancer, in my left leg. I spent a good chunk of my childhood in hospital rooms, doctors’ appointments, and physical therapy. But through it all, media was always there: blasting Hannah Montana on long car rides, playing Pokémon Diamond on my DS, rewatching Gravity Falls on repeat, or doodling in my notebooks.
That constant stream of stories and creativity shaped me into the optimistic, resilient, creative person I am today.
i've chosen to become a creator because in my hardest times, art and technology kept me afloat.
My diagnosis also introduced me to some incredible communities. My Make-A-Wish was meeting the princesses at Disney World; I performed “Waiting on a Miracle” from Encanto at Radio City Music Hall for Garden of Dreams’ annual Talent Show; I was a camper (and later a counselor) at The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, where I learned archery, horseback riding, cooking, rock climbing, and so much more.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg! These experiences not only gave me confidence to express myself freely, but they also let me meet other kids going through the same thing.
Hearing their stories made me feel a little less alone.
I try to bring that same impact to my work now, whether that’s for these organizations directly, in the hospitals that once treated me, or anywhere trying to spread a little magic. I keep my inner child in mind, along with everyone I’ve met and grown up alongside, especially those I’ve lost along the way.
My dream is that, one day, my work reaches a kid sitting in a hospital room right now, the way I once was, and reminds them they’re less alone than they think. <3
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