CCBD: Ace Patient Gallery

Stephen Anderson

Diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma in 1997
ACE patient since 2001

"The effects of my radiation therapy may have stunted my growth and left a disfiguration on my face, but I am still grateful for all the wonderful opportunities I've had because of my illness. Through Camp Esperanza (camp for children with cancer) and a wish organization I feel I have become a very strong-willed person who never gives up."

Jacob Brown

Diagnosed with hepatoblastoma in 2003
ACE patient since 2005

"When Jacob was born we had to explain to our eldest son Joshua that his new brother would not be coming home. Although disappointed, Joshua loved coming to the hospital to visit him. It didn't matter how Jacob looked physically or how many tubes or machines he was connected to. Joshua loved him, and his love was unconditional."

Words of his mother, Shayne

Candace Darden

Diagnosed with osteosarcoma in 1997
ACE patient since 2001

"The physical scarring from my illness will always be a reminder of what I went through. However, I've continued to do all the things I love such as horseback riding. I have become a much stronger person who continues to stay active and involved in all aspects of life. Life is short, and I must make the most of every moment."

Jericka Jenkins

Diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2005
ACE patient since 2008

"Even though the treatments from my disease made me weak and tired, it never stopped me from giving it my all in the game. Basketball is my passion and kept me alive inside. I am now enjoying every moment of playing basketball at Hampton University in Virginia. I never take a single breath for granted on or off the court."

Amy Linton

Diagnosed with neuroblastoma in 1978
ACE patient since 1994

"Being diagnosed with cancer at only 8 months old, I do not remember the surgeries or chemotherapy. However, I do remember my parents helping me understand the sense of the fragility of life and a hope for what the future may bring. As a nurse in the pediatric oncology program at Children's and a mother to twin boys, I realize each day is a new chance to show love to one another."

Jared Muston

Diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2007
ACE patient since 2009

"After learning I had cancer, I was disappointed that college with my friends was going to be put on hold, but I trusted my doctors and tried to make the best of my diagnosis. To show my gratitude, and to honor those who saved my life, I plan to bike ride from Austin to Anchorage, Alaska, to raise money for cancer research."

Kevin Randles

Diagnosed with leukemia in 1991
ACE patient since 1997

"When I was diagnosed with leukemia my childhood was turned upside down. Yet, being able to participate in Camp John Marc, a camp for children with cancer, I got to meet others that were going through the same experiences, and that's where I found a new passion for life. Now a director at the camp, I am able to impact the lives of other sick children as well as instill a hope in them for a promising future."

Victoria Ruggerio

Diagnosed with leukemia in 1993
ACE patient since 1999

"The effects of chemotherapy from my cancer treatment made it difficult for me to keep up with my peers in school. However, I did not let my illness control the outcome of my future. I pushed myself to complete school work on my own, and after graduating from a private preparatory high school, I plan to attend Texas State University this fall and major in psychology."

Jeremiah Villarreal

Diagnosed with leukemia in 2004
ACE patient since 2008

"After all my treatments for leukemia it was difficult to get back in shape to play soccer. Despite my illness, I was blessed to have been healed and granted a new perspective on life. Not every child has a cure, so I believe it is my duty to make this world a better place. A future goal is to become soccer coach and be a positive role model for children."

Albert Young

Diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma in 1996
ACE patient since 2001

"Knowing I had a life-threatening disease, I refused to consign myself a certain fate. Now I see each day as a blessing, which should not be taken for granted. Cancer made me realize that the seemingly ordinary things in life, such as a simple smile from my younger sister Jordan, are what make life extraordinary."