Marissa was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) on December 5th 2013, at the age of 8. Marissa was taken to the emergency room early one morning. She was admitted to the hospital, and an oncologists came up to discuss the leukemia cells found in her blood all in the same day. Nothing can prepare a parent for the devastating news that your child has cancer. Our lives from that moment on were forever changed. There are many phases to treatment for ALL. Marissa has primarily received chemotherapy through her port, lumbar puncture, and orally (pill).
Marissa has an amazing spirit, and she has faced ALL with so much courage and strength. She loves singing, dancing, and giving back to help other kids who are sick. Marissa competed with her dance team three times before she stepped down during treatment. When she was too weak to dance, she turned to music for a place of healing. Music has become an important part of her life. She plays keyboard, writes and sings songs. Marissa finished two years and two months of chemo therapy on February 7, 2016. Marissa is now 11 years old and wants to help others living with cancer.
Marissa’s facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/marissapeddie