Children and teenagers fighting cancer often find it difficult to experience the joy of the holiday season, as they have to endure treatments that no child should ever have to face.
The holidays hold a special place in the heart of 16-year-old Roxanne Rodriguez-Mite.
“I absolutely adore Christmas,” exclaimed Rodriguez-Mite.
Roxanne, a unique 16-year-old, spends her December nights cozied up by the fire, enjoying movies with her parents and four younger siblings. This might not be the typical idea of an ideal night for most teenagers, but Roxanne is not your average teenager.
According to Elizabeth Velez, the mother of the teenager, her daughter will be celebrating her 17th birthday in April. After that, she will be completing her high school education in a few months. Following her graduation, she will be enrolling in a certified nursing assistant program in January.
Roxanne’s incredible resilience shines through as she confronts small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, one of the rarest and most aggressive types of cancer. Since her diagnosis on April 5, 2023, she has defied the odds with unwavering determination.
“That day will forever be ingrained in my memory,” Velez reminisced.
Roxanne experienced six rounds of chemotherapy before achieving remission by the end of 2023. However, this year, the cancer resurfaced, necessitating additional sessions of chemotherapy and immuno-therapy.
Velez noted that the problem has now spread to various regions.
Cancer has deprived Roxanne of many things, including the ability to spend time with her friends and attend in-person classes in high school. However, she refuses to let her diagnosis hinder her aspirations of becoming an oncology nurse. Recently, she received acceptance into a program that will help her achieve her dream.
“The nurses provided me with exceptional care, and their kindness and support have inspired me to pay it forward,” Rodriguez-Mite expressed gratefully.
When Roxanne is not undergoing treatments at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, she enjoys indulging in her favorite hobby of reading, particularly immersing herself in the captivating books written by Colleen Hoover.
“It was she who sparked my interest in books,” Rodriguez-Mite said.
On Christmas Eve, Roxanne received a heartfelt surprise from a local Kansas City non-profit organization known as Elves of Christmas Present. They delivered a truly extraordinary present, gifted by a renowned author.
Roxanne’s doorstep was flooded with gifts, ranging from a box filled with Colleen Hoover merchandise to personally signed copies of her favorite books by Hoover herself.
Rodriguez-Mite expressed deep gratitude for everything.
Hoover’s books often revolve around strong female characters who defy the odds and discover their inner strength. Elizabeth witnesses this same resilience in her daughter on a daily basis.
Velez expressed his deep admiration for her, stating, “She is my rock, truly.”
Roxanne has been fighting a challenging battle against small cell endocrine carcinoma for a long time. However, she refuses to let cancer dictate the course of her life. With the unwavering support of her family and even Colleen Hoover, Roxanne is determined to take charge and write her own story.
Rodriguez-Mite emphasized the importance of not allowing others to control our life decisions.
Isabella Ledonne, a reporter for KSHB 41, specializes in reporting on government accountability and finding solutions to various issues. Please feel free to share your story with Isabella.
The Importance of Regular Exercise
Regular exercise is crucial for maintaining good physical and mental health. It is not only beneficial for weight management, but it also helps to strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases. Furthermore, exercise has been proven to improve mood, boost energy levels, and enhance cognitive function.
One of the key benefits of regular exercise is its ability to aid in weight management. Engaging in physical activity helps to burn calories, build muscle mass, and increase metabolism. This can lead to weight loss or maintenance, depending on an individual’s goals. Additionally, exercise helps to prevent weight gain by regulating appetite and reducing cravings for unhealthy foods.
Exercise is also important for maintaining a strong and healthy immune system. Physical activity increases blood circulation, which allows immune cells to better reach areas of the body where they are needed. Regular exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of developing illnesses such as colds, flu, and even certain types of cancer.
In addition to its physical benefits, exercise is also known to have a positive impact on mental health. Engaging in regular physical activity has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, improve sleep quality, and boost overall mood. This is due to the release of endorphins during exercise, which are natural mood enhancers.
Furthermore, exercise has been found to enhance cognitive function and improve brain health. Regular physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, which promotes the growth of new brain cells and improves memory and concentration. Exercise has also been shown to reduce the risk of developing age-related cognitive decline and dementia.
In conclusion, regular exercise is essential for maintaining good physical and mental health. It helps with weight management, strengthens the immune system, improves mood, increases energy levels, and enhances cognitive function. Incorporating physical activity into our daily routines is a simple yet effective way to improve overall well-being.
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