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At 14, “ I was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma & had a massive tumor on my shoulder. I was filled with sadness, anger, & worries for the future. I was scared of cancer & believed everyone who had it died or was affected massively by it. I had to stay positive & believe I was able to beat this. With my friends & family supporting me, I held my head high & took chemo with no complaints and a smile. Sometimes I was sad & hated being in the hospital for several days, not seeing my dog or brother.I got surgery on my shoulder & lost all my muscle. I had a physical therapist, she never gave up on me. My nurses helped and always talked to me, making me feel special. In these last rounds, I have felt much better than before & knew I was so close to the finish line. My mom and dad were so proud I stayed positive during the whole experience and never gave up. Going through this made me realize how strong I was. I had faced adversity when I was little. I was born with a cleft lip & got surgery at a young age. The doctors believed I wouldn’t be able to eat normally & would have trouble breathing. But my family knew I would be able to and proved the doctors wrong . They also said that I wouldn’t look so pretty when I was older and I would probably want surgery to change my face when I was 14. My mom & dad made sure to let me know I was beautiful and to never listen to anyone if they told me otherwise. I grew up loving myself and never thought I was different from the other kids in my school. No one even noticed and when they did they weren’t rude and asked simple questions about it. I have been strong and didn’t let anyone/anything change me and I have since grown stronger. “

Mason is 19 & was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma at 15 with a 10cm tumor tumor on his kidney & lung mets. “I couldn't go back to school, but I was so fortunate to meet the hospital's teacher, Denise. At first I was obviously nervous and overwhelmed at everything, but working with Denise made me feel secure. My first visit to the hospital lasted three weeks, and in those weeks I became close friends with not just her, but also the nurses taking care of me. Denise would advocate for me when I couldn't, and she would find various ways to make me feel happy and comfortable. Throughout treatment Denise would make sure I got as many accommodations as possible for school.Despite all the accommodations and Denise's help, I still wasn't sure if I would manage to graduate on time, but we were all hopeful I would make it anyway. When it was clear I would make it, I really couldn't believe it! Everyone who knew me knew how much I wanted so badly to graduate on time, and when they all found out that my goal was complete, they were also just as excited as me and my family were.It felt so wonderful to not only have survived my cancer diagnosis, but even better to make it through school successfully thanks to the help of the people closest to me. I'm so glad not just to be alive, but to be healthy enough to enjoy it. I still have a long way to go with my recovery, but I look forward to biking around for miles on end without stopping like I used to do before I got sick, with or without an e-bike. Thank you for reading my story.”

Charly was diagnosed with a relapse of Ewing's Sarcoma in July 2021. We are devastated to share that Charly passed in October 2022.  

"One of the first things I tell people when they ask me about what it is like to fight cancer is that it is just as much a mental battle as it is physical. Every single day is affected by cancer, and there are always new obstacles to overcome. They range from as simple as getting out of bed and eating three meals a day to chemotherapy, surgeries, and radiation. That being said, one thing I have learned on this journey is to never invalidate the obstacles in your path just because they are lesser than other obstacles. Every challenge is exactly that, and we as humans deserve to know that all of our hardships are valid. I can use this knowledge and apply it in my life every day when I want to be angry at myself for staying in bed or not wanting to persevere through another round of chemo. By being kinder to myself and recognizing that all these problems validate my emotions, I allow myself to work through my hardships in a healthy mental state. Cancer has truly allowed me to enlighten myself on the importance of treating myself with care and how far it can take me."

Charly planned to put her SkiFast scholarship towards tuition at the University of Iowa,  to study liberal arts and focus on nursing. It was her goal to eventually apply to the University of Iowa Nursing Program.  

Hannah who was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma of the zygoma and partial maxilla in January 2020. 

“I knew I had to be strong for my family. When hearing the words come out of my doctor's mouth it didn’t feel real. I worried what my peers would think of me and how I would hide this from them. Long story short you can’t hide cancer. At that point instead of hiding it I embraced it. While sometimes it would still get frustrating walking in public with people staring, I dealt with it.”

“After my surgery I had a big flap of skin from my leg on my face. This didn’t look normal at all. The thought of looking different used to scare me but now I have learned to embrace my scars. During my cancer journey I became closer with many family and friends. I learned not to take my life for granted and to always strive to be my best. Before I was diagnosed I didn’t know what career path I would follow. I now know that I want to be a pediatric oncology nurse. I strive to be like the nurse that I made an amazing friendship with at Mayo Clinic in Rochester Minnesota. 

Hannah is putting her SkiFast Scholarship towards college at Grandview University where she is majoring in nursing! 

“After my cancer journey was over things changed a lot for me. I had to go back to living a normal life. Honestly I think this part is harder than the actual treatment.  Once you are in remission the community that gave you support has faded away. I went back to school and noticed the life people had made without me. I developed bad anxiety and depression from this. I started having anxiety attacks and felt as if no one actually needed me since they made this life without me in the picture. I started putting myself out there and being a leader.  Things I would have never done before cancer. This was my way of making people remember me or feel noticed. I overcame many things throughout my journey but they made me the person I am today. I would like to think that maybe I was given the journey to help me find the person I am today. The life lessons I have learned continue to follow me today.   

  Lorelai is an Ewings Sarcoma warrior who has been fighting for three years since her diagnosis at 11 years old. She has had to undergo countless blood tests, doctor visits, scans, biopsies & chemo regimens. During treatment, Lorelai had to have surgery to remove the cancerous tumor in her wrist, 7 inches of her ulna were removed in the process. “What has helped me overcome all that is the fact that I have my family and best friends to help me through it and keep my anxiety under control. Since I was 11 at the time of my first diagnosis, I didn’t have a clear picture on what was really happening. But at 14 now, I have a bigger grasp on just how serious the situation really is. It's a lot scarier since I understand now, and I am glad I was strong enough to live through it with the support of my family and friends. With their love and support I am grateful for where I am now and will continue to overcome and fight.”Lorelai is an amazing dancer who plans to use her scholarship to pay for musical theatre, tap, lyrical & hip hop dance classes to further her passion!   

Taylor is a 20 yr old osteosarcoma warrior, 3 yrs cancer free, who built a business solely to raise funds and awareness for pediatric cancer research! Check it out  KickAshCancer.com 

"The feeling of needing to do something productive with this new life that I was given and wanting to make it better for every other kid going through cancer is my main focus now. For me the hardest part was never fighting the cancer, I had no choice in that I was going to fight no matter what." 

“ Another really hard part for me is trying to live up to the kids that changed the world in the time that they were given. This is the part of my journey where I think that if I gave up and just never talked about childhood cancer again and never looked back no one would blame me but I couldn’t do that to Campbell and Megan and all the other kids.” 

“When I need strength I draw it from them because they changed the world. I’ve chosen to use my voice and give presentations on childhood cancer in hopes to get the word out and raise awareness. These presentations are not easy and give me sweaty palms every time but I tell myself that Campbell is proud of me and cheering me on and so I choose to make her proud rather than give up and say I’ve had enough. Cancer has given me a story to tell and a reason to tell it and I will continue to do so."

We love you so much Taylor!! Keep kicking Ash!! 

Cheering for Landon! Spring training for football in April of his freshmen year (2019), Landon was experiencing pain in his right shoulder during workouts and his family started the search for answers. September 2019 a tumor in Landon’s right shoulder was diagnosed as Ewings Sarcoma. “Immediately, in one moment, my life changed. Scans showed that the cancer was localized to my scapula. On October 23, 2021 I started treatment, which included 14 rounds of chemotherapy, 25 rounds of proton radiation, and a major surgery where the top part of my right shoulder was completely removed. The goal for my arm function after surgery was to be able to lift my arm high enough to comb my hair, but I was told I would never have full use of my right arm again”. 

Landon blew through all expectations and recovered full range of motion in his arm, suiting up spring of his junior year to play football again! May 2021, Landon’s scans showed a localized relapse and he battled again through treatment and PT and is currently cancer free! 

“I have learned so much through this journey and am 100% a better person for it. Cancer does not define me, but it has changed the course of how I live my life and what I will accomplish. I have been under the care of a Physical Therapist for the past two years, and I’ve witnessed firsthand the importance of the work done by a PT. My PT gave me back the ability to use my arm. I believe I have a unique motivation and inspiration to achieve my goals and dreams in pursuing the profession of Physical Therapy.

I want to specialize in pediatric oncology, and it is my passion to help other kids and teenagers like  myself, whose abilities are impacted by cancer. As a result of my cancer journey the past two years, I have a different outlook on life. I do not set goals lightly. Through my experiences, I have gained a strength and motivation that most other students my age cannot relate to. I am a hard worker, and I have big goals I want to achieve in my lifetime.”

 “I have overcome personal adversity many times in my life but nothing could have prepared me for the 2021-2022 year.” Brooklynn not only faced the crushing loss of her father in high school but was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma less than a year later. Brooklynn has tackled adversity by talking to friends and creating new hobbies. “I traveled with my family, celebrated my favorite holidays in new ways, and learned that helping people was one of my favorite hobbies”. With the goal of becoming a paramedic so that she can follow her passion to help other people, Brooklynn has become C.P.R, A.E.D, and First Aid certified.  After undergoing surgery to remove her tumor in June, Brooklynn has continued her chemo regimen with the plan to use her scholarship to learn to ride horses and attend dog agility courses with her beautiful dog Bone! We love you Brooklynn!! No one fights alone 

Lucas is 11, going into 6th grade and already a 1st degree black belt having worked at since he was 6!! Lucas began suffering from pain in his foot at 8 and was misdiagnosed with Sever's disease which affects growing children and prescribed PT. When PT only aggravated the pain, Lucas's mom persevered until Lucas was correctly diagnosed with a tumor in his left leg that was determined to be Ewing Sarcoma. In addition to his chemo regimen, Lucas underwent a major autograft surgery in Boston on Friday, which involves removing a healthy part of the bone tissue in his upper leg and placing it near his ankle, where the cancerous tumor is. Lucas will be non weight bearing for a minimum of three months. 

"One day I was a normal kid going to school and doing things after school like karate,basketball, scouts, playing video games and then my whole world just came to a sudden stop overnight. I had to go to constant doctor appointments for x-rays, blood draws, scans of my whole body, biopsies and waiting forever. I was really confused and scared...They also told me I wouldnt be able to ever have my own kids someday if I wanted to be a dad. They didn't give me any time to think about it either, they just said "you have to let us know now before your chemo starts tomorrow." I didn't want another painful surgery so I said no. That made me really sad because I really like little kids and think I would have been a great dad. Now I won’t be able to. I guess I can have lots of pets or maybe adopt kids someday. I just wish I had more of a choice but now I dont. I'm only 11 and feel like my whole life is going to be different now because of this cancer. I had to overcome my fear of needles and hospitals so someday I can help other kids who have to go through this too. It is really hard and I have a long road ahead but thinking about how I want my life back and how I may be able to help other people keeps me going and able to overcome and beat this cancer rather than sitting around being mad and askin "why did this happen to me?"

Lucas plans to put his scholarship money towards karate, hip hop and drum lessons once he gets back on his feet!

 Maggie is 13 years old and currently undergoing treatment for DISER -1, Ovarian Sarcoma. Maggie plays volleyball, field hockey, lacrosse, and ski races. She races for the Attitash Ski Team in New Hampshire and is on the varsity ski team at school! 

"I was a ten-year-old just diagnosed with cancer. How could something so drastic and so intense happen to someone so young? It was physical and mentally tolling. I had to stop many of the things I loved doing for a few months. Like ski racing (and being on a ski team in general), seeing friends, and even going to school. Since I had gotten diagnosed in May ski season had ended but what would this mean for the next year? Could I race? Could I train? Could I even do anything even remotely related to skiing racing? It was defiantly a challenge to say the least. But as time went on, we found my abilities on what I could do, I was able to ski. Not race or train but I was able to ski. It was huge, and I think skiing was one of the things that helped me get over this adversity. This challenge was hard, but I had an amazing support system and was able to, sort of, do the things I loved." 

Maggie plans to use her SkiFast scholarship towards ski team training this season. We are excited to follow Maggie and cheer her on this winter!

Sophia was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma in 2019 and has since received 32 rounds of chemo, gone through eight weeks of radiation, and had three major surgeries. Sophia loves to play softball and has been playing since first grade. When Sophia was diagnosed her freshman year, she lost the ability to walk within three days and had to use a wheelchair. All challenges aside, Sophia still attended games in her wheelchair and was determined to get back out on the field with her team. 

"When I went into remission, I was determined to walk again, so I could play softball. I did physical therapy to work on my endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility in my legs. It took a lot of hard work to get to where I am today. When I was able to attend school in person, I had to be pushed in a wheelchair by my friends. After school, I had physical therapy. Eventually I was able to walk short distances with my walker. I worked my way up to walking with my walker and relearning my pitching motion."

"My coach gave me a uniform, so I could wear it to the games and be with the team. She said I would always be a part of the team. Even though everyone was in quarantine, and I was not able to attend physical therapy, I continued to do my exercises."
"By the end of July 2020, I was able to ride my bike and swim because of my progress. Unfortunately, In August 2020, I had my nine-month scans. I relapsed and had to start chemotherapy and have my port surgically inserted for a second time. This did not stop me from wanting to pitch and play softball again. My parents bought me a softball net to practice, which is what I did in the fall. I hope to play softball this spring, if everything goes well. These challenges that I have faced throughout my journey have allowed me to see things in perspective, and not take things for granted. Along with learning not to take anything  for granted, I learned how important it is to give back." 

We wish Sophia the best and are excited to follow her softball season this year. Sophia plans on putting her SkiFast scholarship funds towards her college tuition. 

Nathan was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma in October 2020 and has received 14 rounds of chemo, 31 rounds of radiation, four surgeries, a blood transmission, and over 50 nights in the hospital. Despite the added challenges, this has not kept Nathan away from his passion, soccer. Nathan has been playing soccer since he was only three years old, and his goal is to play professionally one day. 

“When I was first diagnosed with cancer in October of 2020, I had no clue what that meant for not only my life but my family's life as well. I was in for a battle and that I was going to overcome whatever it was that they had planned for my treatment. There was never a doubt in my mind that I would be back out on the soccer field and continuing my pursuit of this dream of mine. Initially, I had an emotionless reaction and I think it shocked most of my family and friends. I acted as if nothing had happened because I simply did not understand the news I had received from the doctors. As confused as I was, I went into my first round of chemotherapy with an underlying sense of determination that I believed could get me through whatever kind of side effects that came my way.” 

Nathan plans to put his SkiFast scholarship towards his education at San Diego State, where he will be attending in the fall of 2022. 

 Luna is ten years old and was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma this in January 2021. She is an incredible athlete and plays soccer, softball, and recently picked up surfing. She is a total natural at surfing of course! Luna plans to use her SkiFast scholarship towards soccer training camp this summer as well as one on one training sessions to keep her fitness up. It is obvious that Luna does not let treatment or bad days hold her back from being with her team, and we are extremely impressed by her energy and attitude.  

“No one deserves this to happen. It stinks, but I cannot let it bring me down. Even though I get stuck with a needle almost every day, I still keep a smile on my face. I know I am going to beat this. I am going to fight and win this battle. I look forward to leaving the hospital to see my family and my dogs." - Luna

Meet Avery Wisdom, a nationally competitive volleyball player and SkiFast Foundation Scholarship recipient who was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma at the age of 17 following a series of sports injuries and in addition to fibrous dysplasia which had weakened Avery’s clavicle. 

“When I was first diagnosed, it seemed impossible that an athlete like me could have cancer. I didn’t understand that cancer is an equal opportunity offender. Now that I have accepted my diagnosis, my competitive nature and experiences as an athlete are helping me fight it. Teamwork, mental strength, and determination have always been at the core of my successes as an athlete and they are the key to overcoming my cancer now. Having a great team of doctors and nurses plus loving family and friends around me gives me the support system I need to get through my treatments. 

Mental toughness helped me overcome my competitors on the volleyball court and that same mindset will help me beat cancer. When I am sick and worn down from chemo, I remind myself to keep pushing and maintain a positive outlook. I have been accepted into the Mays School of Business at Texas A & M University, and like most high school seniors, had plans to start college this fall. I was also planning to play volleyball for the Texas A&M Women’s Club. Since my treatments and surgery will continue at least through the end of the year, I will have to postpone my college debut. Despite this setback, I am determined to get healthy again and start college in fall of 2022.

I haven’t overcome this challenge yet, but I am a competitor and I believe I will beat cancer. Once I get past it, I know my experience with cancer will bring a unique perspective to my college experience. Although I will have to start a little later than I hoped, thinking about college and looking forward to playing the sport I love again will motivate me to get through my treatments.” - Avery

  Sean was diagnosed at 17 in January of 2020 during COVID with Osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. He was an avid dancer and the lead in several musical theatre productions at the time. Sean's limb salvage surgery took thirteen hours to remove the tumor and replace 13 cm of his Tibia and knee with a prosthesis.   

As my journey continues, I'm different now. Unrecognizable to the "Sean" of yesteryear, both physically and mentally. I continue to live my life, not letting the effects of this tragedy keep me from achieving what I desire. I use my experience to help and support others, performing talks with children going through cancer treatments, and spreading awareness about mental health in teens and young adults. The fire that was born almost half a year ago carried me through my senior year, pushing me to make the most out of everything. I never expected this tragedy to happen, especially during a severe pandemic like COVID-19, and to this day, no one knows why Osteosarcoma develops. But I know that I would not be the passionate, determined, positive-minded person I am today without this experience."

We are very excited to support Sean! He was accepted to the Florida State University Music Program for Choral Studies and was also offered Membership into the University Singers Touring group for FSU, an audition-only choir that represents the University. 

Chris was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in 2020 and has since then finished treatment with NED scans back in March 2021. Treatment involved MAP protocol Chemo Therapy, Rotationplasty amputation surgery October 26, 2020. An avid autocross racer, Chris is excited to be attending college this fall. 

"I am excited to go into college. Becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant won’t be as challenging because while I am learning how to walk I am also learning how patients feel when they are going through therapy themselves and I’ll be able to help them in a better way. All of my struggles that I have had through fighting cancer have all taught me how to be persistent in what I want to do and become. The changes that I have gone through have been extensive, especially because I lost my leg due to the effects of cancer and chemo. With all that I have been through I am still the same kid inside that I was before, I am still hardworking and I care about and try to protect anyone and everyone I can. I have still changed too, the cancer put things into perspective and I live my life one day at a time and enjoy it because it can all be over in an instant. I want to be able to enjoy each day to its fullest and start doing the things that allow me to have some joy in my life. My adversity with cancer has taught me to focus on family and find joy in each and every day. - Chris

 When Claire was 4 she was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma. Claire's tumor was between two of the ribs in her back and was touching her spine. She went through 17 rounds of chemo, a rib resection (four of her ribs were removed), and spinal fusion surgery. Claire's treatment caused both scoliosis and kidney disease. Claire has persisted throughout it all and pursues her love of dance, even performing at CureFest days after surgery to put a stent in her kidney. "At the studio, I’m a dancer. Not a kid who had cancer." - Claire

 Alexis was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma during her junior year of high school. Alexis persevered and ultimately got back into her colorguard competition, despite seemingly endless treatment. She will be attending Hannibal Lagrange University and would like to be a pediatric oncology nurse. "I will participate in their nursing program and hope to work at the St. Louis Children's Hospital upon graduation. I hope you all will help me achieve my dream of helping others through their cancer treatment." 

 Dillon was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma during his junior year of high school and received ten months of treatment. 

"In a sense the pandemic helped me overcome my cancer. This forced me to be patient with my disease. I did not feel left out, so I was not in a rush to get better; I could take my time to recover. There were no parties because everyone was stuck at home. The pandemic also made me feel less alone since my family was with me at home. They gave me a lot of support. My family brought me food and help me remember my medication. This allowed me to focus on recovery. People handle adversity differently. Some people think of it as a challenge and are motivated to overcome the challenge. People will work harder and overexert themselves to accomplish their goal. While others grow hopeless and depress. A student with an adversity may end up discouraged from doing schoolwork and give up on graduating. But I viewed it differently. I saw it as neither a challenge nor a hopeless endeavor; I saw it as another chapter in my life." 

Dillon is an avid cook and plans to use his scholarship funds to take hands on cooking classes.

Amanda was diagnosed with Stage 4 Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma at 19 years old. In January 2020, Amanda had surgery where they removed approximately 50-60% of a tumor from the area in between her left shoulder and neck and confirmed that she had cancer. Beginning on February 10, 2020, Amanda received 5 rounds of inpatient chemo where she got three different chemotherapies.

Amanda plans to use her scholarship funds toward her Senior year of college where she is studying to receive a Mass Communications with a concentration in Public Relations and Advertising. Amanda is a total rockstar and balances treatment, working, and studying full time at Delaware State University (not to mention maintaining a 4.0 GPA!)

"I plan to use this degree to give back to the cancer community in some way whether that be obtaining a job at a hospital, non-profit organization, etc."

  Katie was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma in her senior year of high school, enduring 17 rounds of chemotherapy, 35 blood transfusions and 7 surgeries. Katie is a beautiful artist and loves traveling. She can’t wait for COVID to get better so she can pursue the study abroad program at University of Nevada Reno! 

In her free time she plays indoor soccer and is also a referee! We are so happy to have helped Katie accomplish her goals post treatment. 

“No cancer is kind or easy to beat.  This disease has rocked my family to its core, but I have learned and grown so much over what feels like an eternity. I was also still able to complete my school work and gradate high school with honors. I’ve learned how important and special it is to have family and true friends supporting and surrounding you with love and encouragement.  Most importantly, I learned that I am physically and emotionally stronger than I ever thought I could be.” 

  Walker was diagnosed with osteosarcoma when he was fifteen years old and a sophomore in high school. He had to put his dream of playing D1 college baseball on hold and focus on treatment. "Being so close to death gave me a new perspective on life. I don't wake up in the morning. I GET to wake up in the morning. I don't HAVE to go to school, I WANT to go to school. Cancer made me thankful for every breath I take, and life is so much better when you truly see the blessings you have."