My name is Antony Alvarado and I was a brain cancer survivor as of December 6th, 2010. Initially, I was diagnosed January 7th, 2010 with a grade 2 pylomyxoid astrocytoma between the 3rd and 4th ventricle near the pituitary gland and optic nerves. I had been told by the medical staff that I would have died within two hours had my family not rushed me to the hospital. Thankfully I am alive and a thriving with minor effects compared to that of which the doctors expected. Since my operation, I have learned the value of life and have tried my best to excel in the things I do.

Unfortunately, on January 5th, 2017, I returned to the fighting ring after six years of being cancer-free. A routine MRI, of the month prior, showed a small mass in the same location as my original tumor. A detailed MRI scan of the region revealed that my cancer had metastasized and not only developed a tumor but into seven tumors; six in the brain and one in the spine. Over the thirteen month of receiving chemotherapy, during the finale of my high school junior year and my entire senior year, I applied to 18 colleges. I have recently completed my first year at the University of Rochester with great scholarship and academic performance. My experience with cancer and treating my condition have inspired me to pursue pediatric neurosurgery and while at University, I am making leaps in my plan by deciding to major in either biochemistry or neuroscience, shadowing doctors across that the street at the University’s Medical Center

Thank you in advance for your donations and generosity. Thank you for helping me achieve my dreams, God Bless all of you.