Survivor Thrives: One Wish at a Time

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Sharing excitement, between Delaney (right) and a young friend.

Abruptly diagnosed with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia 2B and Medullary Thyroid Cancer in 2014, Delaney found herself the one in four million who contract the disease.

Unfortunately, Delaney learns that only 70 people in the world have the condition.

Initially, doctors speculate that a lump is nothing. Within the next year, Delaney’s life flips, as the larger lump turns cancerous.

Although the deafening news threatens on the surface, Delaney questions:  “How could I have this life-threatening disease? I wake up every day and feel fine.”

She admits that she never cries but worries if she is going to lose her hair.

“Unlike others, chemo and radiation did not work for my body. Surgery was my only option to get rid of my stage three cancer.”

During surgery, Delaney’s doctors removed her thyroid and 28 lymph nodes from her neck.

“My network of cancer friends and The Make-A-Wish Foundation are what inspire me to keep on moving forward.”

As Delaney’s symptoms from her treatment start to diminish, she is able to be granted a Make-A-Wish. Feeling blessed with her outcome compels her to see the bigger picture.

“In all honesty, no parent wants their child to receive a wish. A wish means their child has a life-threatening condition.”

Delaney, humble like an angel, strives to give back to Make-A-Wish in any way possible. She embraces mentoring other cancer survivors and has fundraised $10,000 to send a little girl to Disney World.

“For me, it’s about the connections with others. I want to act like an older sister to other little girls around me. There are so many young kids out there struggling with the same problems that I am faced with.”

As Delaney continues to combat the symptoms of MEN 2B, she is determined to keep fighting. Nothing restrains her from supporting Make-A-Wish and comforting others.