Two weeks after my 18th birthday, my mom passed away with cancer, specifically - a brain tumor. For over two years, she had been undergoing treatment which consisted of both chemotherapy and radiation, but her condition never seemed to get any better. Mid September of 2008, the oncology doctor informed us that him and his team had done all that they could to kill the cancer cells consistently replicating in my mom’s brain. He then said that we have no other option but to comfort my mom for the next month as the cancer cells take over her brain and eventually her entire body. I was in complete shock and devastation when I heard the news. I couldn’t even imagine losing my mom, my best friend, my angel, at such a young age. :’( Two weeks later, my mom passed away.
I do what I do today to make a difference in someone’s life. To help those who need help. To give support, love, and encouragement to the ones who don’t have it. Lending a hand to people, especially kids, is something that I love to do and will continue to do because it is worth it to me to know that I made a difference in a kid’s life, even if it was just a tiny difference. I am currently a committee member of the Mentorship Program at UCLA, and an active member of UCLA’s unicamp. I am involved in these types of organizations to be surrounded by kids and peers who have the same interests as I do. I love the energy that kids have, the biggest smiles on their faces, and to hear the darnest things that they say. My dream goal in life is to be a pediatrician, and when I achieve my goal, I know that I will be able to stand tall and be proud of my accomplishments, because my mom will be able to do that same and have my back.
So, why do I do what I do? To give back to my mom and all that she has sacrificed for me and her family. All this is for her.
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