The hospital found out I had leukemia — it's a cancer of the blood. I was surprised I was that sick.

I needed a lot of chemotherapy. It was rough stuff because it made me sick. The second chemo didn't bother me as much. And when my hair started falling out, I shaved my head. It was kind of cool.

I made friends at the hospital with other kids. And people at the hospital were very nice. They helped me and I grew up a little more. I have a different outlook now. I just think you should do everything you can because life is short. Kids and adults shouldn't give up. They should keep on thinking ahead. Not in the past.

I collected a lot of beads for my Bravery Heart Necklace while I was sick. Each bead has a meaning. It's too big to wear, but I show it to people and tell them which one's which. It makes me feel proud. It makes me feel like I've gone through a lot.

Sophie, age 11
Pediatric cancer patient and survivor