My journey began in December 2001 sitting in a hospital room with my parents. I was diagnosed with Leukemia at the age of 6. I endured 2½ years of Chemotherapy. Looking back on that day I remember thinking I was going to die when I saw my parents faces when the doctor told them the news. But I was wrong. My experience with cancer was a roller coaster ride between about every emotion there is. After reaching 11 years of remission this past December, my view of my past changed. It’s wrong to say that I am happy I had cancer but I am fortunate from all the opportunities that I have had including becoming involved with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. My family and myself went to our first event in Naperville with some of the other firemen. Then 2 years later, I was able to see what goes on behind the scenes of the event in River Grove. Between all the hard work that goes into every event and all of the support from the people who come to the events, I am in awe of the amount of desire for finding the Cure and I am so grateful for it. I am currently a sophomore at Augustana College pursing a degree in Communication on the Pre-Medicine track.  One day I hope to make a difference in a child's life who fighting the battle, like all the doctors, nurses, and professionals impacted me.