Hi, my name is Manuel. I just turned one year old. The day after my first birthday party, when everyone was still smiling and talking about balloons and cake, my mommy and daddy found out something really big about me. The doctors said I had something called a Wilms tumor. It was Stage 2, and it was hiding inside my kidney.I didn’t really understand all the grown-up words, but I do remember a lot of bright lights, beeping machines, and everyone looking worried. Then, I went to sleep in a big room with doctors and nurses. When I woke up, my tummy hurt, and the doctors told my parents that they took out the tumor—three whole pounds of it! They also had to take my kidney with it. I only have one kidney now, but it’s strong and doing the job.Even though I go to the hospital a lot, I’m still me. I crawl around, play with my toys, laugh when Daddy makes funny faces, and hug Mommy when she sings to me. The nurses say I’m brave, but really, I’m just curious. I like the stickers they give me, and sometimes I wave at everyone in the hall because they always wave back.Now I’m taking medicine called chemotherapy. It makes me feel tired sometimes, and food doesn’t always taste the same, but I don’t let it stop me. I still like to play peek-a-boo, throw my ball, and clap when I hear music. Mommy and Daddy tell me I’m strong and that I’m going to be okay. I believe them.Even though I started my second year with a big fight, I’m not afraid. I know I’m loved. And with each day, I get to keep being me—a happy little boy who just wants to play, laugh, and grow.