San Antonio Teen Overcomes Cancer with Art and Resilience
In the heart of San Antonio, 16-year-old Liz De Leon has found solace in her art, using it as a way to express her experiences and emotions. Spending countless hours on her large sketchpad, Liz captures her journey through a world that was once clouded by illness. “I just wanted to be outside because I was always in the hospital and I really wanted to go out,” she shared as she reflected on her past.
A Tough Diagnosis at a Young Age
Life took a challenging turn for Liz in March 2021, when she was diagnosed with leukemia, a form of blood cancer, at the tender age of 12. “What I was worried about was, ‘If I have cancer, how am I going to school?’” said Liz, recalling the concern that weighed heavily on her young mind. Her mother, Sandra De Leon, stepped into the role of her primary caregiver during this tough time. “Always fatigued, I was always tired. I felt like I never got enough sleep,” Sandra expressed, as she juggled the responsibilities of caring for Liz along with the loss of her own mother, who sadly passed away while Liz was undergoing treatment.
Faith and Strength through Adversity
Sandra’s faith helped her navigate this turbulent period. “I think surviving this is faith,” she said, adding that the thought of losing Liz never crossed her mind. “I can honestly say the thought never crossed my mind that she’s going to die or she’s going to get even worse.”
A Bright Spot: Reaching Remission
Now on the other side of this storm, Liz is thrilled to share that she is in remission. “Looking at it now, it’s like, ‘Wow. I can’t believe I went through that,” she reflected, embodying a spirit of resilience that shines brightly. No longer just focusing on her health, Liz is now a high school student who is busy pursuing her associate’s degree and can’t wait to learn how to drive.
Honoring Heroes at Light the Night
Liz has been chosen as one of the honored heroes for the upcoming Light the Night walk, hosted by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, taking place on October 19. “I know, like, I’m being able to do this one event for Light the Night and being able to tell my story to others,” she said, highlighting the importance of sharing her journey to help others understand and find hope.
Join the Cause
The Light the Night walk is not just a celebration, but also an opportunity for everyone to come together for a good cause. The walk is approximately one mile long, and participants of all kinds—whether with strollers, wheelchairs, or pets—are encouraged to join. It’s a wonderful way to show support for patients navigating their own cancer journeys and to honor those we have lost.
Wondering how you can contribute? Donating is simple! Every penny collected will go toward lifesaving research and support for those diagnosed with blood cancer. Plus, all monetary donations are tax deductible, making it a great way to give back.
Make a Difference with Your Calls
If you want to further help raise awareness about blood cancer, you can participate in a phone bank taking place on October 17, during the Good Morning San Antonio show from 5-10 a.m. Representatives from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society will be on hand to accept donations and provide updates on research efforts.
Join Liz, Sandra, and many others as they come together for this meaningful cause. Your support can truly make a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer.
