How does a 27-year-old young lady react when she is diagnosed with brain cancer?
How do the dreams of a young couple change as one struggles to survive?
How often does a patient diagnosed with this dreadful disease have the fortitude to take on the battle head on?
Meet Michelle Boyd DeJong — an inspiring young woman with an indomitable spirit who has taken her fight with this monster to a whole new level. As a volunteer with the Children’s Cancer Center for over three years, her prom for the kids is now a hallmark event. She never knew that the childrens’ story would become hers. She draws strength from these young children as she fights the good fight herself. She has begun her journey through the 32 radiation sessions that lie ahead with courage and without feeling sorry for herself.
The lessons from her condition and her journey are articulated on her Facebook page that I strongly encourage you to follow. Her first lesson: “Define what you love and fight for it. Every single day.” Other words of wisdom await those whose lives she has touched with her writings.
I am so inspired and moved by this young lady that she has created perspective for me in my own life. Rarely do young people inspire me to change the way that I look at the world. Michelle is one such gem.
I had the privilege of having Michelle as my student a few years ago. I knew Michelle as a quiet, but smart, young girl. I lost touch with her over the past few years, and was tickled to reconnect when I reached out to her.
I am so proud of her for the person and the spirited fighter that she is — the “fighter” tattoo on her forearm capturing her resolve. This young lady has touched my life, as I know she will touch yours. Follow her story and get in her corner.
She is a winner in every sense of the word.
About Hemant Rustogi