• lived

    I Lived

    “I lived” – Inspirational

    Leanna Ramirez was diagnosed with a rare and incurable brain cancer at fifteen years old. She went through four chemotherapy rounds, 33 radiation therapy rounds, and two surgeries. Unfortunately, not all of the brain tumor could be removed. Even through side effects like headaches and memory and hearing loss, Leanna found her way to hope and positivity.

    Her mother heard the song, “I Lived,” by OneRepublic, and turned its message into their family’s inspiration to live each day to its fullest. She encouraged Leanna to make an “I Lived” list of all the things she wants to do in her life, no matter how grand, not worrying about time. Through the help of a GoFundMe page, the family has gone on a helicopter tour of Hawaii, zip-lined in the Poconos, and played with koalas at the Columbus zoo. They were even able to take Leanna’s dream trip to New York City. The trip included ice skating at Rockefeller Center, taking a carriage ride in Central Park, and watching the ball drop on New Year’s Eve from Time Square.

    Leanna’s “I Lived” list has inspired both her and her family to live for today. They try to focus on how to enjoy each moment you do have instead of worrying about the ones you might not get. Now at eighteen years old, Leanna and her family are helping other kids with cancer write their own “I Lived” lists. Read more about the story on MSN here.

     

    Take Action:

    What would your “I Lived” list include?
    Do you want to travel? Take a college course? Attend a game for your favorite team? Maybe you want to learn a new skill?

    What are you proud of that you’ve already done?
    Do you volunteer in your community or with your school? Have you been part of a club? Did you made something for someone else? Are you a good friend to someone? Consider including the things that you’re proud of if continuing to do them makes you happy.

    Write Your “I Lived” List Today
    AYA Cancer gives people a unique perspective on life. Whether you’ve had cancer or someone you know has been affected by cancer, an “I Lived” list can inspire you to live in the moment. Comment on this post to let us know some of the items you included on your “I Lived” list.