Orin
Orin: Fighting Glioblastoma
I faced the kind of news that shifts the ground beneath your feet. What I assumed was just persistent fatigue, and headaches turned out to be something far more serious. I was diagnosed with glioblastoma brain cancer. In that moment, everything changed: my routine, my education, my social life, and my understanding of what it meant to be strong. Facing a life-threatening illness at an age when most teenagers are planning prom or stressing over exams felt unfair. Especially, when I prided myself on always being active in sports such as wrestling and debate. I actively had an enrollment at the YMCA and embedded myself and countless activities. I would help my mother, who is a single parent, with a lot of duties in the home and with my brother and sister. As the eldest of three, I always pride myself on being a structured role model for my siblings. I was active in church and community. During the summer, I kept active in sports such as swimming and running, which kept me in the best shape. So, I'm sure you can understand that the impact of this diagnosis completely shifted my life and turned my world upside down. But through that darkness, I found strength I never knew I had, a deepened sense of purpose, and a clearer vision of the future I want to build.
The months that followed my diagnosis were filled with treatments, hospital visits, and uncertainty. I had to undergo surgery and transition towards a new way of living my life, temporarily, missing out on valuable academic time in classroom interaction as I was placed on home instruction and the comfort of normal teenage life. One of the biggest challenges I faced during this period was maintaining my mental health while enduring physical and emotional suffering. Radiation took a toll not only on my body but on my spirit. 33 treatments, I remember one particularly difficult night when the pain and isolation overwhelmed me. I had lost my hair, most of my energy, and all sense of control. But that night, I made a decision that I wasn't going to let this illness define me. Instead, I would use it as a foundation for growth and determination.
A challenge I overcame during this time was pushing forward into completing school while simultaneously still enduring treatment. My body was still weak, and I had fallen behind in what felt like, academically I would not recover or finish my studies and graduate senior year on time. However, I was determined not to let cancer derail my dreams or my senior year of high school graduation. With the support of my mom and teachers, I created a rigorous homeschool schedule and often worked late into the night preparing material even through the aches and pains of treatment. I persevered and learned that my determination paid off as I completed my final semester with a 95-class average and even excelled in several subjects. That experience taught me not only resilience but also how to challenge myself physically, mentally, manage time efficiently, and maintain a long-term vision even when the short term feels overwhelming.
Beyond personal recovery, I found purpose in giving back. As someone who received so much support from my community and church family, family friends delivering meals to local nonprofits helping cover medical costs, I felt a strong desire to pay that kindness forward. I began community outreach by giving food to the less unfortunate and became a member of the discipleship group at church providing meals and discussions of hope. I also organized a small online group chat with fellow students at my school that streamlined youth development and peer-to-peer discussions that encouraged and enriched student engagement. Participating in these efforts not only helped others, but it gave me a sense of empowerment and purpose during a time when I often felt helpless.
Additionally, Education has always been important to me and helping others gain confidence in their abilities is deeply rewarding. This season in my life has strengthened my commitment to service.
Looking forward, my faith is strong and I will continue working towards my goals as I am committed to continuing my education, pursuing a degree in law specifically, criminal defense. I want to one day contribute to a bigger platform in the world and economic development. I envision working internationally in government legislation. While in college, my mission is to support students and families with community development programs in faith-based programs while learning the values and skills needed to practice law. Help other families who are impacted by life-threatening conditions. The path of law has always been my passion for as long as I can remember. Debating on various legal topics opened my mind to the many unresolved issues that people face surrounding the judicial system. I look forward to breaking down some of the many barriers that exist. It is my hopes and aspiration to become a successful lawyer and advocate for the rights of people. In any capacity.
Being diagnosed with brain cancer was the most difficult information to receive and experience of my life. But it also became the catalyst for personal growth, and a deeper commitment to serving others, and understanding my purpose. I will continue to emerge from the storm more resilient, more compassionate, and more determined than ever to make a meaningful impact on the world. I am ready for the next chapter that this life has, and I will face it, not as a victim of circumstance, but as a survivor determined to thrive.
What Nik's wish are you thinking about and why?
Trip and travel help for life-saving surgery.