When I was 16, my world changed completely. I was halfway through my sophomore year of high school when I started experiencing double vision and dizziness. After countless tests and an MRI at Wolfson Children’s Hospital, I was diagnosed with a mixed germ cell brain tumor in the pineal gland—a condition so rare that only about seven children are diagnosed with it each year.

It was terrifying, but I wasn’t alone. My family, and especially my mom, provided endless support, my constant source of strength. My care team—doctors, nurses, and child life specialists—did everything they could to make the journey less overwhelming.

Over the next year, I endured six surgeries, six rounds of chemotherapy, and 40 sessions of proton radiation. It wasn’t easy, but the hope and kindness surrounding me made all the difference. Knowing there are people out there working to improve treatments and outcomes for kids like me gave me the strength to keep going.

Today, I’m thriving as a junior at the University of Central Florida, studying advertising and public relations. This semester, I had the incredible opportunity to give back through an internship with Cannonball Kids’ cancer. At CKc, I’m learning so much, especially about the vital role gratitude plays in their mission.

While I still live with challenges as a result of my cancer and its treatments – side-effects like double vision, vertigo, and fatigue – I’m still so grateful for every single day.

Your generosity to CKc has given kids like me not just hope, but the opportunity to live full and meaningful lives. Thank you for
reading this message! I just wanted you to know what your commitment to this mission means to a survivor like me. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for investing in pediatric cancer research.

With gratitude,

Allen Roberson
CKc Intern, Pediatric cancer survivor