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Gabe
Written by Mom Melissa, MATIO Parent to Student Gabriel. Gabriel is our sweet miracle boy. He is 7 years old, turning 8 this December. We call him our miracle, because if science was to be…
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Brian
Interview with Granny Evelyn, MATIO Grandparent to Student Brian. Grandmother to 10-year-old Brian, who lives with Sickle Cell Disease, Granny Evelyn and her family joined MATIO in 2022 after a doctor’s referral. What began as…
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Meet Cailen: A little hero kicking cancer
Written by Lynne Golodner 5-year-old Cailen is smart. He is high energy, likes to camp and spend time with family. Just the other day, he asked his parents, Cody and Aly, what 3x3x3 equals. He’s…
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Meet Corey: A young adult with a purpose
Written by Lynne Golodner “Every day you wake up is a blessing,” says Corey’s mom Patrice. It’s not a statement she makes lightly. Now that her 17-year-old son is in remission, after a decade-long battle…
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Four Forever Friends
High school graduation is a meaningful milestone for most, but it’s even more special for young women who’ve faced challenges and come out on top. By Lynne Golodner Although they can’t quite picture what it’s…
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Meet Je’Nailya: A High School Senior Who Plans to Make Everyone Feel Beautiful.
By Lynne Golodner “Sickle cell is an up-and-down roller coaster,” says Je’Nailya Belew. “One minute you can be fine, and then three years ago, I lost my ability to walk.” When she was in the…
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Meet Danielle: A High School Senior Who Heads into a Future of Fantastic Storytelling and Riveting Performance.
By Lynne Golodner It’s going to be different to live several states away from her family and friends, but Danielle McKay is ready for the adventure. Graduating this spring from Farmington Central High School, she…
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Meet Haley: A High School Senior Who Makes the Most of Every Moment – Thanks to True Friendships and Welcoming Acceptance from KKC.
By Lynne Golodner Haley Wallace doesn’t let anything get her down. A child survivor of Rhabdomyosarcoma – a rare cancer that was caught early – Haley is graduating from Madison High School in Adrian, Mich.,…
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Meet Paris: Healing the World Through the Power of Breath and Friendship.
By Lynne Golodner When Paris Davis first came to Kids Kicking Cancer (KKC) as the sibling of two brothers with Sickle Cell, she was shy. “I stayed to myself most of the time,” she recalls.…
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Meet Izzy: A tenacious teen with a fighting spirit
Izzy Stothers is a fountain of creativity. She has a whole world of stories, poems, and songs she’s written and saved on her phone. Her imagination has flourished since childhood, and she can rattle off…
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Meet Grace: A Hero Who Journeyed From Fearful to Inspirational
Written by: Deborah Pecis You might not recognize 15-year-old Grace McKay if she were to stand next to a photograph of her 10-year-old self. While today Grace is an energetic and busy teen, involved in…
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Meet Natalee: A Powerful Martial Artist Who Shines Through Power Breathing
The Heroes Circle is grateful for Natalee and her family, and their willingness to share their story so we can help change more lives. Written By: Debbie Pecis If you ask 10-year-old Natalee Laughton what…