when I was 8 years old I was diagnosed with a chronic kidney disease. fast forward to age ten when I was first introduced to the St. Baldricks Foundation while they were fundraising at my children's hospital. I knew then and there that one day I would participate. My disease has been the hardest thing I have ever endured. I have had two failed kidney transplants and have spent years, literally over a whole year in the hospital at a time. my illness has given me lifelong scars, from the over 20 actually surgery scars to the depression and anxiety I face every day. Children with any sickness do not deserve the burden placed on them. We need to fight back, I need to fight back because sickness should not control the lives of the most beautiful people. I have accomplished so much in my life, despite what others consider debilitating. I want children with cancer to accomplish as much as I have and even more, I believe that its foundations like St. Baldrick who aid in that. Children with cancer have a fire and a will to not only survive but thrive that is unmatched and is inspiring to everyone they meet. Please help me ignite that fire even further.