We've all been affected by cancer, whether it's a family member, friend, or someone else you may know.
The strength of one Prince George 17-year-old is nothing short of courageous and inspiring.
“I was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, which is a type of blood cancer," Kayla Young, currently a grade 11 student at Kelly Road Secondary School. "I asked, am I going to live? Am I going to die? I was 16-years-old when I was diagnosed, and I didn’t know what my future was. I thought I had it all planned out, and all of a sudden, it’s like a rollercoaster.”
She's also a warrior on the field, having played football as well as rugby for the Roadrunners.
Those two sports are very competitive and physically, which Young says is helping her fight the largest opponent in her life.
She's currently in remission but still has treatments for the next year and a half, including chemotherapy once a month.
“Those sports have taught me to be very stubborn and very bull-headed," she says in a release. "That’s how I jumped into my treatment. I have to be stubborn. I have to say no, I am not going to lose this battle. I am going to work hard and beat it, like how I would beat everyone on the field.”
The UNBC Timberwolves Student-Athlete Society has chosen Kayla as their MVP of the month for March.
President Emily Holmes and the Timberwolves are hoping to raise as much money as they can for Young to help her battle against cancer.
“We are doing three events this year," Holmes added in the release. "We are doing a snowboard raffle next week, we are doing a GoFundMe page, and we are doing or 3rd Annual Fill the Bus Bottle Drive. She has a lot of spirit, and she is excited for us to help her, just as much as we are. It is going to be a series of great events to help someone who is in need, but so full of life.”
The Fill the Bus Bottle Drive will be at the end of the month on March 30.
“When I was in school, I heard a lot about the Timberwolves, and how they were this elite group of athletes," Young adds. "Hearing how they’re trying to do good in the community, and help those who can’t help themselves. Those who are in a predicament and their lives have changed; it’s really heartwarming and amazing to know there are people thinking of you.”
"Once a month I go for chemotherapy, so it is always going to be in the back of my mind. But, soon, the battle will be over.”
