I am an 11 year old, 6th grade virtual student. In the last three year I have conquered two life threatening diseases and received a bone marrow transplant. I love video games, playing outside, and building legos. My favorite place is my grandparents’ house. My side kick is a stuffed pink Minecraft pig named Piggy. He has been with me through every treatment, surgery, and hospital I have experienced in the last 3 years. He never leaves my side and he is actually quite famous.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have a mom and a dad- Jo Ann and Rodney. I have 2 older brothers- Carter Wayne and Peter- who are both 14 years old. I have a dog named Harry Pawter and a cat named Daniel. I consider the cat to be my arch nemesis.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
My job the last three years has been defeating cancer. I was first diagnosed with a rare blood disorder in December 2018 and had to receive chemotherapy and steroid treatments. I went into remission in March of 2019. In June of 2019 I got very sick and we found out that the blood disorder was masking the real enemy all along. I was diagnosed with ALL- acute lymphoblastic leukemia. I began chemotherapy immediately. While receiving treatment I developed a fungus in my nose that almost killed me. In one week I received 4 nasal surgeries to remove the fungus before it spread to the rest of my body. Because of my past blood disorder and treatments, it was decided that the best path for healing would be a bone marrow transplant. We were able to find a donor that was a 100% match and my mom and I moved to Houston, Texas for a bone marrow transplant. Before the transplant I received more chemo and full body radiation. I have all new bone marrow and blood. It was a success. I had to live in Houston for 5 months. But because of Covid my dad and brothers were able to work/go to school remotely so they moved to Houston to be with us. I have been gone since May of 2020 recovering. I get stronger every day. I currently go to Physical Therapy twice a week to correct my walking. Laying in a hospital bed for 3 years really set me back. I see my oncologist once a month and travel to Houston twice a year for check ups. I love being at home. Even though I have to do virtual school it is way better than being in a hospital. I have even gotten to have some friends over to play outside.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Wendy’s and Chick-FIL-A
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
11 years
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Dr. Robert Saylors- my oncologist at Arkansas Children’s Northwest. He saved my life and I consider him one of my best friends. He is a genius.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Stonehenge or Egypt- I am fascinated by both.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I like a lot of movies but my favorite tv show is Big City Greens- it is hilarious.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
When something feels hopeless, just keep going because it is probably not as hopeless as you think.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Learning to play the drums
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
Fall Out Boy- I always had the techs play them when I was receiving radiation treatments.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
GameStop or Game Exchange. I also love Target
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
The guy who donated his bone marrow for me. I hope to meet him someday. I would take him to Smashburger.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I like it not being a big city- I really did not like how big Houston was.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Going to school and having a part time job at Game Exchange
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
My favorite color is pink- I love pigs
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Great Wolf Lodge- as soon as I am cleared to go I am there!
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
I am unique because I get to celebrate 2 birthdays. The day I was born- May 19. But the day you get a bone marrow transplant is called your reBirthday! Mine is January 30,2020. So I am both 11 years old and 1 year old! And yes, I get 2 birthday parties!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
PIGS- all pigs!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My PawPaw- I want to grow up to be like him. He is the best.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Fresh baked chocolate chip cookies
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Home is where the Piggy is, my family, and Harry our dog