“He has taught me what it means to persevere and make every day count,” says Baltimore Orioles outfielder Trey Mancini about 14-year-old “Mo” Gaba, who got to spend time with his favorite sports team during his 8th grade graduation. Mancini and Gaba are relying on each other as they battle cancer together.
Gaba first exhibited health issues at just 9 months old, and was diagnosed with a malignant tumor in his retina which caused him to lose his eyesight. Since his first diagnosis, Gaba has undergone extensive treatment such as chemotherapy, radiation, and bone marrow transplants to remove tumors from his neck, legs and lungs. Despite the treatment, Gaba’s cancer has spread more to his lungs and brain. According to ESPN, it’s estimated that Gaba has spent 75% of his life in the hospital.
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Battling Cancer At A Young Age
When you’re diagnosed with cancer when they’re young, it can sometimes give people a whole new perspective on appreciating the little things in life. CC Webster was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at 29 years old, and after treatment she realized she wanted to make significant changes in her life to enjoy it more.
“The whole process of being sick, especially at a young age, gives you more perspective on the life that you want,” says Webster. “You don’t have to go back to that same job, and you don’t have to sit at the same desk and be who you were before you got really sick and your life changed.”
Survivor CC Webster realized what she wanted in her life after cancer treatment
Cancer Survivors Say “Don’t Give Up”
While going through numerous cancer treatments can wear on someone’s mental and physical health, it’s important to stay positive to help your recovery. Olympic gold medalist and cancer survivor, Shannon Miller, acknowledges that it can be difficult for many people, but while speaking to SurvivorNet she shared an uplifting message to those who are going through the same experience she has.
Related: Stay Positive, It Matters
“ know if you or someone you love is going through a cancer diagnosis, they are in the journey, on the journey, it can be a difficult time,” Miller says. “Keep those good, positive thoughts and people around you. I know it's not easy and it's not going to happen every day, but the more we can be positive and keep those good vibes going, the better."
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