Sophia's victory

Last September we shared a little bit about Sophia’s journey. A year later, we’re sharing Sophia’s victory over cancer!

It’s a strange sensation. For the past two-and-a-half years, I’ve been really close to my mom – which isn’t cool ‘cause I’m a sophomore in high school now. We’ve been together at the hospital, clinic visits, surgeries, emergency center visits and now I’m like, “Mom, you’ve gotta let go. I can do stuff by myself. I’m well; get over it.” It’s all brand new for us.

Since I started this journey, I’ve had faith in Jesus to see me through. I put my trust in Him and I know He has a purpose for me to still be here. Ringing the bell symbolizes that I get a second chance. It’s the most wonderful feeling in the world, yet sad because some of my friends have not been as fortunate. I have been given a new start, unlike my friend Paige, who died less than a year ago of T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia. 

Here’s my advice. If you know of a child or have a friend battling cancer, I want you to know they still need your friendship. They need you to be there for them. Sometimes they’re not going to look so good and you might not want to stay long, but come back and laugh with them and just hang out. Don’t stay away because you don’t know what to say or because it’s awkward. Be there for your friends. You never know what tomorrow brings and the time you spend together will forever be cherished in your heart. 

I’d like to thank the medical staff at Texas Children’s, The First Baptist Church of Texas City, TX and the community of League City. I also want to give a big shout out to my friends and family who were always there for me with their outpouring of love and support. You made a difference in my life.