Below is the story about my battle with cancer and what I took out of it.

I was only seven…I don’t remember much…My Mom says it was a coping mechanism… Thinking back though, I realize it was the football my brother threw that hit me in the chest which led up to the events of September 5, 2000. That was the day my parents were told I had Ewing Sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer that only affects about 200 kids per year. I was fortunate that the cancer was localized in my right chest wall, but my prognosis at the time was a 50% chance of survival, and the doctors said I had a very long road ahead of me. It was difficult to hear how sick I was and what was going to happen in the coming days, years and particularly the first 12 months. But here I am today, raising money for children's cancer research at Drexel University, and I am cancer free. After major surgery, 9 months of chemotherapy, 6 weeks of radiation to my chest, 104 overnight stays in the hospital, 130 blood tests, 20 blood transfusions, 11 platelet transfusions, 125 injections, years of follow up and much more, there has been no sign of cancer. Although my family was frightened when I was diagnosed, I stayed strong and was determined to turn this grim situation into a positive experience. Every day, I would wake up from my hospital bed wanting to put a smile on everyone’s face, especially my roommate, Mikey, who was four years younger than me. It made me feel good to see everyone around me happy, and I continue to live my life this way today. So, I decided to write a rap about my experience, and I hope it puts a smile on your face:


Ewing Sarcoma was the cancer I had
But don’t worry that ship wasn’t so bad
I learned many things here and there
My doctors were on me like a mother bear

When I was diagnosed, I wasn’t that old
I still have some memories that I cherish like gold
And while I knew it was going to be a long battle
I just didn’t think I’d wake up to a kid and his rattle
We became very close because of everything that was related
With common dreams and hopes that one day we’d both make it
We learned from each other and became lifelong friends
But unfortunately he lost his battle; don’t worry, I’ll carry him to the end

Ewing Sarcoma was the cancer I had
But don’t worry that ship wasn’t so bad
I learned many things here and there
My doctors were on me like a mother bear

I was cared for in the best place to ever be treated
They have the greatest doctors, nurses and anything you needed
This incredible place is best known as CHOP
With all kinds of chemo that just wouldn’t STOP
All I know is that this will help me beat it
So many tears and I’m still not defeated

Ewing Sarcoma was the cancer I had
But don’t worry that ship wasn’t so bad
I learned many things here and there
My doctors were on me like a mother bear

Even though I missed the whole second grade
I was still able to make the friendships that I’ve made
I am here to make a difference that is for sure
Let’s all pray that someday there’s some type of cure
Enough kids dealt with pain and shouldn’t anymore
So I say we take cancer and kick it out the door


Now that your smiling, let me explain. I learned that no matter how bad a situation is, one can still find a way to have a positive experience; this is why I chose to write a rap to tell my story in a fun and unique way. Ultimately, who I am today can be traced back to my childhood and my experience with cancer. I am a better person because I learned early on that life is too short. It is important to love the people around you and to live life to the fullest. I also learned that I am not in this life alone. At the time, I didn’t realize how much my community was helping me and my family. So many of my family members, friends, neighbors and people we didn’t even know were there for us with prayers, dinners, calls and hugs. The way my community stepped up to help me and my family plays a big part in the way that I care about others now. I am determined to continue to work towards my goal that someday there will be a cure for all cancers. I try my best at everything I do, and I will never give up. This is the way I pay back my parents and the people who cared about me for everything they did. I will not let them down.

I'm having my head shaved to stand in solidarity with kids fighting cancer, but more importantly, to raise money to find cures.

Please support me with a donation to the St. Baldrick's Foundation. This volunteer-driven charity funds more in childhood cancer research grants than any organization except the U.S. government.

Your gift will give hope to infants, children, teens and young adults fighting childhood cancers that are just like me. So when I ask for your support, I'm really asking you to support these kids. Thank you!