   |
 |
Young Cancer Survivors Celebrate Life at Annual Valentines Party
Young Cancer Survivors Celebrate Life at Annual Valentines Party 2/9/13
CBS 7 News Reporter
February 9, 2013
tguinn@cbs7.com
Midland - Families gathered at the Midland American Cancer Society office for their annual valentines party.
However these families were celebrating more than valentines.
CBS 7 had the chance to attend this very special valentines party and spent some time with kids who have experienced more than most people do in their entire lives.
However today was more than just a valentines party, it was a party celebrating life.
Zachary McBride, Ryan Elienberger, Holden Glenn are your typical boys, although none of them are related, they all have one thing in common; they're cancer survivors.
"It’s been gone for 3 months," 5-year-old McBride said.
"2 years for me!" 6-year-old Elienberger said.
"I've had it twice, but it's been two years since the second one," 11-year-old Glenn said.
Each boy’s experience with cancer is a struggle they remember as if it was yesterday.
"I just felt like I could do nothing at all. Just lay in bed and do nothing," Glenn said.
Now on the other side of their battles with cancer, they're getting used to a new normal.
"I love play video games!" Glenn said.
"I'm starting t-ball! I’m on the reds baseball team with my best friend," Elienberger said.
All three boys are happy and full of life, but the more time we spent at this party, we noticed the same look on each parent's face; a look of happiness, relief and survival.
"I have a lot of relief knowing he's doing good," McBride’s mom said.
"I love watching him change and grow. It's a good feeling," Elienberger’s dad said.
And for those of you who are still in your fight with cancer, 11-year-old Glenn has these words of advice: "Don't let it beat you down or bring you down. Just have fun.”
If you'd like more information on the services offered by the American Cancer Society, call: 683-6375.