Admirable Aliza
Aliza is an active 12-year-old who loves to be with her friends. When it’s warm outside, you can find her outside, usually playing archery, softball, or basketball. On colder days, Aliza likes to listen to music, draw and paint, and express her artistic side. These days though, Aliza is spending her time differently- she’s fighting cancer.
When Aliza had to get a cyst removed, they discovered that she actually had Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. This form of cancer starts in the lymphatic system and attacks the immune system. The main treatment for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is chemotherapy. As of now, Aliza gets a round of chemo every 3 weeks in the hospital, and another round in the doctor’s office in between. For Aliza, this is typically followed by some time in the ICU due to side effects of her chemotherapy.
As of now, Aliza’s family isn’t sure how long her treatment will be. When she is in the hospital, her mom, Faylynn, is always by her side. Her sisters Lily and Maizie are also continuous sources of support. Though they all try to stay positive, Aliza has trouble being apart from her friends and not being able to go to school during this difficult time. Aliza hopes to soon be back to staying active and being home full-time with her sisters. The fight has been difficult so far, and Aliza’s family knows there is a long road ahead of them; but, they also know that together, they will get through it.
This article was drafted by Max Cure Foundation Junior Board Member Leah Sarfity.