FINDING THE SILVER LINING

By: Natalia Dutra

Ashley Wagner was only 6 years old when she was diagnosed with cancer. Frequent headaches and other symptoms led her to visit a doctor. After the news of her diagnosis was given her family was devastated. All they could do was pray and put their trust in the doctors.

Before her diagnosis, Ashley lived a very happy and active life; she was a star on her soccer team and enjoyed every moment of it: "I would always score goals". Now Ashley is a senior at Altoona High School and she is still a happy, vibrant, and caring person.

Due to limitations caused by her illness she can no longer play sports and must constantly monitor her diet. Despite all of the unfortunate aspects of the disease, Ashley has managed to find the silver lining. Throughout the course of her illness she has met many great people and even more supportive organizations. She also hopes to one-day advocate for other kids in similar circumstances.

Ashley now looks forward to her future. She plans on eventually working at the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. She said that one day she volunteered at the PBTF’s Georgia Chapter and got to help organize care packages for newly diagnosed kids. Ever since that day then she has been deeply interested in the foundation and what it does to help others: "I had so much fun packing boxes for kids who had just been admitted to the hospital... I really enjoyed it". She also hopes to one day start her own nonprofit organization. As for now, after graduation, she is going to intern at the PBTF and then plans on going to college in the spring.